Overall Rating Silver - expired
Overall Score 49.89
Liaison Ann Drevno
Submission Date Jan. 25, 2016
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.0

Saint Mary's College of California
PA-2: Sustainability Planning

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 4.00 / 4.00 Riley Smith
Sustainability Director
Student Life
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Does the institution have current and formal plans to advance sustainability in the following areas? Do the plans include measurable objectives?:
Current and Formal Plans (Yes or No) Measurable Objectives (Yes or No)
Curriculum Yes Yes
Research (or other scholarship) Yes Yes
+ Date Revised: Feb. 16, 2016
Campus Engagement Yes Yes
Public Engagement No
+ Date Revised: Feb. 16, 2016
No
+ Date Revised: Feb. 16, 2016
Air and Climate Yes No
Buildings Yes No
Dining Services/Food Yes Yes
Energy Yes Yes
Grounds Yes Yes
Purchasing No
+ Date Revised: Feb. 16, 2016
No
Transportation Yes Yes
Waste Yes Yes
Water Yes Yes
Diversity and Affordability Yes Yes
Health, Wellbeing and Work Yes Yes
Investment No No
Other No No

A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Curriculum:

The curricular subcommittee of the Campus Sustainability Committee proposes the creation of a Sustainability Center to serve as a centralized office for developing and promoting a culture of sustainability across campus. We see the proposed Center as necessary for the significant task of “greening” the curriculum and deepening the commitment of the campus to sustainability, in keeping with the mission of the College and key initiatives articulated in its Strategic Plan (2015-2020).


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Curriculum plan(s):

For 2015-16
-Apply for Strategic Initiative Grant funding
-Approval of major stakeholders, from Sustainability Committee to Provost


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Curriculum plan(s):

College Sustainability Committee - Curricular Subcommittee


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Research (or other scholarship):

As part of our Strategic Plan to "Raise the Academic Profile and Distinction", Goal 1A includes:

-Be nationally recognized for academic excellence distinguished by collaborative approaches to critical inquiry that uncover human potential, advance the common good, and create a more just, sustainable world.

+ Date Revised: Feb. 16, 2016

The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Research plan(s):

An objective of the Sustainability curricular subcommittee is to increase the extent to which SMC faculty engage in sustainability related research through annual faculty development workshops.

+ Date Revised: Feb. 16, 2016

Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Research plan(s):

College Sustainability Committee - Curriculum Subcommittee


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Campus Engagement around sustainability:

The 2014-2016 plan - devised by the Engagement subcommittee (of the Sustainability Committee) - outlines the key strategies (seen below) towards embedding a culture of sustainability into the Saint Mary’s College co-curricular experience from Weekend of Welcome to Commencement.

+ Date Revised: Feb. 16, 2016

The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Campus Engagement plan:

*Develop a cohort of students through the Green Gaels group that will educate students and guests on waste and water on campus. Needs to be Peer to Peer Education.
* Create blueprint for a sustainable move-in (2015) and improve on opportunities for sustainable move in for future years (2016). Include sustainability in presentation during 2016 Weekend of Welcome.
"Create a new student group; sponsor a minimum of two campus-wide events focused on sustainability (cylindrical; waste in the halls; movie series; environmental impact art exhibit); hire 2 interns; create a sustainability FYAC; create a themed living learning community
*Utilize student group or student worker to focus on marketing outreach as it pertains to Sustainability
*All new hires will be provided resources and contact info regarding sustainability

To measure the impact of campus engagement on sustainability, we would look for the following outcomes:
1. Higher scores on the residential survey on sustainability awareness
2. Reduction of utility use in the student residences by 2%-5%
3. Increase of diverted waste to recycling and reuse by at least 5% in three years
4. Growth of student involvement through recognized groups.
5. # of student-led sustainability projects.


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Campus Engagement plan(s):

New Student and Family Programs Director
Residential Experience Director
College Sustainability Committee and Sustainability Coordinator
Student Involvement and Leadership - Assistant Director


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Public Engagement around sustainability:

*Sponsor a minimum of two campus-wide events focused on sustainability (encyclical; waste in the halls; movie series; environmental impact art exhibit).


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Public Engagement plan(s):

At the end of the Public Event, the College will collect data on attendance by community members not affiliated with the College, data on participant assessment of the program (positive or negative ratings of content and presentation); and finally solicit information from participants as to whether they would return to campus for another program on sustainability.


