Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
---|---|
Overall Score | 67.16 |
Liaison | Mike Versteege |
Submission Date | June 24, 2020 |
Executive Letter | Download |
University of Alberta
PA-2: Sustainability Planning
Status | Score | Responsible Party |
---|---|---|
4.00 / 4.00 |
Robert J.
Summers Academic Director Sustainability Council |
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indicates that no data was submitted for this field
Does the institution have a published strategic plan or equivalent guiding document that includes sustainability at a high level? :
Yes
A brief description of how the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document addresses sustainability:
The University of Alberta Strategic Plan "For the Public Good" is the highest level strategic plan for the institution and includes sustainability in the following ways.
To achieve our strategic goals, the University of Alberta will attract and steward the resources we need to excel and deliver our core teaching and research mission at the high standard expected by all Albertans. We will build on our capacities for securing new sources of operating, capital, research, and philanthropic funding. We will continue to model and advance teaching and learning in the area of environmental sustainability on our campuses and in our work. We must sustain our people by promoting health, wellness, and safety as a defining feature of the University of Alberta’s learning and working experience, and by maintaining and enhancing the university’s essential teaching, learning, and research infrastructure. Continuous improvement and cross-unit engagement and cooperation will define our approach to governance and administration to ensure that our systems, policies, and procedures facilitate the achievement of our shared goals.
SUSTAIN GOAL: Sustain our people, our work, and the environment by attracting and stewarding the resources we need to deliver excellence to the benefit of all Albertans.
OBJECTIVE 19: Prioritize and sustain student, faculty, and staff health, wellness, and safety by delivering proactive, relevant, responsive and accessible services and initiatives.
OBJECTIVE 20: Continue to build and support an integrated approach to social, economic, and environmental sustainability that incorporates teaching and learning, research, outreach, capacity building, and the operations that support them.
OBJECTIVE 21: Encourage continuous improvement in administrative, governance, planning and stewardship systems, procedures, and policies that enable students, faculty, staff, and the institution as a whole to achieve shared strategic goals.
OBJECTIVE 22: Secure and steward financial resources to sustain, enhance, promote, and facilitate the university’s core mission and strategic goals.
A copy of the strategic plan:
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The website URL where the strategic plan is publicly available:
Does the institution have a published sustainability plan (apart from what is reported above)? :
Yes
A copy of the sustainability plan:
The website URL where the sustainability plan is publicly available:
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Does the institution have a published climate action plan (apart from what is reported above)? :
Yes
A copy of the climate action plan:
The website URL where the climate action plan is publicly available:
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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)? :
Yes
A list of other published plans that address sustainability, including public website URLs (if available):
ACADEMIC COMPANION DOCUMENT TO THE SUSTAINABILITY PLAN
https://www.ualberta.ca/sustainability/about/index.html
"A Plan for Deepening Sustainability Education and Scholarship at the University of Alberta" is a companion document to the Sustainability Plan 2016-2020. It outlines in more detail the goals and strategies for curriculum and research on our campuses.
FACILITIES & OPERATIONS MISSION AND VISION
https://www.ualberta.ca/vice-president-facilities-operations/index.html
Facilities & Operations' Mission statement contains sustainability:
"Facilities and Operations supports the University of Alberta’s mission through safe, well-maintained, sustainable and inviting spaces, and by providing crucial services for the university community."
INTEGRATED ASSET MANAGEMENT STRATEGY
https://www.ualberta.ca/vice-president-facilities-operations/about-us/asset-management-strategy/index.html
The "Integrated Asset Management Strategy 2019-2035" has sustainability included in several areas but particularly in Principles number 7 and 9:
7. Social, economic and environmental sustainability is achieved by:
a. Incorporating inclusive design principles into campus infrastructure (e.g. all-gender, barrier-free).
b. Reducing our ecological footprint.
c. Reducing operational costs.
d. Continually advancing the three pillars of sustainability: social, economic and environmental.
