University of Alberta
PAE-4: Sustainability Plan

The 2011-2015 Sustainability Plan for UAlberta was developed using a series of activities: reviews of existing commitments as outlined in plans and related documents, consultation with the Office of Sustainability's advisory committees, conversations with student groups, central units groups and committees, as well as the Deliberation on Campus Sustainability Project (DoCS). DoCS facilitated a series of dialogues among diverse members of the campus community, focused on collectively learning how to create a more sustainable campus. This project was grounded in theories related to deliberative democracy and meaningful community engagement. This project was recognized with a Case Study Award by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education. The next version of our sustainability plan is scheduled for release in 2016. In preparation, UAlberta will spend much of 2014-15 identifying gaps in our sustainability performance as well as opportunities to enhance our performance by: - examining gaps in our STARS Version 1.2 submission - reviewing new campus plans and their related commitments - conducting a gap analysis against STARS Version 2.0 - hosting a series of facilitated conversations & engagement activities

EDUCATION & RESEARCH Co-Curricular Education 1. Inspire students, faculty, and staff to engage in sustainability-oriented activities that develop leadership, foster social and moral responsibility, and contribute to the further enhancement of our society and its institutions. Curriculum 2. Broaden integration of sustainability into the academic experience. Research 3. Generate and disseminate knowledge that informs policy for a sustainable future through inter-disciplinary research activities of faculty and students. OPERATIONS Buildings 4. Provide sustainable places to study, work and live through sustainable planning, design, construction, retrofits, and operations. Energy/Climate 5. Continue to reduce the University of Alberta's greenhouse gas emissions through continued strong action on energy efficiency and conservation and through implementation of renewable and alternative energy on campus. Food/Dining Services 6. Continue to enhance incorporation of sustainable criteria into food purchasing, preparation, waste disposal and related equipment and supplies. Grounds 7. Further develop sustainable grounds management practices through the incorporation of ecological principles, while fulfilling the recreational needs and aesthetic standards of the University community. Purchasing 8. Strengthen our leadership and practices in sustainable purchasing. Transportation 9. Reduce the environmental impact of University-related transportation by decreasing single occupant vehicle trips to our campuses and ensuring University community members have access to sustainable transportation options. Waste 10. Expand waste reduction initiatives across all campuses and increase the amount of waste diverted from the University of Alberta’s North Campus to 50% by 2015. Water 11. Reduce the University's annual water consumption intensity through action on water efficiency and conservation. Information Technology 12. Strengthen our leadership and practices in sustainable information technology. PLANNING, ADMINISTRATION & ENGAGEMENT Coordination & Planning 13. Demonstrate leadership by ensuring sustainability is recognized and considered in strategic planning and decision-making. Diversity 14. Support initiatives that encourage a diversity of students, faculty and staff. Human Resources 15. Recognized as an employer of choice employing people who understand enough about sustainability and the system in which they are operating to contribute to sustainability goals. Investment 16. Achieve a long-term rate of return that in real terms shall equal or exceed the rate of spending established for endowments, within an acceptable level of risk. Public Engagement 17. Grow opportunities for students, faculty and staff to engage with each other on sustainability issues both on and off-campus.

UAlberta measures progress on our plan by using STARS. Annually, we examine the strategies outlined in the plan and produce a "progress report". In 2013 we invited members of the campus community that had a role in advancing strategies to report back. Approximately 77% of the strategies in the plan were identified as being in progress or completed.