Overall Rating Gold - expired
Overall Score 73.90
Liaison Connie Norton
Submission Date Oct. 5, 2018
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.1

Simon Fraser University
PA-2: Sustainability Planning

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 2.50 / 4.00 Erica Lay
Sustainability Planning and Development Coordinator
Sustainability Office
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Published Plans That Address Sustainability 

Strategic Plan

Does the institution have a published strategic plan or equivalent guiding document that includes sustainability at a high level? :
Yes

A brief description of how the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document addresses sustainability:
The university's strategic vision guides SFU's actions and innovations. One of the six underlying principles of the strategic vision is Sustainability. Within the strategic vision, it is articulated that: SFU will pursue ecological, social and economic sustainability through its programs and operations. Through teaching and learning, research and community engagement, SFU will seek and share solutions. In its own operations, it will develop and model best practices, from minimizing its ecological footprint, to maximizing its social health and economic strength.

A copy of the strategic plan:
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The website URL where the strategic plan is publicly available:
https://www.sfu.ca/engage/background.html

Sustainability Plan 

Does the institution have a published sustainability plan (apart from what is reported above)? :
Yes

A copy of the sustainability plan:
SFU 20-Year Sustainability Vision and Goals.pdf

The website URL where the sustainability plan is publicly available:
http://www.sfu.ca/sustainability/about/commitments.html

Climate Action Plan 

Does the institution have a published climate action plan (apart from what is reported above)? :
Yes

A copy of the climate action plan:
2017 Cabon Neutral Action Report.pdf

The website URL where the climate action plan is publicly available:
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Other Published Plans 

Does the institution have other published plans that address sustainability or include measurable sustainability objectives (e.g. campus master plan, physical campus plan, diversity plan, human resources plan)? :
Yes

A list of other published plans that address sustainability, including public website URLs (if available):
SFU’s Strategic Vision - https://www.sfu.ca/engage/background.html Five Year Capital Plan - https://www.sfu.ca/fs/planning/universitys-five-year-capital-plan.html Strategic Energy Management Plan (SEMP) - https://www.sfu.ca/fs/projects-initiatives/sustainable-initiatives/energy-conservation/energy-commitment.html SFU Strategic Research Plan 2016-2020 - https://www.sfu.ca/vpresearch/srp/SRP_2020.html Aboriginal Strategic Plan - https://www.sfu.ca/aboriginalpeoples/aboriginal-strategic-plan-.html Five Year Academic Plan - https://www.sfu.ca/vpacademic/academic_planning/academic_plans/2018-2023-academic-plan.html Walk This Path With Us- Report of the SFU Aboriginal Reconciliation Council - http://www.sfu.ca/reconciliation.html SFU Community Engagement Strategy - https://www.sfu.ca/vpexternal/vice-president-external-relations/strategy.html

Measurable Sustainability Objectives 

Curriculum

Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Curriculum?:
No

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Curriculum and the published plans in which each objective is included:
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Research 

Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Research?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Research and the published plans in which each objective is included:
SFU's 2016- 2020 Strategic Research Plan identifies six priority research challenges that are designed to push the limits of discovery and knowledge mobilization and deliver impactful breakthroughs. The six challenges are: addressing environmental concerns and creating a sustainable future, understanding our origins, supporting health across the human lifespan, strengthening civil society by advancing justice, equity and social responsibility, enhancing our world through technology, and transforming the landscape of teaching and learning. Big data, health technology and health solutions, new materials and technology for sustainability, and community-based research are identified as a research clusters within this plan. SFU has identified a number of ways in which it commits to supporting research efforts on campus to address the research challenges identified. These include: 1. Strengthen areas of research excellence (six research challenge) - Recruit and retain a diverse group of outstanding students, research fellows, and faculty - Provide a wide range of research support mechanisms accessible to all - Ensure students have the opportunity to participate in research - Optimize resources and support structures to maximize impact 2. Seamlessly connect our research to our partners - Enhance connections between researchers, partners, and communities - Grow our open access, open data, and open innovation activities 3. Increase our impact on the national and international stage - Recognize and promote SFU research and scholarship - Expand and refine metrics to measure our performance - Capitalize on emerging opportunities

Campus Engagement 

Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Campus Engagement?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Campus Engagement and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The Student Experience Initiative aims to enhance the experience of students by developing high-impact opportunities for engagement with the SFU community. Our mission is to create lasting platforms that help build relationships and connections across the SFU community for students, faculty and staff. In doing so, we hope to shift the SFU culture to become increasingly more student-focused and holistically supportive. Ultimately, we envision an accessible, healthy learning environment where students feel a sense of belonging. Areas pertaining to sustainability include: Healthier Campus Community, Mental health and well-being have been identified by both undergraduate and graduate students as a key area of concern. We’ll work with the Healthy Campus Community Initiative to significantly advance activity in this area. SFU's Aboriginal Strategic Initiative (Walk This Path With Us) Call to Action 7:Develop mandatory intervention programs teaching cultural safety and anti-racism for all employees of SFU, in consultation with the Indigenous Cultural Resource Centre. Call to Action 13: Using ASI funds and in consultation with the Indigenous Cultural Resource Centre, develop mandatory intervention programs teaching cultural safety and anti-racism to all employees of SFU.