9. Fostering the active transportation experience is seen to be a priority on all campuses.
LONG RANGE DEVELOPMENT PLAN (LDRP)
https://www.ualberta.ca/vice-president-facilities-operations/forms-and-documents.html
The "Long range Development Plan (LRDP) 2002" and "North Campus LRDP - Amendment March 2014" both indicate that the university will encourage and promote the precepts of smart growth and sustainability.
ENERGY REDUCTION MASTER PLAN AND WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
https://uab.ca/emso
The Energy Reduction Master Plan outlines a strategic approach to energy management in five key areas:
1. Energy Efficiency and Reduction by Design
2. Recommissioning and Retrofitting
3. Continuous System Optimization
4. Greening the Supply
5. Education and Behaviour Change
Watego is our university-wide water conservation program. Investing in innovative water-saving technologies and water fixture upgrades across our campuses, the program contributes to a sustainable water future. The Water Management Plan explains what the university is doing to reduce its water use and, ultimately, contribute to a sustainable water future in Alberta.
STRATEGIC PLAN FOR EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSIVITY
https://www.ualberta.ca/equity-diversity-inclusivity/about/strategic-plan-for-edi/index.html
The "Strategic Plan for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity" includes goals and strategies related to equity, diversity, and inclusion in five Strategic Areas:
1. Vision and Leadership
2. Research, Teaching and Public Service
3. Workforce (all faculty and staff)
4. Students, (Research) Trainees, and Student Life
5. Climate (equitable and inclusive environment and culture)
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Curriculum?:
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Curriculum and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The Sustainability Plan 2016-2020 and its academic companion document "A Plan for Deepening Sustainability Education and Scholarship at the University of Alberta" offers the following goals, each with strategies identified to achieve them:
Goal 2.1 Encourage the campus community and the public to learn about sustainability.
Strategies:
i. Create awareness of resources, research findings, demonstration projects and expertise.
ii. Promote sustainability-related programs.
iii. Encourage diverse educational approaches for teaching about sustainability across the disciplines.
Goal 2.2 Encourage exposure to interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary teaching and research connected to sustainability.
Strategies:
i. Build the capacity to include aspects of diversity and inclusivity within research, and honour diverse research methods.
ii. Celebrate professors with a stated commitment to and/or expertise in sustainability.
iii. Create opportunities to connect colleagues with a stated commitment to and/or expertise in sustainability.
iv. Promote opportunities for students and faculty to participate in sustainability initiatives.
v. Encourage departments and faculties to develop long-range sustainability plans encompassing operational practices, teaching, research and degree programs.
Goal 2.3 Support faculty members to integrate sustainability into their teaching.
Strategies:
i. Develop initiatives to integrate sustainability into curriculum and academic programming.
ii. Build on existing community-based teaching and research partnerships and internships.
iii. Explore opportunities to regularly assess and report on sustainability literacy.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Research?:
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Research and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The Sustainability Plan 2016-2020 and its academic companion document "A Plan for Deepening Sustainability Education and Scholarship at the University of Alberta" offers the following goals, each with strategies identified to achieve them:
Goal 2.2 Encourage exposure to interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary teaching and research connected to sustainability.
Strategies:
i. Build the capacity to include aspects of diversity and inclusivity within research, and honour diverse research methods.
ii. Celebrate professors with a stated commitment to and/or expertise in sustainability.
iii. Create opportunities to connect colleagues with a stated commitment to and/or expertise in sustainability.
iv. Promote opportunities for students and faculty to participate in sustainability initiatives.
v. Encourage departments and faculties to develop long-range sustainability plans encompassing operational practices, teaching, research and degree programs.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Campus Engagement?:
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Campus Engagement and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The Sustainability Plan 2016-2020 offers the following goals, each with strategies identified to achieve them:
Goal 1.2 Report, recognize, reward and profile sustainability solutions and accomplishments of students, staff, faculty, administrators and alumni.
Goal 2.1 Encourage the campus community and the public to learn about sustainability.
Goal 4.2 Enhance awareness of the university’s sustainability features, practices and resources to the campus community and to the public.
