Overall Rating Gold - expired
Overall Score 75.01
Liaison Jen Crothers
Submission Date Aug. 4, 2015
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.0

University of British Columbia
PA-2: Sustainability Planning

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 4.00 / 4.00 John Madden
Director, Sustainability and Engineering
Campus & Community Planning
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Does the institution have current and formal plans to advance sustainability in the following areas? Do the plans include measurable objectives?:
Current and Formal Plans (Yes or No) Measurable Objectives (Yes or No)
Curriculum Yes Yes
Research (or other scholarship) Yes Yes
Campus Engagement Yes Yes
Public Engagement Yes Yes
Air and Climate Yes Yes
Buildings Yes Yes
Dining Services/Food Yes Yes
Energy Yes Yes
Grounds Yes No
Purchasing Yes Yes
Transportation Yes Yes
Waste Yes Yes
Water Yes Yes
Diversity and Affordability Yes Yes
Health, Wellbeing and Work Yes Yes
Investment Yes No
Other --- ---

A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Curriculum:

UBC’s 20-year Sustainability Strategy outlines a strategic vision for Teaching, Learning and Research to be achieved by 2035. http://sustain.ubc.ca/20-Year-Sustainability-Strategy. The strategy builds off the work of the Sustainability Academic Strategy.


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Curriculum plan(s):

UBC’s 20-year Sustainability Strategy sets the high-level direction for next generation sustainability at UBC. Strategic goals related to advancing sustainability in the curriculum include: Teaching, Learning, and Research Goal 1: “The University's curriculum is transformed, with every undergraduate student able to pursue a pathway in sustainability. UBC is internationally renowned for its many world-class graduate programs, which address the full range of ecological, social and economic dimensions of sustainability” and Goal 2: “UBC is a preferred destination for undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, visiting scholars, and professionals who wish to develop trans-disciplinary or more specialized skills in sustainability.”

UBC’s progress in transforming curriculum is monitored and reported in Place and Promise: The UBC Plan Annual Reports and UBC Annual Sustainability Reports. Key metrics tracked include # of sustainability focused and related courses, # of sustainability related academic programs, # of grants awarded through the Spotlight Grants Program, # of Sustainability Scholars, # of Sustainability Pathways developed, # of SEEDS (Social Ecological Economic Development Studies) Program participants, and # of courses integrating SEEDS projects: http://sustain.ubc.ca/our-commitment/strategic-plans-policies-reports/annual-reports.


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Curriculum plan(s):

UBC Sustainability Initiative


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Research (or other scholarship):

UBC’s 20-year Sustainability Strategy outlines a strategic vision for Teaching, Learning and Research to be achieved by 2035. http://sustain.ubc.ca/20-Year-Sustainability-Strategy. The strategy builds off the work of the Sustainability Academic Strategy.


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Research plan(s):

UBC’s 20-year Sustainability Strategy sets the high-level direction for next generation sustainability at UBC. Strategic goals related to advancing sustainability research include: Teaching, Learning, and Research Goal 3: “UBC’s sustainability research and scholarship excellence plays an important role in faculty and staff recruitment and retention” and Goal 4: “The University operates internationally recognized centres of excellence formed in response to critical societal needs and which advance trans-disciplinary and crosscutting sustainability research, linking it to on and off campus partners.”

UBC’s progress in advancing sustainability research is monitored and reported in Place and Promise: The UBC Plan Annual Reports and UBC Annual Sustainability Reports. Key metrics include the # and % of faculty at UBC’s Vancouver campus who conduct sustainability research, # of SEEDS program participants, # of SEEDS student research reports produced, # of PhD theses related to sustainability, # of Teaching and Research Fellowships awarded across faculties: http://sustain.ubc.ca/our-commitment/strategic-plans-policies-reports/annual-reports.


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Research plan(s):

UBC Sustainability Initiative


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Campus Engagement around sustainability:

UBC’s 20-year Sustainability Strategy outlines a strategic vision for Community to be achieved by 2035. http://sustain.ubc.ca/20-Year-Sustainability-Strategy.

In 2013, Campus + Community Planning (C+CP) completed the Campus Sustainability Engagement Strategy that refreshes engagement priorities aimed at reducing energy, water and waste in student residences, labs and offices through behaviour change programming. The strategy supports and guides our staff, faculty, and student engagement programs. In 2013, C+CP also completed a 3 year strategic plan for UBC’s Sustainability Coordinator Program.