Public Engagement 

Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Public Engagement?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Public Engagement and the published plans in which each objective is included:
SFU's Community Engagement Strategy Objective 2: Reach SFU will develop partnerships and maximize the capacities of its three campuses to enhance the social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being of communities locally and globally

Air & Climate 

Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Air & Climate?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Air & Climate and the published plans in which each objective is included:
SFU's 5 Year Capital Plan 2018 - 2023 articulates SFU's commitment to displacing the use of fossil fuels and to reduce GHG emissions by 33% by 2020 and 80% by 2050 using the 2007 emissions as the baseline.

Buildings 

Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Buildings?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Buildings and the published plans in which each objective is included:
SFU's 5 Year Capital Plan 2018 - 2023 articulates that all future building projects at SFU will be executed in accordance with campus planning principles, design standards and functional requirements, and the government mandate to achieve LEED Gold, or equivalent, for new construction and LEED Silver for major renovation and renewal projects.

Energy 

Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Energy?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Energy and the published plans in which each objective is included:
As per SFU's Strategic Energy Management Plan (SEMP) 2016/17 - 2020/21 SFU has set an energy reduction target of 2% per year for the next 5 years using 2012/13 as the baseline as well as committing to shifting 70% of the fossil-based energy to renewables by 2020.

Food & Dining 

Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Food & Dining?:
No

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Food & Dining and the published plans in which each objective is included:
SFU is currently drafting its 5 - Year Sustainability Strategic Plan which will contain measurable sustainability objectives that addresses food and dining.

Grounds 

Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Grounds?:
No

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Grounds and the published plans in which each objective is included:
SFU is currently drafting its 5 - Year Sustainability Strategic Plan which will contain measurable sustainability objectives that addresses grounds.

Purchasing 

Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Purchasing?:
No

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Purchasing and the published plans in which each objective is included:
SFU is currently drafting its 5 - Year Sustainability Strategic Plan which will contain measurable sustainability objectives that addresses purchasing.

Transportation 

Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Transportation?:
No

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Transportation and the published plans in which each objective is included:
SFU is currently drafting its 5 - Year Sustainability Strategic Plan which will contain measurable sustainability objectives that addresses transportation.

Waste 

Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Waste?:
No

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Waste and the published plans in which each objective is included:
SFU is currently drafting its 5 - Year Sustainability Strategic Plan which will contain measurable sustainability objectives that addresses waste.

Water 

Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Water?:
No

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Water and the published plans in which each objective is included:
SFU is currently drafting its 5 - Year Sustainability Strategic Plan which will contain measurable sustainability objectives that addresses water.

Diversity & Affordability 

Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Diversity & Affordability?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Diversity & Affordability and the published plans in which each objective is included:
SFU's Student Services Strategic Plan (2018-2021): Goal 1-b: Expand and enhance student learning experiences. Strategic Action 4: Develop equity, diversity and inclusion competence of students. Key Performance Measures 4: Develop, adopt & assess a diversity and inclusion plan.

Investment & Finance 

Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Investment & Finance?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Investment & Finance and the published plans in which each objective is included:
2018 / 2018 Budget and Financial Plan: SFU has committed to reducing the carbon footprint of its investment portfolio by 30% by 2030.

Wellbeing & Work 

Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Wellbeing & Work?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Wellbeing & Work and the published plans in which each objective is included:
SFU's Student Services Strategic Plan (2018-2021): Goal 1-c: Cultivate a culture of health, safety, and wellbeing among students. Strategic Actions: 1. Within the Healthy Campus Community framework, conduct a review of policies and practices that we oversee or influence to determine how they can better support student health, safety, and wellbeing. 2. Develop and deliver a comprehensive student-facing sexual violence education and prevention program, with consideration paid to the diversity of SFU students. 3. Expand and enhance students’ awareness, knowledge, skills, and behaviours regarding health, safety, wellbeing and good conduct

Other Impact Areas 

Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address other areas (e.g. arts and culture or technology)?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address other areas and the published plans in which each objective is included:
SFU's Aboriginal Strategic Initiative (Walk This Path With Us) Call to Action 4: Remove colonial art that is degrading to the Indigenous population. Call to Action 10: Consult with the Indigenous Cultural Resource Centre on the installation of Indigenous art and commissioned artifacts.

Optional Fields 

Does the institution have a formal statement in support of sustainability endorsed by its governing body (e.g. a mission statement that specifically includes sustainability and is endorsed by the Board of Trustees)? :
Yes

The formal statement in support of sustainability:
Sustainability is one of SFU's six underlying principles as articulated within its Strategic Vision. https://www.sfu.ca/engage/background.html

The institution’s definition of sustainability (e.g. as included in a published statement or plan):
As per SFU's Sustainability Policy (GP38), sustainability is defined as: Sustainability is most commonly defined as "improving the quality of human life while living within the carrying capacity of supporting ecosystems" (Brundtland Report, 1987). Since the concept of sustainability applies to long-term objectives achieved by short- and medium-term actions, the term has application within virtually all spheres of activity. https://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/general/gp38.html

Is the institution an endorser or signatory of the following?:
Yes or No
The Earth Charter No
The Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI) No
ISCN-GULF Sustainable Campus Charter No
Second Nature’s Carbon Commitment (formerly known as the ACUPCC), Resilience Commitment, and/or integrated Climate Commitment No
The Talloires Declaration (TD) Yes
UN Global Compact No
Other multi-dimensional sustainability commitments (please specify below) Yes

A brief description of the institution’s formal sustainability commitments, including the specific initiatives selected above:
UNPRI Paris pledge for action

The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
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Additional documentation to support the submission:
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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.