Goal 4.5 Deliver activities that improve understanding and engagement in actions for climate change and healthy eating, including research, interactive programs and strategic planning.
Goal 5.2 Foster opportunities for learning about health and well-being.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Public Engagement?:
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Public Engagement and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The Sustainability Plan 2016-2020 offers the following goals with a sample of strategies identified to achieve them:
Goal 1.1 Pioneer innovations in policy, practice, knowledge and leadership that advance sustainability at our institution.
Strategy: Contribute service to national and international sustainability-related organizations, dialogues, agreements and initiatives that advocate and transform sustainability in higher education.
Goal 2.1 Encourage the campus community and the public to learn about sustainability.
Strategy: Create awareness of resources, research findings, demonstration projects and expertise.
Goal 3.1 Embed social, economic and environmental sustainability into the development and care of the university’s indoor and outdoor spaces.
Strategy: Elevate awareness and increase number of accessible and all-gender washrooms on university-owned properties.
Goal 3.2 Establish the university as an innovative leader in addressing climate change and make progress on reducing the university’s greenhouse gas emissions to 17% below 2005 levels by 2020.
Strategy: Commit to being a leader in climate change mitigation by connecting with institutions in northern communities to research best practices in energy management and climate change mitigation
Goal 4.5 Deliver activities that improve understanding and engagement in actions for climate change and healthy eating, including research, interactive programs and strategic planning.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Air & Climate?:
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Air & Climate and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The Sustainability Plan 2016-2020 offers the following goal with strategies identified to achieve this goal:
Goal 3.2 Establish the university as an innovative leader in addressing climate change and make progress on reducing the university’s greenhouse gas emissions to 17% below 2005 levels by 2020.
Strategies:
i. Pursue viable strategies outlined in the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Plan.
ii. Work towards minimizing fossil fuel use by university-owned vehicles by converting portions of our fleet to alternative fuels and power sources and reporting fuel consumption on an annual basis.
iii. Implement innovations, upgrades, preventative maintenance and best practices in energy management, climate change mitigation and environmental protection.
iv. Improve understanding about how the greenhouse gas inventory can be more comprehensive and include more emissions, such as those generated by air travel, commuting, and the embodied energy of goods and services.
v. Create an energy use reduction plan informed by the Envision program that outlines baseline energy use and sets reduction targets to be reached by the year 2025.
vi. Explore the opportunity to create a climate change working group focused on facilitating initiatives for climate change mitigation and adaptation.
vii. Commit to being a leader in climate change mitigation by connecting with institutions in northern communities to research best practices in energy management and climate change mitigation.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Buildings?:
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Buildings and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The Sustainability Plan 2016-2020 offers the following goal with strategies identified to achieve this goal:
Goal 3.1 Embed social, economic and environmental sustainability into the development and care of the university’s indoor and outdoor spaces.
Strategies:
i. Maintain space stewardship principles for capital planning and space utilization.
iii. Expand number of existing buildings certified using the BOMA BEST green building rating system.
iv. Explore opportunities to certify new construction and major renovation projects using third-party systems.
vii. Catalogue and manage information related to sustainability features and management practices for all university buildings.
viii. Elevate awareness and increase number of accessible and all-gender washrooms on university-owned properties.
ix. Develop programs to reduce energy use, increase waste diversion and decrease water use in lab environments.
The Integrated Asset Management Strategy 2019-2035 offers the following goals and strategies identified to achieve this goal:
Goal 1. Strengthen campus planning processes and outputs to consider future events, innovation and risks.
Strategy b. Demonstrate consistency in direction and decisions for campus planning that exemplifies best practices in smart growth, healthy community and sustainable design.
Goal 5. Optimize operations to strategically re-invest funding to maintenance programs and/or capital renewal efforts to better manage the growing deferred maintenance liability.