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Campus Engagement plan:

UBC’s 20-year Sustainability Strategy sets the high-level direction for next generation sustainability at UBC. Strategic goals related to community include: Community Goal 3: “Innovative engagement programs strengthen linkages across the campus to generate a sense of place and support the creation of a vibrant, animated, and sustainable live-work-learn community”.

UBC’s progress in engaging the campus community through sustainability engagement programs is monitored and reported in UBC Annual Sustainability Reports, including the # of staff sustainability coordinators, # of sustainability in residence student engagement metrics, # of lab researchers engaged, # of sustainability tours conducted, # of SEEDS program participants, # of student Sustainability Ambassadors, # of newsletter subscribers to Sustainability Education newsletter: http://sustain.ubc.ca/our-commitment/strategic-plans-policies-reports/annual-reports.


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Campus Engagement plan(s):

Campus + Community Planning
UBC Sustainability Initiative


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Public Engagement around sustainability:

Community Engagement is one of three core commitments within UBC’s Strategic Plan, Place and Promise, and contains the vision that “The University serves and engages society to enhance economic, social, and cultural well-being.” http://strategicplan.ubc.ca/the-plan/community-engagement/

UBC has established numerous Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) with local sustainability partners, creating vibrant partnerships through which to research new approaches to sustainability, to learn from each other, and to put into practice on campus and in the wider world lessons learned from our collaborations. Through partnerships with the private, public, and NGO sectors, UBC is able to expand its expertise on sustainability and reach beyond campus.
Current MOUs include: UBC- University Neighborhoods Association; UBC- BC Hydro; and UBC- City of Vancouver. For a full list of sustainability partnerships, please visit: http://sustain.ubc.ca/partnerships

UBC’s Engagement Principles and Guiding Practices http://planning.ubc.ca/vancouver/projects-consultations/consultations-engagement/ccp-engagement-principles), approved by the Board of Governors in Fall 2014, includes a set of principles for defining, designing, implementing and concluding public engagement for campus and community planning.


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Public Engagement plan(s):

UBC’s goals, actions, portfolio actions, responsible portfolios, and progress reports related to Community Engagement are available online at: http://strategicplan.ubc.ca/the-plan/community-engagement/.

UBC’s progress in advancing public engagement around sustainability is reported in UBC Annual Sustainability Reports, including the # of formal MOUs, # of sustainability tours conducted, # of participants on sustainability tours, # of Greenest City Scholars applied work internships, and community engaged research metrics: http://sustain.ubc.ca/our-commitment/strategic-plans-policies-reports/annual-reports.


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Public Engagement plan(s):

Community Partnerships
UBC Sustainability Initiative
Campus + Community Planning


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Air and Climate:

In 2010, UBC’s Vancouver Campus Climate Action Plan committed to aggressive GHG emission reduction targets. http://sustain.ubc.ca/campus-initiatives/climate-energy/climate-action-plan.

In 2013, UBC completed a Community Energy and Emissions Plan in conjunction with BC Hydro and the University Neighborhoods Association which identified solutions to reduce emissions from UBC’s residential community. http://sustain.ubc.ca/campus-initiatives/climate-energy/CEEP.


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Air and Climate plan(s):

UBC’s Vancouver Campus Climate Action Plan committed to aggressive GHG emission reduction targets, aiming to reduce emissions 33 per cent by 2015, 67 per cent by 2020, and 100 per cent by 2050, compared to 2007 levels. UBC’s implementation strategies and progress reports are available online and reported out annually through UBC’s Carbon Neutral Action Reports and GHG Inventories: http://sustain.ubc.ca/campus-initiatives/climate-energy/climate-action-plan. In 2015, UBC will begin developing an updated Climate Action Plan to outline steps towards achieving our 2020 GHG reduction targets.

In 2014, UBC completed feasibility studies and selected a utility partner to develop and implement a Neighborhood District Energy System to provide low-carbon thermal energy for current and future residential neighborhoods.


