Overall Rating Silver - expired
Overall Score 50.04
Liaison Rebecca Collins
Submission Date Feb. 21, 2018
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.1

Temple University
PA-2: Sustainability Planning

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 2.50 / 4.00
"---" 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 Master Plan outlines sustainability as a key growth principle. It also includes a green building policy for future campus growth.

A copy of the strategic plan:
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The website URL where the strategic plan is publicly available:

Sustainability Plan 

Does the institution have a published sustainability plan (apart from what is reported above)? :
No

A copy of the sustainability plan:
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The website URL where the sustainability plan is publicly available:
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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:
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The website URL where the climate action plan is publicly available:

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):
Verdant Temple Landscape Master Plan: https://campusoperations.temple.edu/campus-development/landscape-master-plan-0 Utility and Energy Conservation Master Plan (Not publicly available)

Measurable Sustainability Objectives 

Curriculum

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

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Curriculum and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The Climate Action Plan sets forth the following measurable sustainability objectives related to curriculum: 1) Create an undergraduate interdisciplinary certificate program. (Completed) 2) Create an MS in environmental science 3) Create an MS in sustainable business 4) Develop an interdisciplinary graduate program in sustainability (In curriculum review committee)

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:
The 2010 Climate Action Plan recommended the following measurable sustainability objectives that address research: 1) creation of an interdisciplinary Center for Urban Ecology. This proposed Center will connect faculty research activities in an integrative manner through interdisciplinary efforts drawing from departments and colleges to create a university-wide sustainability research enterprise. The proposed Center will involve faculty and graduate fellows to conduct sustainability research related to the urban ecology theme, sponsor visiting scientists, host seminar and workshop events, and build interdisciplinary research teams related to the emphasis areas outlined above.

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 2010 Climate Action Plan identified the following measurable sustainability objectives that address campus engagement: 1) create a Living and Learning Community in Sustainability within a residence hall; 2) to foster sustainability competitions among residence halls related to the reduction of energy use, increase in recycling, and integration of slow and local food practices; 3) to create student groups in professional schools that raise awareness about sustainability; 4) to create student internship opportunities in sustainability; and (e) to broaden the base of guest speaker and lecture series related to sustainability.

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:
The 2010 Climate Action Plan identified the following measurable sustainability objectives that address public engagement: 1) Foster greening initiatives at local sites where immediate impacts for improving environmental quality and sustainability goals are achievable, building on the presence of strong community organizations. 2) Develop an advisory board that provides public information and advice related to sustainable community development, local environmental quality issues, and public actions for sustainable living. 3) Create an interactive web site on sustainable initiatives that individuals and groups can undertake, engage, and promote. 4) Implement a public speakers bureau including both Temple and Community participants available to provide lectures, talks, workshops, and other events in local schools, neighborhood associations, and community organization settings. 5) Develop partnerships and programs for pre-school through 12th grade students in both formal and informal educational settings.

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:
The 2010 Climate Action Plan identified the following measurable sustainability objectives that addresses air and climate: 1) Temple has set a target of reducing campus-wide greenhouse gas emissions to 30% below baseline (fiscal year 2006) levels by 2030. This corresponds to an emissions target of 158,353 metric tons carbon dioxide equivalent by 2030, which is approximately 68,000 metric tons carbon dioxide equivalent below FY 2006 levels, and 130,000 metric tons carbon dioxide equivalent below business-as-usual emissions (45% reduction below business-as-usual). 2) Prior to the 2030 goal, Temple will target the following: · 5% below baseline (fiscal year 2006) levels by 2015 (Corresponds to an emissions target of 214,907 metric tons carbon dioxide equivalent by 2015) · 15% below baseline (fiscal year 2006) levels by 2020 (Corresponds to an emissions target of 192,285 metric tons carbon dioxide equivalent by 2020) · 22% below baseline (fiscal year 2006) levels by 2025 (Corresponds to an emissions target of 176,450 metric tons carbon dioxide equivalent by 2025) Temple intends to achieve zero net greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