Strategy d. Advance sustainable operations' practices to support sustainability and environmental targets.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Energy?:
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Energy and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The Sustainability Plan 2016-2020 offers the following goal with strategies identified to achieve this goal:
Goal 3.2 Establish the university as an innovative leader in addressing climate change and make progress on reducing the university’s greenhouse gas emissions to 17% below 2005 levels by 2020.
Strategies:
i. Pursue viable strategies outlined in the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Plan.
ii. Work towards minimizing fossil fuel use by university-owned vehicles by converting portions of our fleet to alternative fuels and power sources and reporting fuel consumption on an annual basis.
iii. Implement innovations, upgrades, preventative maintenance and best practices in energy management, climate change mitigation and environmental protection.
iv. Improve understanding about how the greenhouse gas inventory can be more comprehensive and include more emissions, such as those generated by air travel, commuting, and the embodied energy of goods and services.
v. Create an energy use reduction plan informed by the Envision program that outlines baseline energy use and sets reduction targets to be reached by the year 2025.
vi. Explore the opportunity to create a climate change working group focused on facilitating initiatives for climate change mitigation and adaptation.
vii. Commit to being a leader in climate change mitigation by connecting with institutions in northern communities to research best practices in energy management and climate change mitigation.
The Energy Reduction Master Plan outlines tactics to reach these overall sustainability goals related to energy, including:
- HVAC Load Reduction Technology
- Lighting system upgrades and retrofits
- Fan system upgrades
- Upgrades and improvements in efficiency to heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems
- Re-commissioning and system optimization
- Fume hood replacements and controls upgrades
- High efficiency motor replacements
- Waste heat recovery systems (air and water)
- Variable speed drive installations (fans and pumps)
- Controls systems modifications and upgrades
- Automation of building room controls
- Piping and equipment insulation
- Building envelope sealing and upgrades
- Micro-steam turbines (CHP)
- Renewable energy installations
- Demand-based ventilation (DBV) laboratory control
- Occupancy-based space ventilation
- Energy analytics
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Food & Dining?:
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Food & Dining and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The Sustainability Plan 2016-2020 offers the following goal with strategies identified to achieve this goal:
Goal 3.4 Advance a sustainable food system that provides fresh and healthy food in collaboration with the university community.
Strategies:
i. Establish the Sustainable Food Working Group to advance sustainable food initiatives.
ii.Work with local authorities to develop a safe system for recovering and donating leftover food from dining and catering operations to increase recovery of usable food and reduce food waste.
iii. Explore opportunities to grow food in underutilized spaces, and to create new community gardens accessible to members of the university and broader community.
iv. Encourage food providers to increase, where feasible, access to healthy food, including options for specialty diets.
v. Explore the use of edible landscapes as an inherent part of the university’s sustainable food system.
Goal 3.5 Encourage vendors and primary dining contractor to increase the purchase of food produced in Alberta and/or food with recognized sustainability certifications.
Strategies:
i. Collaborate with existing on-campus gardens to explore opportunities to supply produce to food vendors, campus and local community.
ii. Continue to work with external partners to find Alberta food producers to supply food vendors.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Grounds?:
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Grounds and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The Sustainability Plan 2016-2020 offers the following goal with strategies identified to achieve this goal:
Goal 3.1 Embed social, economic and environmental sustainability into the development and care of the university’s indoor and outdoor spaces.
Strategies:
ii. Maximize preservation of green space on campus, pilot projects with native species and use university campuses as living labs.
v. Explore and implement low-impact methods for grounds management.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Purchasing?:
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Purchasing and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The Sustainability Plan 2016-2020 offers the following goals with a sample of strategies identified to achieve them:
Goal 3.6 Build capacity within the purchasing system to assess and make sustainability-informed decisions.
Strategies:
i. Build awareness about the university’s stated preference for products registered with the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT).
ii. Embed lifecycle cost analysis and EPEAT registration into the requests for proposal process for computer supplies, computer equipment and multi-function printers.
iii. Identify 3-5 major purchases that impact the entire university community, perform life cycle analyses, and make recommendations to address impact based on findings.
Goal 3.7 Build capacity for departments and faculties to engage in sustainable purchasing.