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Air and Climate plan(s):

Campus + Community Planning
Energy & Water Services
Building Operations


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Buildings:

A key aspect of UBC’s green building policy is to promote design processes that encourage integrated design to achieve higher performance buildings. To this end, Campus + Community Planning requires that design teams follow the UBC Sustainability Process for major academic projects which includes the development of a Project Design Brief identifying each project’s social, economic and environmental sustainability goals and sustainability workshop requirements. http://sustain.ubc.ca/sites/sustain.ubc.ca/files/uploads/CampusSustainability/CS_PDFs/GreenBuildings/Green-building_Enhanced-sustainability-process_Jan2015.pdf

UBC started incorporating green building requirements into its Technical Guidelines, which are mandatory for all institutional new construction and major renovations, in 2002. The Guidelines are improved for sustainable design annually. http://technicalguidelines.ubc.ca/technical/sustainability.html

In 2013 UBC developed a LEED Implementation Guide which aims to help project teams achieve certification on campus and mandates certain LEED credits that align well with UBC policy. http://sustain.ubc.ca/sites/sustain.ubc.ca/files/uploads/CampusSustainability/CS_PDFs/GreenBuildings/UBCLEEDImplementationGuideline_20130424.pdf

UBC created its own Residential Environmental Assessment Program (REAP) in 2006. REAP is a green building rating system that is mandatory for all multifamily units built in the neighbourhoods at UBC. http://sustain.ubc.ca/campus-initiatives/green-buildings/reap

In 2015, UBC began developing an updated Green Building Plan to outline a roadmap toward regenerative and net positive design for buildings and communities. The plan will address new and existing buildings with defined performance metrics that address water, waste, energy, climate and materials. The Green Building Plan will outline a whole systems approach to resource stewardship through planning, design, construction and long-term operations.


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Buildings plan(s):

UBC’s 20-year Sustainability Strategy sets the high-level direction for next generation sustainability at UBC. Strategic goals related to building operations and infrastructure include: Operations & Infrastructure: Goal 4: “The built environment demonstrates regenerative design and operation throughout the UBC community”.

All new institutional construction and major renovations on campus will be Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certified, while our residential neighborhood buildings will achieve Residential Environmental Assessment Program (REAP) Gold certification.

UBC’s progress in advancing green buildings is reported in UBC Annual Sustainability Reports, including the # of LEED certified and registered institutional buildings and the # of REAP certified and registered residential buildings: http://sustain.ubc.ca/our-commitment/strategic-plans-policies-reports/annual-reports. UBC’s Green Building Directory is published online at: http://sustain.ubc.ca/campus-initiatives/buildings/green-building-directory.


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Buildings plan(s):

Campus + Community Planning


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Dining Services/Food:

UBC’s Climate Action Plan outlines a number of goals and actions related to Dining Services/Food. http://sustain.ubc.ca/campus-initiatives/climate-energy/climate-action-plan.

The Student Housing and Hospitality Services (SHHS) Sustainability Framework, completed in 2014, defines SHHS’s strategic priorities for improving performance on the campus’ sustainability goals and targets, including dining services/food. The framework includes unit-specific long term goals and associated priority areas, short term priority actions for the next 1-3 years and performance metrics for tracking purposes. UBC also compiles reports as part of our FairTrade campus certification.

The UBC Food System Project (UBCFSP) committee workshop is convened on an annual basis to review food sustainability actions, initiatives and food priorities in relation to the Food Action Plan for the coming year with key campus stakeholders. More information about the UBCFSP is available online at: http://sustain.ubc.ca/campus-initiatives/food/ubc-food-system-project.


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Dining Services/Food plan(s):

UBC’s Climate Action Plan outlines a number of goals and actions related to Dining Services/Food. http://sustain.ubc.ca/campus-initiatives/climate-energy/climate-action-plan.

The SHHS Sustainability Framework includes the following objectives: Food Purchasing: Increase food purchases that are locally grown, seasonal, raised, processed or produced 150 miles from campus with an emphasis on ethical and healthy choices; Food Packaging: Reduce the amount of food packaging provided to customers by promoting the use of reusable food and beverage containers.

Metrics related to food purchasing included and tracked in the SHHS Sustainability Framework include: % of all food purchases sourced 150 miles from campus; % of products purchased that are: 3rd party certified Fair Trade; Humanely Raised/Cage Free; GMO free; % of food packaging purchases that can recycled or composted in the UBC system (ideally by weight).


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Dining Services/Food plan(s):

Student Housing & Hospitality Services
Campus + Community Planning


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Energy:

UBC’s Energy & Water Services department updates and implements UBC’s Energy Management Plan, designed to maintain energy savings and identify further electricity and natural gas conservation opportunities and efficiencies.