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:
The Climate Action Plan sets out specific measurable objectives associated with each recommended strategy for the built environment. Project Type Demand Side Management Project Title Phase I Building Automation Systems Project Description:Building automation systems will be implemented in the following facilities beginning 2010 and to be completed as soon as possible (see Appendix A): Biology & Life Sciences Building; Barrack Hall; Bell Building; PNAH; Dental School (Old and New); Wachman Building; Old Medical Building; Beury Hall; New Tyler; 1300 C. B. Moore; HSC CCWP West; Anderson Hall; Medical Research Building; Ritter Hall and Annex; Weiss Hall; Gladfelter; Pearson / McGonigle; Faculty Student Union; Klein; Paley Library; New Medical School; Temple Towers; Mitten Hall; Student Activities Center; Kresge Hall; Podiatric Building (Main and Dorm); CEA; Conwell Hall; Johnson; Speakman; Annenberg / Tomlinson; SAC 2; Standby Generator; Ambler Learning Center; Comprehensive Cancer Center; 1940 Residence Hall; Student Pavilion; White Hall Project Metrics: Simple Payback (years) 6 Annual Energy Cost Savings $1,550,700 Annual GHG reduction (MTCO2E) 8,165 Annual Energy Savings: 7,753,500 kWh, 77,500 MMBTU Project Type Demand Side Management Project Title Phase II Plant Development Fund Projects Project Description: Planned building improvements will be implemented in the following facilities in the near term (see Appendix B): Health Sciences Campus-Central Steam Plant; Ambler Campus; Pharmacy Building; Anderson Building; Medical Research Building; Gladfelter Building; Faculty Student Union; Kresge Hall; Podiatric Building; School of Engineering & Architecture; Conwell Hall; Ritter Hall; Medical Office Building; Main OFM; Dixon Building; Widener Hall; Bright Hall; Ambler Administration Project Metrics: Simple Payback (years) 10-14 Annual Energy Cost Savings $2,447,000 - $3,695,800 Annual GHG reduction (MTCO2E) 11,760 – 17,900 Annual Energy Savings: 15,406,700 – 24,262,800 kWh, 70,600 – 99,710 MMBTU Project Type Demand Side Management Project Title Phase III Energy Conservation Measures for High Energy Using Buildings Project Description: Energy conservation measures will be implemented in the following facilities by 2020 (see Appendix C): Biology and Life Sciences Building; Beury Hall; Mitten Hall and Annex; Ritter Annex; Wachman Hall; Weiss Hall; Dental School (old and new); Faculty Student Union; Kresge Hall; Medical Research Building; Pharmacy Building. Project Metrics: Simple Payback (years) 6 – 10 Annual Energy Cost Savings $3,746,800 - $6,634,500 Annual GHG reduction (MTCO2E) 19,580 – 34,670 Annual Energy Savings: 30,582,763 – 54,880,280 kWh, 68,850 – 114,650 MMBTU Project Type Demand Side Management Project Title Design standards for new construction Project Description: Target new building design to limit energy usage to 30% below the industry standard baseline (ASHRAE 90.1). Project Metrics: Simple Payback (years) - Annual Energy Cost Savings $2,120,000 Annual GHG reduction (MTCO2E) 11,130 Annual Energy Savings: 15,840,000 kWh; 53,340 MMBTU Project Type Supply-Side Management Project Title Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Project Description: Design, development, and installation of a back pressure steam turbine & generator or a gas turbine with heat recovery system at one of the Main Campus Central Steam Plant boilers. Assumes natural gas heat input of 100,000 MMBTU. Project Metrics: Simple Payback (years) 3 Annual Energy Cost Savings $350,000 Annual GHG reduction (MTCO2E) 1,833 Annual Energy Savings: 35,000 MMBTU The Utility and Energy Master Plan set forth individual energy conservation measures that have ROI assessments. The implementation period for the projects in the Utility and Energy Master Plan are within 2 years.

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:
The Energy Conservation Measures identified in the Utility Master Plan included (1) the reduction of outside air during non-occupancy, (2) adding carbon dioxide sensors, (3) continuous automated commissioning, (4) pipe insulation, (5) air side energy recovery, (6) interior lighting upgrades, (7) HVAC upgrades, and (8) metering. These projects will be tracked by the building, project type when completed, simple payback and energy savings. While the plan has been adopted and is being implemented, the university has not made it public due to the sensitive nature of some of the plan elements.

