| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 53.09 |
| Liaison | DeLayne Miller |
| Submission Date | Dec. 18, 2019 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Tennessee Technological University
PA-2: Sustainability Planning
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
3.00 / 4.00 |
Does the institution have a published strategic plan or equivalent guiding document that includes sustainability at a high level? :
A brief description of how the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document addresses sustainability:
A copy of the strategic plan:
The website URL where the strategic plan is publicly available:
Does the institution have a published sustainability plan (apart from what is reported above)? :
A copy of the sustainability plan:
The website URL where the sustainability plan is publicly available:
Does the institution have a published climate action plan (apart from what is reported above)? :
A copy of the climate action plan:
The website URL where the climate action plan is publicly available:
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)? :
A list of other published plans that address sustainability, including public website URLs (if available):
Campus Master Plan
https://www.tntech.edu/capital-projects/master.php
Integrated Pest Management Plan
https://www.tntech.edu/sustainability/bee-campus-usa.php
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Curriculum?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Curriculum and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The Campus Sustainability Plan includes curriculum as the first academic priority action (A-1): Infuse sustainability throughout campus curriculum. Tactic 1: Coordinate with department heads and instructors to include sustainability in learning outcomes. Tactic 2: Update learning outcomes to include topics of sustainability currently taught in classes. Tactic 3: Develop courses in environmental and sustainability studies. Tactic 4: Create subcommittee to focus on sustainability curriculum.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Research?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Research and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The Campus Sustainability Plan includes research as academic priority action 2 (A-2): Expand sustainability research. Tactic 1: Expand work with capstone groups. Tactic 2: Increase research projects focused on sustainability. Tactic 3: Increase student project proposals for sustainability fund.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Campus Engagement?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Campus Engagement and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The Campus Sustainability Plan addresses campus engagement in engagement priority action 1 (E-1): Create a campus culture of sustainable and inclusive behavior. Tactic 1: Enhance social media efforts. Tactic 2: Create monthly surveys to gauge interest and awareness. Tactic 3: Expand presence at SOAR. Tactic 4: Increase inclusion in campus publications. Tactic 5: Coordinate with more departments across campus. Tactic 6: Attend and participate in conferences.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Public Engagement?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Public Engagement and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The Campus Sustainability Plan addresses public engagement in priority action 2 (E-2): Cultivate a culture of sustainability in the community. Tactic 1: Engage in partnerships to promote sustainability outside Tennessee Tech. Tactic 2: Increase student involvement in community organizations and events. Tactic 3: Contribute to a just and sustainable future for Cookeville and the Upper Cumberland region.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Air & Climate?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Air & Climate and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The Campus Sustainability Plan includes air & climate through operation priority action 5 (O-5): Reduce single-occupancy vehicles on campus. Tactic 1: Implement automated bike system. Tactic 2: Enhance shuttle service as parking moves off campus. Tactic 3: Encourage use of electric vehicles with installation of charging stations and EV-specific parking spots.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Buildings?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Buildings and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The Campus Sustainability Plan includes buildings through operation priority action 1 (O-1): Reduce carbon footprint by 50% by the year 2025. Tactic 1: LEED Certification of new Lab Science building. Buildings are also addressed in operation priority action 2 (O-2): Reduce utility usage per square foot by 24% by 2025. Tactic 1: Install regenerative pool filtration system in new fitness center.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Energy?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Energy and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The Campus Sustainability Plan addresses sustainable energy objectives in operations priority action 2 (O-2): Reduce utility usage per square foot by 25% by 2025. Tactic 3: Reduce electricity use per square foot.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Food & Dining?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Food & Dining and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The Campus Sustainability Plan includes food & dining in operation priority action 1 (O-1): Reduce carbon footprint by 50% by 2025. Tactic 5: Develop sustainability initiatives within Dining Services.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Grounds?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Grounds and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The Campus Master Plan addresses Grounds and the greening of campus throughout. The most information can be found on page 7 in the Campus Master Plan. "A major initiative of the update refinements is the greening of the campus. This includes a progressive series of projects to maximize the green space opportunities and, in most cases, includes the removal, modification or elimination of parking spaces. As part of the process, two major collegiate mall spaces are proposed: the Peachtree Mall and the Academic Quadrangle associated with the new Science building. In each case, a significant parking area will be relocated to another portion of the campus. This will allow for the shift from personal convenience of a near-by parking space to the betterment of the on-campus environment and collegiate experience."
The Campus Integrated Pest Management Plan (IPM) addresses grounds in its objectives as well though use of least-toxic chemical pesticides, minimum use of chemicals, use of chemicals and pesticides only in targeted locations and for targeted species, routine inspection and monitoring, and proactive communication. This integrated pest management program is based on effectiveness, environment impact, site characteristics, worker/public health and safety and economics. This IPM plan applies to the grounds of all TN Tech campus areas. The plan includes approved IPM strategies for managing and eradicating pests that are common to the area, and provides resources to facilitate learning about new and emerging IPM strategies.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Purchasing?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Purchasing and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Transportation?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Transportation and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The Campus Sustainability Plan addresses transportation in operation priority action 5 (O-5): Reduce single-occupancy vehicles on campus. Tactic 1: Implement automated bike system. Tactic 2: Enhance shuttle service as parking moves off campus. Tactic 3: Encourage use of electric vehicles with installation of charging stations and EV-specific parking spots.
The Campus Master Plan also addresses transportation in its objectives. In an effort to drastically reduce the use of cars within the core of the campus, a series of parking space removals and relocations is also proposed. This includes removal of on-street parking and some parking lots. To provide greener and less crowded parking areas, the remaining and new parking lots are proposed to be provided with tree islands, straightened parking spaces and adequate drive aisles. New parking is also proposed to be constructed with pervious paving at the parking space areas to help the management of storm water. To support the relocation of parking to the perimeter of the campus, a shuttle service to transport commuters into TTU’s central campus should be implemented as well. And, much more throughout!
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Waste?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Waste and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The Campus Sustainability Plan includes waste in operation priority action 3 (O-3): Increase recycling to 25% of total waste generated by the year 2025. Tactic 1: Install new and improved recycling stations on campus. Tactic 2: Promote zero waste events and meetings. Tactic 3: Launch campaign on recycling education funded by TDEC Grant.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Water?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Water and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The Campus Sustainability Plan includes water in operation priority action 2 (O-2): Reduce utility usage per square foot by 25% by 2025. Tactic 1: Install regenerative pool filtration system in new fitness center. Tactic 2: Launch water conservation sticker campaign in resident hall bathrooms.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Diversity & Affordability?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Diversity & Affordability and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Investment & Finance?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Investment & Finance and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Wellbeing & Work?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Wellbeing & Work and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address other areas (e.g. arts and culture or technology)?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address other areas and the published plans in which each objective is included:
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)? :
The formal statement in support of sustainability:
The institution’s definition of sustainability (e.g. as included in a published statement or plan):
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) | No |
| UN Global Compact | No |
| Other multi-dimensional sustainability commitments (please specify below) | --- |
A brief description of the institution’s formal sustainability commitments, including the specific initiatives selected above:
The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives 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.