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Energy plan(s):

Key strategies are outlined in UBC’s Climate Action Plan. http://sustain.ubc.ca/campus-initiatives/climate-energy/climate-action-plan. UBC’s Energy Management goals are outlined at: http://energy.ubc.ca/ubcs-story/energy-management/.

Key metrics are reported out through UBC Building Operations’ Sustainability Framework reporting process, Carbon Neutral Action Reports, and UBC Annual Sustainability Reports. Key metrics include campus energy sources, % of campus energy supplied from renewable energy sources, # of buildings tuned up through Continuous Optimization program: http://sustain.ubc.ca/our-commitment/strategic-plans-policies-reports/annual-reports. Additional performance metrics are reported out through Energy & Water Services website at: http://energy.ubc.ca/ubcs-story/stats-metrics/.


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Energy plan(s):

Energy & Water Services
Campus + Community Planning
Building Operations


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Grounds:

As per UBC Policy No.12 Pest Control (http://universitycounsel.ubc.ca/files/2010/08/policy12.pdf), pests will be controlled whenever possible through integrated pest management, a combination or cultural and biological techniques, and selective chemical methods only if necessary. UBC Municipal Landscape Services has followed the lead of the City of Vancouver, and has attempted to suspend the use of all chemical pesticides for "cosmetic" use.

In 2015/16, Campus + Community Planning will begin developing an integrated campus Forest Management Plan with the goal to protect and enhance UBC’s natural assets that play a role in ecosystem services related to enhanced natural habitat, stormwater management, carbon sequestration, improved air quality, contributing to passive solar design and campus image.


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Grounds plan(s):

UBC Municipal Landscape Services landscaping strategy aims to suspend use of herbicides, insecticides or fungicides used by our landscape maintenance group on the majority of campus landscapes unless there are extenuating circumstances (i.e. public health issue (e.g. West Nile Virus), invasive plants that threaten native woodland or agriculture, or when the preservation of rare, or heritage landscape elements is critical). UBC’s Integrated Pest Management Procedures are posted online at: http://riskmanagement.ubc.ca/environment/integrated-pest-management. UBC’s pesticide use, including type, quantity, and location applied is tracked by Municipal Landscape Services.


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Grounds plan(s):

Building Operations
Risk Management Services
Campus + Community Planning


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Purchasing:

The Payment and Procurement Services (PPS) Sustainability Framework, completed in 2014, defines PPS’s strategic priorities for improving performance on the campus’ sustainability goals and targets. The framework includes unit-specific long term goals and associated priority areas, short term priority actions for the next 1-3 years and performance metrics for tracking purposes.

Campus + Community Planning works closely with Building Operations, Payment and Procurement Services and Student Housing and Hospitality Services in planning new sustainability initiatives to promote sustainable purchasing, reduce waste generation and increase waste diversion. The mandate and direction for taking action on what UBC purchases and how we manage waste on campus is defined in UBC’s Zero Waste Action Plan and outlined in departmental sustainability frameworks.

UBC Building Operations’ Green Cleaning Program encompasses a number of comprehensive green cleaning/housekeeping initiatives, including purchasing. The program is outlined at: http://www.buildingoperations.ubc.ca/sustainability/custodial-initiatives/.


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Purchasing plan(s):

The Payment and Procurement Services Sustainability Framework includes unit-specific long term goals and associated priority areas, short term priority actions for the next 1-3 years and performance metrics for tracking purposes. Progress in achieving departmental sustainability framework objectives and metrics is reviewed and reported on annually as part of UBC’s annual sustainability reporting progress.

Key campus-level metrics included in UBC’s Carbon Neutral Action Reports include the volume and % of recycled content paper and % reduction in paper purchased since the baseline year.


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Purchasing plan(s):

Payment & Procurement Services
Building Operations
Student Housing and Hospitality Services


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Transportation:

Updated in 2014, the UBC Transportation Plan is the guiding
document for promoting sustainable transportation objectives and initiatives on UBC’s Vancouver campus and in turn informs the development of other transportation related plans, policies and projects. The Transportation Plan is also reinforced with campus design guidelines which have helped guide significant investments in the public realm aimed at improving pedestrian and cycling experience across the campus. http://planning.ubc.ca/vancouver/transportation-planning/transportation-plans


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Transportation plan(s):

Campus + Community Planning works to reduce automobile trips to and from UBC, by promoting more sustainable modes of transportation including transit, carpooling, walking and cycling and expanding campus housing options targeted toward students, staff and faculty. Objectives, targets and actions are outlined in UBC’s Transportation Plan at: http://planning.ubc.ca/vancouver/transportation-planning/transportation-plans.