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:
N/A

Grounds 

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

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Grounds and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The Landscape Master Plan promotes sustainability through the following recommendations: 1) doubling bicycle parking on campus; 2) adding bike paths on campus; 3) establishing LED fixtures as the exterior lighting standard; 4) identifying clearly recognizable outside recycling standards; 5) incorporating stormwater management features into the green spaces; 6) setting pervious pavers as the paving standard on campus; 7) increasing the number of green spaces on campus. The plan divides the landscape projects into three phases: 0-5 years; 6-10 years and 10 years and beyond.

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:
N/A

Transportation 

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

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Transportation and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The 2010 Climate Action Plan identified the following measurable sustainability objectives that addresses transportation (pages 29-31 of CAP): 1) Create Priority Parking and Lower Parking Rates Priority parking and lower rates would be given to low-GHG emission vehicles (those with combined city-highway fuel economy ratings of 35 miles per gallon or higher) and motorcycles. Discounts would be based upon revenue-neutral pricing, which raises parking fees for non-fuel-efficient vehicles a small amount in order to fund deep discounts for the comparatively smaller number of high-fuel-efficiency vehicles used by Temple commuters. To implement such a program would require an awareness campaign to inform commuters of Climate Action Plan, the incentives, redrawing of the parking garage layout to create more priority parking spots, and additional signage. Similar discounts could be applied to vehicles used for carpooling. Timeline Short-term goal (i.e., by June 30, 2011) Funding No funding required Coordination Internal university coordination Estimated GHG Reduction 4,661 MTCO2E (10.3% of FY2008 transportation emissions) Assuming a 50% conversion of commuter vehicles to a fuel economy of 35 miles per gallon. commuter vehicles to a fuel economy of 35 miles per gallon. 2) Create University Transit Pass Program This program would be negotiated with the metropolitan public transit authority, SEPTA, to provide reduced fee transit passes for all registered students. The program could be funded through student fees, university administration contributions or a combination. Estimated GHG Reduction 2,336 MTCO2E (5.2% of FY2008 transportation emissions) 3) Create Offsets of Air Travel program This recommendation is a combination of university-related air travel recommendations including (1) providing information about the carbon footprint of air travel to travelers, (2) establishing a University Carbon Fund based on voluntary purchase of carbon offsets, (3) establishing a carbon travel credits policy to enforce limits on university departments or offices, (4) establishing minimum miles or travel time limits, and (5) increasing Temple University teleconference capabilities at the university. Funding No funding or one-time funding (Carbon Fund and expansion of teleconferencing). Estimated GHG Reduction 7,950 MTCO2E (17.6% of FY2008 transportation emissions)

Waste 

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

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Waste and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The Climate Action Plan established a goal of reducing the amount of greenhouse gas emissions derived from land-filled solid waste by 10% by 2015 relative to the 2006 baseline level. The Climate Action Plan estimates that Temple emitted 5,229 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO2E) in 2006. A 10% decrease is equivalent to 529 MTCO2E. The university successfully achieved that reduction in 2008. In fact, between 2006 and 2010, Temple reduced its emissions associated with solid waste by 19%. Although it reached its 10% greenhouse gas emissions reduction benchmark, the Climate Action Plan identified additional waste minimization and recycling recommendations, which are listed below: • Increase the recycling rate from 32% to 40% by 2015; • Increase outdoor recycling opportunities to ensure that every trash can is accompanied by a recycling can; • Explore composting of food waste; • Review opportunities in the food service areas to replace disposable dinnerware and eating utensils in all dining halls; • Review business practices that contribute to excess waste; and, • Engage students in residence halls to reduce waste. It should be noted that the Climate Action Plan did not identify a specific target for the reduction of trash. A goal and benchmark system for waste reduction may be something that the Waste Minimization and Recycling Committee considers as a way to evaluate the success of the university’s efforts. This report will explore opportunities on campus to increase its recycling rate to 40% while minimizing waste generated by operations and individual community members.

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:
N/A

Diversity & Affordability 

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

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Diversity & Affordability and the published plans in which each objective is included:
N/A

Investment & Finance 

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

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Investment & Finance and the published plans in which each objective is included:
N/A

Wellbeing & Work 

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

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Wellbeing & Work and the published plans in which each objective is included:
N/A

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)?:
No

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address other areas and the published plans in which each objective is included:
N/A

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

A brief description of the institution’s formal sustainability commitments, including the specific initiatives selected above:
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The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
Updated July 2017.

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.