Towson University
PA-1: Sustainability Coordination
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
Reporter |
Meghan
Bennett Sustainability Specialist Facilities Management |
1.1 Coordinating committee, officer, or office for sustainability
Narrative and/or website URL providing an overview of the institution’s sustainability committees:
Mission
The mission of the Climate Leadership Committee is to meet TU’s obligations under Second Nature’s Carbon Commitment. The committee is charged with developing a Climate Action Plan that provides a roadmap towards a carbon neutral campus, infusing climate action into the curriculum (historical), and making recommendations and facilitating implementation of sustainability initiatives.
History
Students from Towson University and other state institutions demanded environmental action in 2006. Under the direction of the Chancellor, all University System of Maryland institutions became signatories of the American College and Universities Presidents’ Climate Commitment in 2007. The original commitment is now known as the Climate Leadership Network Carbon Commitment.
Committee
The CLC is chaired by the Associate Vice President of Facilities Management. Members include stakeholders in Facilities Management, Academic Affairs, and Student Affairs. The committee also includes representatives from the Academic Senate, the Staff Senate, the Student Government Association, and the University Residences Government.
Subcommittees
- Energy + Water Conservation
- Alternative Transportation
- Waste Reduction
- Outreach + Engagement
- Curriculum + Research
Does the institution have one or more sustainability officers?:
Narrative and/or website URL providing an overview of the institution’s sustainability officers:
Director of Sustainability: The Director implements and manages sustainable policies and practices for the campus community. Communicates compliance and reports all requirements of the university’s Second Nature Carbon Commitment. Consults, recommends and assists Facilities Management with sustainable project planning, design, construction, and building operations. Seeks external funding for campus sustainability efforts, develops, and maintains sustainability reports, and helps to coordinate campus communication regarding sustainability. Responsible for updating senior management with the status of operations. Assists in facilities planning efforts in the development, implementation, and monitoring of stormwater, forest stand, and other environmental programs. Supervises staff, student workers, and service-learning students. Assists with facility programs and projects, and campus planning efforts as needed.
Sustainability Specialists: The Sustainability Specialist supports the growing needs of the Office of Sustainability by overseeing the development and management of sustainable practices and reporting requirements that align with the university's voluntary and mandatory commitments, and institutional priorities. Duties include engaging in strategic planning to reduce the university's environmental impact, assisting in the implementation of sustainability-related plans, managing data collection for various reports (GHG inventory, state recycling report, STARS, and THE Impact Rankings), and assisting with various programs, events, and initiatives of the office.
Sustainability Outreach Coordinator: The Sustainability Outreach Coordinator organizes educational events and ongoing communications from the Office of Sustainability to the campus community and other stakeholders. This position is responsible for program management and development, public relations and marketing, communications, and hosting events to help build a robust and diverse sustainability community across the institution. Duties include developing and maintaining campus outreach programs, coordinating meetings, training seminars, and workshops; coordinating annual engagement events, and developing content for communication efforts targeting internal and external audiences.
Does the institution have a sustainability office that includes more than one full-time equivalent employee?:
Description of each sustainability office:
The Towson University Sustainability Office sits within Facilities Management which is part of the Operations and Human Resources Division. The office includes 3 full-time employees and well as rotating student employees and a graduate assistant.
Full-time equivalent of people employed in the sustainability offices:
Is at least one of the institution’s sustainability committees, officers, or offices charged with coordinating various campus constituencies in the advancement of sustainability across the entire institution?:
Narrative outlining the activities and substantive accomplishments of the institution-wide coordinating body or officer during the previous three years:
The Office of Sustainability is responsible for the advancement of sustainability across the institution and works with colleague from across multiple divisions to advance the work. Accomplishments include but aren't limited to:
1. The procurement of 100% renewable electricity and approval to proceed with the campus' first geothermal project;
2. The addition of a Sustainability Director within the Dining contract, resulting in all three dining halls receiving Green Restaurant Certification;
3. The establishment of a faculty Sustainability Community of Practice and annual participation in the Worldwide Climate + Justice Teach-In;
4. Selected as the host site for 2024 Maryland Food Summit with the Maryland Department of the Environment;
5. Launched the first Campus Tree Map;
6. Recognized for the Campus Move Out Yard Sale partnership with Ascension Lutheran;
7. Completed a campus-wide ZEV study.
The Reporting Tool will automatically calculate the following figure:
Optional documentation
Additional documentation for this credit:
Job descriptions
Copy of the job description for the institution’s sustainability officer (1st position):
Text of the job description for the institution’s sustainability officer (2nd position):
Copy of the job description for the institution’s sustainability officer (2nd position):
Text of the job description for the institution’s sustainability officer (3rd position):
Copy of the job description for the institution’s sustainability officer (3rd position):
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.