Strategies:
i. Explore the development of a Code of Conduct for university vendors and suppliers.
ii. Elevate awareness of the environmental benefits of multi-function printers.
iii. Create a system that increases the use of surplus by departments and faculties.
iv. Encourage units making high-volume purchases of promotional items to assess opportunities to reduce their impact through sustainable purchasing practices.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Transportation?:
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Transportation and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The Sustainability Plan 2016-2020 offers the following goals with a sample of strategies identified to achieve them:
Goal 3.2 Establish the university as an innovative leader in addressing climate change and make progress on reducing the university’s greenhouse gas emissions to 17% below 2005 levels by 2020.
Strategies:
ii. Work towards minimizing fossil fuel use by university-owned vehicles by converting portions of our fleet to alternative fuels and power sources and reporting fuel consumption on an annual basis.
iv. Improve understanding about how the greenhouse gas inventory can be more comprehensive and include more emissions, such as those generated by air travel, commuting, and the embodied energy of goods and services.
Goal 3.3 Sustainable and accessible transportation options are encouraged and well-integrated into campus planning.
Strategies:
i. Work in alignment with institutional plans such as the Long Range Development Plan and smart growth sustainable principles to reduce the number of people driving to a bike-friendly and walkable campus.
ii. Continue to encourage the use of carpooling and car sharing and investigate solutions to campus parking that encourage other alternatives to single-occupant vehicle travel.
iii. Explore opportunities to make public transit more accessible to people working, living and studying on UAlberta campuses.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Waste?:
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Waste and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The Sustainability Plan 2016-2020 offers the following goal with a sample of strategies identified to achieve this goal:
Goal 3.8 By 2020, divert 90% of waste from landfill and continue to reduce waste per campus user.
Strategies:
i. Increase source-separation and collection of organics to 1,500 tonnes per year by 2017.
ii. Introduce “Zero Waste” collection of mixed paper, other recyclables, organics and landfill waste across university facilities.
iii. Elevate awareness of the university’s waste diversion goal and engage campus community in ambition to become a “Zero Waste” campus.
iv. Assess high-impact opportunities for reducing packaging waste for lab supplies and equipment.
v. Assess high-impact opportunities for reducing paper consumption and increasing the purchase of recycled-content paper.
vi. Explore opportunities to reduce the chemical waste footprint of teaching and research activities.
vii. Increase diversion of construction, demolition, and renovation waste.
viii. Expand Reusable Dish Program to include more food vendors across North Campus.
ix. Work with food vendors to eliminate polystyrene food service ware and replace it with recyclable or compostable alternatives.
x. Explore opportunities to reduce paper towel waste by installing hygienic, energy-efficient hand dryers.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Water?:
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Water and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The Sustainability Plan 2016-2020 offers the following goal with a sample of strategies identified to achieve this goal:
Goal 3.1 Embed social, economic and environmental sustainability into the development and care of the university’s indoor and outdoor spaces.
Strategies:
ii. Maximize preservation of green space on campus, pilot projects with native species and use university campuses as living labs.
v. Explore and implement low-impact methods for grounds management.
vi. Continue water use reduction plan informed by water audits that outlines baseline water use, and set reduction targets to be reached by the year 2025.
ix. Develop programs to reduce energy use, increase waste diversion and decrease water use in lab environments.
The Water Management Plan includes the following initiatives:
- Water use reductions
- Water closet fixture upgrades
- Lab upgrades
- Pilots of innovative technologies
- Behaviour change campaigns
- Support for campus community led water reduction projects
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Diversity & Affordability?:
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Diversity & Affordability and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The Sustainability Plan 2016-2020 offers the following goals with a sample of strategies identified to achieve them:
Goal 4.1 Demonstrate that diversity and equity are institutional values by strengthening a culture of inclusion within the campus community.
Strategy i. Work to embed principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion in the university’s strategic guiding documents, policies and practices.
Goal 4.3 Improve accessibility and opportunities for success in post-secondary education.