Annual Transportation Status Reports are published online at: http://planning.ubc.ca/vancouver/transportation-planning/research-and-reports/transportation-status-reports.

Key transportation metrics are also reported out in UBC’s Annual Sustainability Reports, including % of trips by sustainable modes, % of trips by transit, % reduction in SOV person trips since 1997: http://sustain.ubc.ca/our-commitment/strategic-plans-policies-reports/annual-reports.


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Transportation plan(s):

Campus + Community Planning


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Waste:

The mandate and direction for taking action on what UBC purchases and how we manage operational as well as construction and demolition waste on campus is defined in UBC’s Zero Waste Action Plan and outlined in departmental sustainability frameworks. In 2014, UBC completed and began implementation of our Zero Waste Action Plan, which outlines goals, targets, and actions for reducing waste generation and increasing waste diversion on campus. http://sustain.ubc.ca/campus-initiatives/recycling-waste/what-ubc-doing/waste-action-plan


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Waste plan(s):

UBC’s Zero Waste Action Plan will be implemented over the next three to five years and will help us meet or exceed what is required by regional waste management regulations, including the upcoming Metro Vancouver regional organics disposal ban in 2015. Goals, targets, and actions are identified in the plan: http://sustain.ubc.ca/campus-initiatives/recycling-waste/what-ubc-doing/waste-action-plan.

Key waste generation and diversion metrics are reported out in UBC’s Annual Sustainability Reports, including overall waste diversion rate, % reduction in hazardous waste, and tonnes of operational waste disposed: http://sustain.ubc.ca/our-commitment/strategic-plans-policies-reports/annual-reports


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Waste plan(s):

Campus + Community Planning
Building Operations
Student Housing and Hospitality Services


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Water:

UBC’s water conservation plan includes enhancing existing and new buildings by: a) continuing to retrofit existing buildings to increase water efficiency in academic buildings, student housing, and research labs to enhance water conservation and b) adding water efficiency provisions in design guidelines to ensure all new institutional and residential buildings will be built to higher water efficiency standards. More information is available online at: http://sustain.ubc.ca/campus-initiatives/water/water-action-plan.

UBC recently completed a new Integrated Stormwater Management Plan (ISMP) to address stormwater and rainwater runoff on campus and identifies best practices including low impact development standards (LID). http://planning.ubc.ca/vancouver/projects-consultations/consultations-engagement/integrated-stormwater-management-plan-ismp


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Water plan(s):

UBC reports out annually on key water consumption metrics, including absolute water use and water use intensity metrics, reported in Annual Sustainability Reports: http://sustain.ubc.ca/our-commitment/strategic-plans-policies-reports/annual-reports.

More information about the objectives of the Integrated Stormwater Management Plan is available online at: http://planning.ubc.ca/vancouver/projects-consultations/consultations-engagement/integrated-stormwater-management-plan/ism-at-ubc


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Water plan(s):

Campus + Community Planning
Energy & Water Services
Building Operations
Student Housing and Hospitality Services


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Diversity and Affordability:

Key plans related to diversity and affordability include:

Place and Promise: The UBC Strategic Plan (2009) includes several commitments including Aboriginal Engagement, Intercultural Understanding and Outstanding Work Environment. http://strategicplan.ubc.ca/the-plan/.

The Aboriginal Strategic Plan outlines ten major areas of action and provides a framework within which the many initiatives underway across the university can be located and be better integrated. It also defines critical areas in which further work must be done. http://aboriginal.ubc.ca/strategic-plan/.

The Intercultural Understanding Mid-Level Strategic Plan (2014) aims to provide a framework for advancing UBC’s commitment to intercultural understanding. Over the past few years, UBC Vancouver has been engaged in the early-stages of implementation of the plan, entitled The Intercultural Promise: http://blogs.ubc.ca/interculturalu/files/2014/04/Intercultural-Understanding-Strategic-Plan-Final-Draft-UBCV-May-2014.pdf.

