| Overall Rating | Gold |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 78.11 |
| Liaison | Kristin Larson |
| Submission Date | Oct. 23, 2023 |
San Diego State University
EN-14: Participation in Public Policy
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 2.00 |
Molly
Weber AASHE STARS Student Intern Office of Energy & Sustainability |
Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the municipal/local level?:
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the municipal/local level:
A.S. Resolution to Reaffirm Commitment to Shared Governance: Fall 2022 https://as.sdsu.edu/govt/resources/legislation/145
A.S., the official and highest governing body representing the students of SDSU, commits to the reaffirmation of shared governance.
"A.S. guarantees the independence of the student voice by being responsible for appointing students to committees, which is paramount to avoid pressure from the power dynamic and undue influence of those on campus that could persuade students to not vote in the best interest of all students; and
it is the mission of the A.S. to educate students on issues that impact them, and advocate for the student perspective to the appropriate parties, which include the university administration and faculty, and government representatives and agencies on the local, statewide and national levels."
This resolution is in accordance with AASHE STARS shared governance provision.
A Resolution Calling for SDSU’s Commitment to Climate Action, Justice, and Leadership: Spring 2020
https://as.sdsu.edu/govt/resources/legislation/144
"Located in San Diego, the University is obligated to participate in local programs and must follow municipal rules and laws;8 San Diego’s Climate Action Plan dictates how, by 20 2035, the City must achieve one-hundred percent renewable energy, fifty percent reduction in GHG emissions, and ninety percent waste diversion"
Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the state/provincial/regional level?:
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the state/provincial/regional level:
The California State University (CSU) participates in public policy through the State Relations & Advocacy Office which advocates through lobbying efforts on behalf of the CSU system. The CSU’s Advocacy and State Relations (ASR) team monitors all sustainability legislation that impacts the CSU specifically. It also participates in state-wide advocacy on issues such as climate change policy, energy efficiency, water resources and other utility issues that impact the operation and physical facilities. ASR and the Chancellor’s Office also work with the Governor’s Offices and are members of the Direct Access Customer Coalition (DACC) and the Alliance for Retail Markets advocacy groups to advocate for the best interest of the CSU on energy and sustainability efforts.
The CSU provides public comment, meets with legislative staff, and testifies at budget subcommittee hearings in order to express CSU support for regulatory initiatives and activities related to carbon emission reductions and climate resiliency.
The CSU’s advocacy, in collaboration with the Board of Trustees, work to ensure diverse stakeholders are represented and considered in decision-making processes.
In Calendar Year 2022, CSU engaged on two (2) specific bills pertaining to sustainability with the state legislature:
SB 155: Public resources trailer bill, contains historic infusions of funding for public resource projects, including wildfire & forest resilience, water & drought, climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, and energy.
AB 2232: School facilities: heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, requires a covered school, and request the University of California, to ensure that its HVAC system meets the minimum ventilation rates in effect at the time the building permit for installation of that HVAC system was issued. The bill would also require a covered school, and request the University of California, to install filtration that achieves specified minimum efficiency reporting values (MERV) levels, determined by the school to be feasible with the existing HVAC system, as provided. The bill would require, upon the next triennial update of the California Building Standards Code, the California Building Standards Commission and the Division of the State Architect to research, develop, and propose for adoption mandatory standards for carbon dioxide monitors in classrooms of a covered school and the University of California. By imposing new duties on local educational agencies, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the national level?:
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the national level:
In 2021, President Adela de la Torre signed a letter with other University Presidents urging U.S. Senators to pass DREAM Legislation.
https://www.presidentsalliance.org/dream-act-signatories/.
Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the international level?:
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the international level:
As of October 24, 2023
President of San Diego State University, Adela de la Torre, endorses the Declaration of Interdependence, a document promoting a cross-boarder community and collaboration.
"We, the people of San Diego and Tijuana, declare our interdependence as neighbors, partners, and friends. Inspired by the 1974 transnational vision, by the visionary work of Appleyard and Lynch, and by our collaborative designation as the 2024 San Diego/Tijuana World Design Capital, we recognize our border as a 'zone of confluence' where we share our economy, culture,
and environment. We can dream about a region as large as San Diego and Tijuana because it 'gives us hope and moves us to act' together for a sustainable, livable, and equitable future for our community.
In unison, we acknowledge that this confluence brings both challenges and opportunities, and our success depends on the well-being of our people on both sides of the border. From finding innovative solutions for migration, transportation, infrastructure, and coastal & climate resiliency, we pledge to collaborate to promote education, economic growth, environmental protection, and the rights and well-being of our citizens, fostering mutual understanding and cultural exchanges. We accept our shared responsibility to support our most vulnerable and strive for a more just and equitable society. We will build trust and cooperation between our agencies, businesses, and people to create a brighter future for all.
We commit to this Declaration of Interdependence as a symbol of our shared vision to work together towards a better future for all the people of San Diego and Tijuana.
https://re-border.sdsu.edu/breakout-sessions/inauguration-and-declaration-of-interdependence
https://re-border.sdsu.edu/_resources/files/en_doi.pdf
https://re-border.sdsu.edu/
A brief description of other political positions the institution has taken during the previous three years (if applicable):
A brief description of political donations the institution made during the previous three years (if applicable):
Website URL where information about the institution’s sustainability advocacy efforts is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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.