| Overall Rating | Silver |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 45.93 |
| Liaison | Gabrielle Jette |
| Submission Date | April 13, 2022 |
The Catholic University of America
PA-2: Sustainability Planning
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
3.00 / 4.00 |
Does the institution have a published plan or plans that include measurable sustainability objectives that address sustainability in curriculum and/or research?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to academics and the plan(s) in which they are published:
The Sustainability Plan includes an initiative to align environmental stewardship with the university's Catholic mission through academics. Measurable objectives include but are not limited to hosting an annual convening of university faculty that would assess the need for more courses related to the environment; promoting interdisciplinary collaboration among faculty and students on issues of sustainability; and pursuing new opportunities to activate the university as a living classroom through sustainability.
Does the institution have a published plan or plans that include measurable sustainability objectives that address student, employee, or community engagement for sustainability?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to engagement and the plan(s) in which they are published:
One of the four pillars of Catholic University's Sustainability Plan is engagement. The Engagement pillar is composed of five initiatives which each include several measurable objectives, such as deepening community engagement through environmental leadership, raising awareness with visitors and prospective students, engaging the student body, motivating staff and faculty, and energizing the alumni network.
Does the institution have a published plan or plans that include measurable sustainability objectives that address sustainability in operations?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to operations and the plan(s) in which they are published:
One of the four pillars of Catholic University's Sustainability Plan is Campus Facilities for People, Planet, and Prosperity. This pillar is composed of initiatives which each include several measurable objectives, such as promoting clean energy and energy efficiency, reducing water usage and increasing water quality, reducing waste streams, maintaining landscapes and hardscapes, incorporating best practices in facilities management, and optimizing capital projects.
Does the institution have a published plan or plans that include measurable sustainability objectives that address diversity, equity, and inclusion; sustainable investment/finance; or wellbeing?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to administration and the plan(s) in which they are published:
One of the four pillars of Catholic University's Sustainability Plan is Campus Facilities for People, Planet, and Prosperity. This pillar is composed of initiatives which each include several measurable objectives, such as promoting health and wellness and increasing access to healthy foods.
Does the institution have a published strategic plan or equivalent guiding document that includes sustainability at a high level? :
The institution’s highest guiding document (upload):
Website URL where the institution’s highest guiding document is publicly available:
Which of the following best describes the inclusion of sustainability in the highest guiding document?:
The institution's sustainability plan (upload):
Website URL where the institution's sustainability plan is publicly available:
Does the institution have a formal statement in support of sustainability endorsed by its governing body?:
The formal statement in support of sustainability:
As part of The Catholic University of America's Strategic Plan, Initiative 1.a.vii states: Strive to be leaders in a cohesive and coordinated effort toward environmental stewardship in keeping with the teachings of the Catholic Church.
The institution’s definition of sustainability:
In The Catholic University of America's Sustainability Plan, the Sustainability Mission Statement states "As stewards charged with advancing the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, The Catholic University of America is committed to improving the environmental well-being of the campus and the greater community." The Sustainability Vision Statement states "All Catholic University community members are encouraged, engaged, inspired, and motivated to take steps, where they are, to reduce their carbon footprints and improve environmental quality."
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 |
| Pan-Canadian Protocol for Sustainability | No |
| SDG Accord | 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) | Yes |
A brief description of the institution’s formal sustainability commitments, including the specific initiatives selected above:
Catholic University has pledged to pursue a range of sustainability measures. These measures are related to building energy use, green education, transportation, waste reduction, grounds maintenance, and reporting at both the local and national levels. These sustainability commitments are meant to empower and engage all Catholic University community members through realistic and attainable outcomes that will reduce our carbon footprint. Catholic University sustainability commitments include the Laudato Si' Action Platform, District of Columbia Mayor's College and University Sustainability Pledge, and U.S. Department of Energy Better Buildings Challenge.
Website URL where information about the institution’s sustainability planning 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.