The University’s diversity and inclusion strategy was reviewed and updated in 2013. ‘Implementing Inclusion – A Consultation on Organizational Change to Support UBC’s Commitment to Equity and Diversity’ is available online at: http://equity.ubc.ca/files/2010/06/Implementing-Inclusion-Equity-Diversity-Consultation-Report-April-2013.pdf.

‘Valuing Difference: A Strategy for Advancing Equity and Diversity at UBC’ is a mid-level plan intended to give effect to UBC’s commitment to achieving an equitable and diverse university. It does so by proposing actions that address practices in many aspects of university life, and which will embed equity and diversity within UBC’s policies and procedures; by identifying possible metrics to assess change; and by identifying senior administrators who are responsible for implementing change. The full plan is available online at: shttp://diversityatubc.sites.olt.ubc.ca/files/2010/11/valuingdifference1.pdf.

Housing Action Plan: In 2010, UBC’s Board of Governors adopted The University Community on Campus – UBC’s Housing Action Plan, UBC’s comprehensive plan to improve housing affordability and choice on the Vancouver campus for faculty, staff and students. UBC continues to implement the plan in support of the long-term development of a thriving, diverse, and sustainable community on the Vancouver campus. http://hap.ubc.ca/.


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Diversity and Affordability plan(s):

Key objectives, strategies, and metrics related to Aboriginal Engagement, Intercultural Understanding and Outstanding Work Environment are reported out in Place and Promise reports available online at: http://strategicplan.ubc.ca/reporting/.

Aboriginal Strategic Plan - Fifth Year Implementation Report (2014) contains updates on aims covering students, curriculum, community outreach and new initiatives. http://aboriginal-2.sites.olt.ubsc.ca/files/2014/12/2014Report.pdf

Intercultural Understanding Mid-Level Strategic Plan: An implementation strategy Year 1 (2013) to Year 5 (2018) is outlined at http://equity.ubc.ca/intercultural-understanding/.

Implementing Inclusion Report: Following the May 2013 report there was phase 1-3 implementation. 1. Re-open and rename Equity and Inclusion Office; 2. Broader executive responsibility and integrated program leadership; 3. Consultation process – Phase 1 (2013); 4. University-wide responsibility for equity and inclusion: Associate Vice President, Equity and Inclusion starts in March 2015 (5 year); 5. Educational strategy.

Valuing Difference: Actions, metrics, and oversight are included in the plan: http://diversityatubc.sites.olt.ubc.ca/files/2010/11/valuingdifference1.pdf

Housing Action Plan: Key elements, targets, and strategies of the Plan are outlined at: http://hap.ubc.ca/the-plan/. Key metrics are also reported out in UBC Place and Promise Reports and Annual Sustainability Reports.


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Diversity and Affordability plan(s):

Equity & Inclusion Office
Access & Diversity Office
First Nations House of Learning
Campus + Community Planning


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Health, Wellbeing and Work:

'Focus on People: Workplace Practices at UBC' is a contributing framework towards the realization of the University’s values. It sets out strategies and corresponding initiatives to consider how we may improve our daily work practices in order to create an outstanding work environment for staff and faculty members at UBC. We want to retain and attract outstanding people, and support faculty and staff in achieving what is important in their professional and personal lives. At the end of the day, it is vital to the success of the university that we recognize and celebrate the inherent value in each other’s contributions to UBC. http://focusonpeople.ubc.ca/our-practices/


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Health, Wellbeing and Work plan(s):

Since introducing the Focus on People framework six years ago, UBC has systematically gathered and reported annual faculty and staff employment data. This data provides insight and reveals trends in key areas that inform the Outstanding Work Environment goals: be the place of choice for outstanding faculty and staff; and be a healthy, safe, inspiring workplace that cultivates wellbeing, resilience and commitment, and be responsive to the family needs of faculty and staff. This year’s report considers employment data for fiscal 2013-2014. http://focusonpeople.ubc.ca/reporting/benchmark-reports/.


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Health, Wellbeing and Work plan(s):

Human Resources


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Investment:

UBC has a responsible investment strategy to guide management of its endowments and working capital funds. It also appointed a special working group to recommend further changes. The strategy was developed by the Board’s Responsible Investment Committee for the Endowment, established in 2010 to consult with external experts and other universities, and to find an effective approach for UBC’s endowment mission, capabilities and investment beliefs. For more information, see: http://www.vpfinance.ubc.ca/2013/06/26/ubc-adopts-responsible-investment-strategy/ and http://treasury.ubc.ca/responsible-investment/.