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Public Engagement plan(s):

College Sustainability Committee - Engagement and Education Subcommittee


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Air and Climate:

Goal 4C of Strategic Plan: Modernize existing facilities to improve functionality and advance sustainability, with activities beginning by July 1, 2015.

Campus Planning Facilities Committee's plan: based off our annual Sighltines survey, the committee identifies projects that address our Scope 1, 2, & 3 emissions.

+ Date Revised: Feb. 16, 2016

The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Air and Climate plan(s):

-SMC plans to continue to purchase RECs to offset it's campus electricity usage and GHG impacts.

-SMC is pursuing solar/storage projects and HVAC retrofitting to offset emissions in the upcoming year.

+ Date Revised: Feb. 16, 2016

Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Air and Climate plan(s):

Vice President for Finance
Directors for Facilities Services and Project Management


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Buildings:

SMC's new Campus Master Plan (2015-20) includes and addresses sustainability features for all new-build happening on campus. That plan is in approval process currently, but features architectural, landscaping and building guidelines.


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Buildings plan(s):

SMC utilizes a software program to control temperatures and run times in approximately 85% of the campus.

The facilities team has trained staff to operate the software that controls much of the HVAC EMS systems.

SMC has several other stand-along Energy Management Systems that control their lighting including motion detectors.

The College also participates in the PG&E Demand Response program for reduction in energy use.

The College follows all Title 24 guidelines as well as the County Green Building requirements. We investigate opportunities to obtain LEED standards where possible.


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Buildings plan(s):

Directors for Facilities Services and Project Management


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Dining Services/Food:

SMC utilizes Sodexo for all dining services on campus.

Sodexo's Better for Tomorrow Plan (found here: http://www.sodexo.com/en/corporate-responsibility/sustainable-development/environment/environment.aspx) outlines plans going forward for supply chains, certified/local food, energy, water, and waste.

+ Date Revised: Feb. 16, 2016

The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Dining Services/Food plan(s):

• Attend and participate in Sodexo training and seminars
• Use Sodexo resources on campus (Better Tomorrow Plan; SEED)
• Reduce Energy & Carbon
• Reduce water usage
• Reduce waste: reduce organic waste generated from our operation, reduce the cost of waste to the environment; reduce non-organic waste
• Provide Sustainable and Healthy Food Environments; provide solutions; provide balanced and varied food options (example, cage free shell eggs); source local, seasonal or sustainably grown and raised products; will promote choices with reduced sugar, salt and fats; increase the purchase of products sourced from fairly and responsibly certified sources (Saint Mary’s has been “Fair Trade” certified); source sustainable fish and seafood; source and promote sustainable equipment and supplies.
• Support local community development (education, marketing, using on campus garden); promote diversity and creating employment opportunities
• Lead the fight against hunger
• Use Sodexo’s SMART tool: tracks progress online, quarterly in 1. energy and carbon 2. Water 3. Waste 4. Sustainable food (in place Spring 2015)
• Use LeanPath daily; measures food waste at each meal; educate the employees’ daily on results and ways to improve ( in place and ongoing)
• Become Great Kitchen certified (complete by December 2014): measures all aspects of kitchen operations.
• Continuously source local products, ongoing.
• Daily employee training; marketing; education

+ Date Revised: Feb. 16, 2016

Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Dining Services/Food plan(s):

Matt Carroll, General Manager of Sodexo Dining


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Energy:

As part of Goal 4C of our Strategic Plan (see below), we plan to enhance building automation system; conduct full assessment of our energy use; identify tangible energy projects through our lighting and large integrated audits.

Goal 4C: Modernize existing facilities (e.g., Dante and Galileo Halls; Soda Center; LeFevre Theater; other academic spaces; residence halls; Rheem Campus) to improve functionality and advance sustainability, with activities beginning by July 1, 2015.

+ Date Revised: Feb. 16, 2016

The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Energy plan(s):

1 year: Reduce energy consumption by 2.5% normalized against sq footage growth;
3 years: Reduce energy consumption by 10% normalized against sq footage growth


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Energy plan(s):

Directors for Facilities Services


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Grounds:

The Campus Master Plan identifies sustainability as an over-riding principle of landscape design. Chapter 4 - Design Guidelines and Standards - specifically outlines the strategies below.

+ Date Revised: Feb. 16, 2016

The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Grounds plan(s):

• Reduce water consumption by renovating existing landscape areas using water conserving plant palette.

• Group plants with similar water requirements to eliminate over-watering and under-watering plants.

• Replace non-actively used turf grasses with water conserving drought tolerant grasses, which don’t require biweekly mowing.