Strategies:
i. Develop strategies to provide improved services from application through to graduation.
ii. Increase number of students and faculty from traditionally underrepresented groups, including Aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities and visible minorities.
Goal 4.4 Seek opportunities to ensure the university is an inclusive place for work and learning with full participation from diverse, historically underrepresented communities.
Strategies:
i. Provide support and opportunities for building community and social justice to individuals and groups who experience discrimination, exclusion and/or oppression.
ii. Develop and communicate respectful engagement principles for work and study spaces.
iii. Improve the campus community’s understanding of diversity and inclusion.
iv. Encourage inclusion of underrepresented groups in advisory and planning committees at the institutional, faculty and unit level.
v. Explore opportunities to gather information and report on attitudes, perceptions and experiences of campus stakeholders as they relate to diversity.
The Strategic Plan for Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity has the following example "Benchmarks of Excellence" to measure progress. Additional benchmarks are included in the plan.
1. Vision and Leadership
example 1.0: Accountabilities for achieving goals are clear, with specific consequences for failure to meet targets.
example 1.2: University leadership annually reviews and reports on its EDI education and professional development activities.
2. Research, Teaching and Public Service
example 2.1: The university meets or exceeds diversity and equity targets for Canada Research Chairs (CRCs) and Canada Excellence Research Chairs (CERCs).
3. Workforce (all faculty and staff)
example 3.0: Attitudes, behaviours, skills, and knowledge relating to EDI are recognized and rewarded in performance reviews and in advancement practices.
4. Students, (Research) Trainees, and Student Life
example 4.0: Outreach programs are in place to recruit academically competitive students from underrepresented groups
5. Climate (equitable and inclusive environment and culture)
example 5.0a: Surveys of institutional culture and climate reflect knowledge about, and commitment to, EDI.
example 5.0b: Surveys of institutional culture and climate reflect that members of historically excluded and marginalized groups identify the U of A as an equitable place to learn and work.
example 5.1: The University of Alberta meets or exceeds accessibility standards articulated in the Alberta Building Code and strives to achieve principles of universal design.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Investment & Finance?:
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Investment & Finance and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The Sustainability Plan 2016-2020 offers the following goal with a sample of strategies identified to achieve this goal:
Goal 1.4 Explore opportunities for incorporating sustainability-related approaches into the university’s investments.
Strategies:
i. Explore opportunities and implications of incorporating environmental, social and governance concerns into the university’s investment policy.
ii. Explore providing donors with a segregated but diversified sustainability-focused endowment/investment stream.
iii. Evaluate investing in renewable energy and other sustainability-related infrastructure as an inflation hedging strategy.
iv. Elevate awareness of the university’s investments within the campus community, and of sustainable investing methods within the investments management team.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Wellbeing & Work?:
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Wellbeing & Work and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The Sustainability Plan 2016-2020 offers the following goals with a sample of strategies identified to achieve them:
Goal 5.1 Support health, wellness and safety by delivering relevant, responsive and accessible services and initiatives.
Strategies:
i. Encourage strong and visible commitments and supports for mental health.
ii. Support development of an integrated, institution-wide health and wellness strategy and increase awareness, understanding and participation in related services.
iii. Recognize and reward leadership in advancing health and well-being.
iv. Adopt standardized indicators for measuring student health and well-being.
v. Explore opportunities to deliver a faculty and staff engagement strategy.
vi. Maintain safe work and study environments.
Goal 5.2 Foster opportunities for learning about health and well-being.
Strategies:
i. Empower student groups to improve their capacity to deliver health and wellness programs.
ii. Incorporate health and well-being information into orientation programming for new staff and students.
iii. Implement communications and outreach activities to improve student, staff and faculty awareness, understanding and use of health and wellness services.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address other areas (e.g. arts and culture or technology)?:
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address other areas and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The Sustainability Plan 2016-2020 offers the following goals connected to leadership with a sample of strategies identified to achieve these goals:
Goal 1.1 Pioneer innovations in policy, practice, knowledge and leadership that advance sustainability at our institution.