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Investment plan(s):

The UBC endowment responsible investment policy commits UBC to incorporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in its investment choices. This means that UBC will ensure its fund managers incorporate these factors in the management of their portfolios. The policy also outlines options to engage with companies or industries that are of concern to the UBC community, while maintaining the university’s obligation to its donors. The policy is available online at: http://treasury.ubc.ca/responsible-investment/ubc-endowment-responsible-investment-policy/.


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Investment plan(s):

Treasury


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in other areas:
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The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the other plan(s):
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Accountable parties, offices or departments for the other plan(s):
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The institution’s definition of sustainability:

At UBC's Vancouver campus, sustainability means simultaneous improvements in human and environmental wellbeing, not just reductions in damage or harm.

UBC embraces sustainability as a societal conversation about the kind of world we live in, informed by an understanding of the ecological, social and economic consequences of our individual and collective actions.

The University believes in sustainability because it is necessary as the ecological and human consequences of unsustainability are devastating; it is the right thing to do ethically and in terms of distributive justice; and, it is desirable in itself, offering the possibility of a better life for people and the planet.


Does the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document include sustainability at a high level?:
Yes

A brief description of how the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document addresses sustainability:

UBC’s Strategic Plan, Place and Promise, contains the vision statement: “The University of British Columbia, aspiring to be one of the world's best universities, will prepare students to become exceptional global citizens, promote the values of a civil and sustainable society, and conduct outstanding research to serve the people of British Columbia, Canada, and the world.”

In 2009, UBC’s Strategic Plan, Place and Promise, included sustainability as one of nine key commitments, embedding sustainability into the University’s strategic direction and committing UBC to explore and exemplify all aspects of economic, environmental and social sustainability.

The Sustainability section of the plan contains 3 high-level goals for economic, environmental, and social sustainability, along with corresponding actions:
- Goal 1: Ensure UBC’s economic sustainability by aligning resources with the University vision and deploying them in a sustainable and effective manner
- Goal 2: Make UBC a living laboratory in environmental and social sustainability by integrating research, learning, operations, and industrial and community partners
- Goal 3: Create a vibrant and sustainable community of faculty, staff, students and residents

To read the full plan, as well as action areas and reports on metrics, visit: http://strategicplan.ubc.ca/the-plan/sustainability/.

UBC’s 20-year Sustainability Strategy outlines the University’s sustainability vision and aspirations, and in so doing sets the long-term direction towards a more sustainable university. It builds on UBC’s Sustainability Academic Strategy (2009), a mid-level plan under Place and Promise, UBC’s Strategic Plan, and it is intended to guide planning and development of the UBC Vancouver campus with regard to sustainability. The strategy embraces the core values of the University, as expressed in the Place and Promise, and is available online at: http://sustain.ubc.ca/20-Year-Sustainability-Strategy.


The website URL where information about the institution’s sustainability planning is available:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:

UBC has committed to sustainability throughout the University’s highest-level strategic plans, including:

PLACE AND PROMISE: UBC STRATEGIC PLAN
http://strategicplan.ubc.ca/the-plan/sustainability/
In 2009, UBC’s Strategic Plan, Place and Promise, included sustainability as one of nine key commitments, embedding sustainability into the University’s strategic direction and committing UBC to explore and exemplify all aspects of economic, environmental and social sustainability.

UBC VANCOUVER CAMPUS PLAN
http://planning.ubc.ca/vancouver/planning/policies-plans/land-use-governance-documents/vancouver-campus-plan
The UBC Vancouver Campus Plan, updated in 2010, provides a cohesive framework for the campus’ current and future development and guides decision-making for the next 20 years. Sustainability is the first of five interrelated strategies identified to achieve the Plan’s vision.

SUSTAINABILITY ACADEMIC STRATEGY
http://sustain.ubc.ca/sites/sustain.ubc.ca/files/uploads/CampusSustainability/CS_PDFs/PlansReports/Plans/UBCSustainabilityAcademicStrategy.pdf
In 2009, UBC developed a Sustainability Academic Strategy (SAS) as a framework to enhance integration of academic and operational sustainability. In 2010, the UBC Sustainability Initiative (USI) was established and commenced work to implement the SAS.