• Replace natural grass athletic fields with artificial turf when NCAA and best practice standards allow for such replacement to eliminate watering, fertilizing, mowing and re-sodding of natural grass.

• Install a weather-based irrigation system.

• Explore supplementing potable irrigation water with groundwater sourced on-site.

• Continue organic weed and pesticide management (TruGreen).

• Implement soil management techniques to promote and maintain healthy soil, such as mulching with redwood compost/oak leaves. Mulch to slow evaporation and erosion, and to control weed growth. As mulch decomposes, it adds to the nutrient content of the soil.

• Reduce stormwater discharge into waterways implementing Best Management Practices.

• Replenish groundwater and control runoff with permeable pavers.

+ Date Revised: Feb. 16, 2016

Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Grounds plan(s):

Directors for Facilities Services, Irrigation Manager, Landscaping Manager


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Purchasing:

SMC has made commitments towards green procurement (ex. paper, electronics), but does not have a formal established plan.

+ Date Revised: Feb. 16, 2016

The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Purchasing plan(s):
---

Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Purchasing plan(s):

Directors for Facilities Services
Director of ITS


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Transportation:

SMC has developed a long range Transportation Demand Management Plan that includes methods of reducing traffic onto campus through the use of public transportation, ride share and local shuttles from public transport. The plan includes the assessment in the future of a parking fee which will also serve as additional incentive to use public transportation, ride share and carpool.


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Transportation plan(s):

The Transportation Plan is connected to the Campus Master Plan and holds out measurable outcomes related to guidelines set out by the local town in trips to campus and in utilization of the Gael Rail (free county bus paid by the College for students).

The College seeks a stable utilization of the Gael Rail and reduction in auto trips and parking passes to campus through these programs.


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Transportation plan(s):

Director of Facilities Services
Director of Public Safety
Vice President for Finance


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Waste:

A Waste Infrastructure, Education and Budget plan has been composed for 2015-2018. In it, it recommends a focus on:

-updating our waste infrastructure and removal processes
-educating all campus stakeholders, including students, faculty and staff
-communicating our efforts through events, stories and research.


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Waste plan(s):

1 year: Divert 50% from landfill.
Begin/advance programs in diversion of batteries/bulbs/pallets/furniture/food donation; Continue to achieve over 50% diversion in c/d waste (of large capital projects);

3 years: Divert 70% from landfill (Advance our c/d waste diversion 75% diversion in c/d waste (of large capital projects))


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Waste plan(s):

Director of Facilities Services
Sustainability Coordinator
Campus Housing
Staff Council


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Water:

Please see the plan and existing strategies here: http://www.stmarys-ca.edu/facilities-services/water-conservation


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Water plan(s):

1 year: reduce water by 15% by 2013 levels; Water Education campaign around offices/res halls; Water audit - aerators/showerheads; install more native/drought tolerant vegetation.

3 years: reduce water by 30% by 2013 levels; Install sub-metering across campus to gather more data.; Build water automation system into BAS


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Water plan(s):

Director of Facilities Services
Irrigation Manager


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Diversity and Affordability:

The College Committee on Inclusive Excellence and the Organization Developmental Model of Inclusion frames our collective work (found here: http://www.stmarys-ca.edu/inclusive-excellence/college-committee-on-inclusive-excellence-ccie/ccie-report-2008-2012-0).

This includes:

1. Providing relevant and effective academic support resources and services to meet the specific and felt need of our student community
2. Improving retention and time to degree of undergraduate students by subgroup
3. Fostering a community where each and every student is encouraged to develop the gifts that he or she finds confirmed in themselves through academic activities, without any obstacle that comes by way of prejudice of any kind

+ Date Revised: Feb. 16, 2016

The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Diversity and Affordability plan(s):

Strategy 1 Benchmarks (2014 targets):
a. improved satisfaction with classroom environment (80%). Climate Survey
b. improved respect for diverse learning styles (68%) Climate Survey
c. reduced academic disqualification numbers (30)
d. improved in perceived ability to get along with people of different races/cultures (48%) CIRP.
Strategy 2 Benchmarks (2014 target):
a. 4-year graduation rate of first generation students (51%)
b. 4-year graduation rate of low income students (41%)
c. 4-year graduation rate of African-American students (33.3%)
d. 4-year graduation rate of High-Potential students (38.2%)
Strategy 3 Benchmarks (2014 target):
a. Percentage of departments and programs including American diversity and global perspectives learning outcomes in their curricula (25%)
b. Level of satisfaction with institutional commitment to inclusion (46%) Climate Survey
c. Percentage of students knowing the grievance process (50%) Climate Survey
d. Have felt discriminated against because of race/ethnicity, gender, religious affiliation, or sexual orientation (14%) CIRP
e. Respect of the expression of diverse beliefs (68%) CIRP