Strategies:
i. Ensure the university’s strategic guiding documents, policies and procedures are informed by a sustainability plan that recognizes sustainability as a key value at our institution.
ii. Encourage academic and operational units to incorporate sustainability into their strategic plans, decision-making, and reporting.
Goal 1.2 Report, recognize, reward and profile sustainability solutions and accomplishments of students, staff, faculty, administrators and alumni.
Strategies:
i. Elevate awareness and profile of the university’s sustainability innovations and success stories.
ii. Report annually to the campus community on sustainability performance.
Goal 1.3 Foster growth of sustainability initiatives and problem-solving on all campuses.
Strategies:
ii. Create and increase participation in working groups that foster collaboration and address sustainability challenges with particular attention to waste diversion, sustainable purchasing and sustainable food.
iii. Identify and support a sustainability champion for each faculty, central unit and strategic committee to review and implement initiatives.
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)? :
Yes
The formal statement in support of sustainability:
The Board of Governors endorsed the following sustainability commitment and guiding principles in 2008.
OUR COMMITMENT
The University of Alberta is committed to a continuous effort to instill sustainability into the many aspects of university life, on our campuses, in our institutions, and in the larger community of which we are part. In alignment with its values, vision and mission, the University takes an integrated approach to sustainability that incorporates teaching and learning, research, outreach, and the operations that support them, as it builds one of the great universities for the public good.
The University strives to manage all resources in harmony, recognizing the interconnectedness of ecological, social and economic systems. To this end, the University of Alberta is committed to constant improvement guided by the following principles.
OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Integration
- Encourage the development of collaborative solutions involving all stakeholders.
- Promote a culture of integrated sustainability through excellence in teaching, learning, innovative research, and community engagement.
Education and Outreach
- Aid students and all other members of the University community in developing the knowledge and tools necessary to become informed future leaders, and global citizens during their experience at the University of Alberta.
- Promote a culture of sustainability at the University by providing opportunities for participation, discovery learning, and transformative experiences.
- Contribute to, and participate in the advancement of sustainability in the local and global communities by sharing knowledge, expertise, best practices, and lessons learned.
Research
- Support innovative research and inquiry that improve understanding of challenges to sustainability and lead to real-world solutions and problem-solving.
- Encourage a collaborative approach to research that includes faculty research undertaken in partnership with operations staff, students, community organizations, industry and any other potential stakeholders.
- Improvements in operations and practices
- Develop strategies and objectives that conserve resources, decrease the production of waste, minimize ecological footprints, and decrease greenhouse gas emissions.
- Provide practices aimed at sustainable supply chain management.
- Develop processes that support long-term ecological, socially, and fiscally responsible decision-making in activities, operations & practices.
Stewardship
- Protect the natural environment by enhancing local and global ecosystems and biodiversity for both present and future generations.
- Contribute to the protection of the Earth’s environmental life-supporting systems by minimizing the pollution of air, water, and soil.
- Aim to enhance the global environment through balanced and positive social, economic, and ecological activities.
Improvements in operations and practices
- Develop strategies and objectives that conserve resources, decrease the production of waste, minimize ecological footprints, and decrease greenhouse gas emissions.
- Provide practices aimed at sustainable supply chain management.
- Develop processes that support long-term ecological, socially, and fiscally responsible decision-making in activities, operations & practices.
The institution’s definition of sustainability (e.g. as included in a published statement or plan):
The University of Alberta's (former) sustainability Academic Advisory Committee established the following working definition of sustainability in 2010:
“Sustainability is the process of living within the limits of available physical, natural and social resources in ways that allow the living systems in which humans are embedded to thrive in perpetuity.”
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) | No |
A brief description of the institution’s formal sustainability commitments, including the specific initiatives selected above:
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The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
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Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBLE PARTIES:
Mike Versteege
Manager
Energy Management and Sustainable Operations
Facilities & Operations
Ben Louie
University Architect
Office of the University Architect
Planning and Project Delivery
Facilities & Operations
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