| Overall Rating | Silver |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 45.93 |
| Liaison | Gabrielle Jette |
| Submission Date | April 13, 2022 |
The Catholic University of America
EN-14: Participation in Public Policy
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 2.00 |
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:
Catholic University signed onto the District of Columbia Mayor's College and University Sustainability Pledge (CUSP) in 2012 and again in 2019. This university-based collaborative approach to sustainability was the first of its kind in the nation; DC was the first city in the U.S. to form such a compact between its higher education sector and local government to advance sustainability. Working together in this public/private partnership, the signatories are working to make the District of Columbia the “Greenest College Town in America”.
In 2019, in partnership with DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, the universities committed to continue their support of sustainability initiatives, including: reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing renewable energy use, engaging in climate resilience planning efforts, increasing waste diversion, and reducing impervious surfaces on campus.
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:
As members of the DC Mayor's College and University Sustainability Pledge (CUSP), Catholic University supports legislation and policies related to sustainability at the state level.
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 August 2019, Catholic University became a member of the Better Buildings Alliance, a U.S. Department of Energy program dedicated to promoting leadership in energy innovation. Catholic University also joined the program's Better Buildings Challenge to reduce the University's energy consumption by 20% by the year 2026. Catholic University is one of 30+ colleges and universities sharing best practices and engaging with technical experts to advance energy savings goals nationwide.
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:
In November 2021, the Catholic University of America became one of the first universities in the world to sign onto a new Vatican initiative, the Laudato Si' Action Platform. Inspired by the 2015 encyclical on care for creation, Laudato Si', Catholic University is committing to collaborate with universities worldwide on a Laudato Si' plan for environmental sustainability.
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.