METRIC 2010 2012 2013 TARGET
METRIC CURRENT (2010) Sept
2012 Sept 2013
TARGET
(2014)
C.1.1.Satisfaction on classroom environment (Climate Survey) 75% 77% N/A 80%
C.1.2. Respect for diverse learning styles (Climate Survey) 63% 73% N/A 68%
C.1.3. Academic disqualification numbers for undergraduate students 47 in 2010 18 11 30
C.1.4. Satisfaction with preparation for career (CIRP) 29% 43% N/A 34%
C.1.5. Satisfaction with preparation for grad/prof school (CIRP) 31% 55% N/A 36%
C.1.6. (CIRP) Perceived improvement in ability to get along with people of different races/cultures
43% 44% 48%
C.1.7. Participation of entering students in financial planning program 0% 0% 0% 100%
C.1.8. Satisfaction with academic advising (CIRP) 59% 66% 70% 64%
C.1.9 Satisfaction with career services (CIRP) 53% 67% 65% 58%

GOAL C.2. Improve retention and time to degree of undergraduate students
METRIC CURRENT (2010) Sept 2013 TARGET
(2014)
C.2. 4-year graduation rate for first generation students 46.1% 58.4% 51.1%
C.2. 4-year graduation rate for low income students 41.1% 57.6% 46.1%
C.2. 4-year graduation rate for African-American students 33.3% 35.1% 38.3%
C.2. 4-year graduation rate for High Potential students 38.2% 50.0% 43.2%
C.2. 4-year graduation rate combined 48.5% 60.7% 53.5%
C.2. 6-year graduation rate combined 63.7% 59.6% 68.7%

GOAL C.3. Foster a community where each and every student is encouraged to develop the gifts that he or she finds confirmed in themselves through academic activities, without any obstacle that comes by way of prejudice of any kind
METRIC CURRENT (2010) Sept 2012 Sept 2013 TARGET
(2014)
C.3.1. Percentage of departments and programs including American diversity and global perspectives learning outcomes in their curricula unknown N/A 36% (TUG) 25%
C.3.2. Level of satisfaction with institutional commitment to inclusion (Students on Climate Survey 2010) 41% 38% N/A 46%
C.3.3. Percentage of students knowing the grievance process (Climate Survey 2010) 45% 46% N/A 50%
C.3.4. Have felt discriminated against because of race/ethnicity, gender, religious affiliation, or sexual orientation. (CIRP)
N/A 18.9% 22.2% 14%
C.3.5. Respect of the expression of diverse beliefs (CIRP) 63% 72% 71% 68%


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Diversity and Affordability plan(s):

College Committee on Inclusive Excellence
Student Success Task Force
School Deans
Division of Student Life
President's Cabinet


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Health, Wellbeing and Work:

'Wellbeing @ SMC' is a ongoing plan and program that utilizes the Climate Survey for employees to inform strategies for the upcoming year.

https://www.stmarys-ca.edu/human-resources/wellness

+ Date Revised: Feb. 16, 2016

The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Health, Wellbeing and Work plan(s):

- Improved and maintained staff and faculty satisfaction (80%) on the Campus Climate Survey
- Increased utilization of the benefits related to healthy living


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Health, Wellbeing and Work plan(s):

Director of Human Resources


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Investment:
---

The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Investment plan(s):
---

Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Investment plan(s):
---

A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in other areas:
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The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the other plan(s):
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Accountable parties, offices or departments for the other plan(s):
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The institution’s definition of sustainability:

SMC defines sustainability as meeting the environmental, social and economic needs of present generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.


Does the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document include sustainability at a high level?:
Yes

A brief description of how the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document addresses sustainability:

The College's Strategic Plan (Goal 3C) outlines specifically the importance of sustainability:

C. Raise the visibility of how the campus community can support sustainability efforts, consistent with our Sustainability Action Plan, through various actions (e.g., learn, assess, act, advocate, and pray). Our Catholic and Lasallian traditions require good stewardship of the earth and service to the economically poor, many of whom live in areas most at risk of environmentally related inequalities.

Also, the Campus Facilities Planning Committee charge includes sustainability as a planning objective.


The website URL where information about the institution’s sustainability planning is available:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.