UBC CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
http://sustain.ubc.ca/campus-initiatives/climate-energy/climate-action-plan
In 2010, UBC adopted the Vancouver Campus Climate Action Plan, committing UBC to aggressive GHG emission reduction targets, aiming to reduce emissions 33 per cent by 2015, 67 per cent by 2020, and 100 per cent by 2050, compared to 2007 levels. The comprehensive and visionary plan identifies strategies, actions, and targets to reduce emissions in the areas of development and infrastructure, energy supply and management, fleet, commuting, business travel, procurement and food.

20-YEAR SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY
http://sustain.ubc.ca/20-Year-Sustainability-Strategy
In 2014, UBC approved a 20-year Sustainability Strategy that sets the stage for the next generation of sustainability activities at UBC. The Strategy includes activities across teaching, learning, research, partnerships, operations, infrastructure, and the community. The Strategy will guide institutional innovation and transformation, enabling the University to continue being a global leader that inspires not only a more sustainable campus community, but a more sustainable world. As an overall framework, it will enable UBC to further integrate dispersed sustainability efforts through the lens of regenerative sustainability, leverage the campus as a societal test-bed and create academic, operational and community collaborations and connections. In developing the strategy, UBC convened a Steering Committee chaired by the Associate Provost, Sustainability and composed of 21 community members, including, students, faculty, staff, external partners, the University Neighbourhoods Association and the Musqueam First Nation. The Steering Committee provided oversight on the engagement process, considered community feedback and drafted the strategy. The process engaged over 2,000 people, both online and in-person. The strategy was approved by the USI Steering Committee and presented to the UBC Board of Governors in Fall 2014.

DEPARTMENT-LEVEL SUSTAINABILITY FRAMEWORKS
In 2013, UBC began development of an Operational Sustainability Strategy, which will outline UBC’s strategic framework for improving the campus’ operational sustainability performance. As part of this process, Campus + Community Planning began working with key operational departments, helping them identify strategic sustainability objectives and actions that will enable UBC to achieve long-term campus wide targets in energy, climate, waste, and water. Department-level sustainability frameworks, which identified a series of actions toward meeting departmental targets and goals, were completed for UBC Building Operations, Student Housing and Hospitality Services, Payment and Procurement Services and UBC Information Technology departments.

UBC ANNUAL SUSTAINABILITY REPORTS
http://sustain.ubc.ca/our-commitment/strategic-plans-policies-reports/annual-reports
UBC has produced annual reports on sustainability activities and has been tracking performance metrics since 1998. Annual Sustainability Reports are presented to the UBC Board of Governors, and key performance indicators are also included as part of UBC’s Place and Promise Reports.

A full list of current and historical sustainability policies, plans and reports is available at: http://sustain.ubc.ca/our-commitment/strategic-plans-policies-reports/sustainability-plans.


UBC has committed to sustainability throughout the University’s highest-level strategic plans, including:

PLACE AND PROMISE: UBC STRATEGIC PLAN
http://strategicplan.ubc.ca/the-plan/sustainability/
In 2009, UBC’s Strategic Plan, Place and Promise, included sustainability as one of nine key commitments, embedding sustainability into the University’s strategic direction and committing UBC to explore and exemplify all aspects of economic, environmental and social sustainability.

UBC VANCOUVER CAMPUS PLAN
http://planning.ubc.ca/vancouver/planning/policies-plans/land-use-governance-documents/vancouver-campus-plan
The UBC Vancouver Campus Plan, updated in 2010, provides a cohesive framework for the campus’ current and future development and guides decision-making for the next 20 years. Sustainability is the first of five interrelated strategies identified to achieve the Plan’s vision.

SUSTAINABILITY ACADEMIC STRATEGY
http://sustain.ubc.ca/sites/sustain.ubc.ca/files/uploads/CampusSustainability/CS_PDFs/PlansReports/Plans/UBCSustainabilityAcademicStrategy.pdf
In 2009, UBC developed a Sustainability Academic Strategy (SAS) as a framework to enhance integration of academic and operational sustainability. In 2010, the UBC Sustainability Initiative (USI) was established and commenced work to implement the SAS.

UBC CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
http://sustain.ubc.ca/campus-initiatives/climate-energy/climate-action-plan
In 2010, UBC adopted the Vancouver Campus Climate Action Plan, committing UBC to aggressive GHG emission reduction targets, aiming to reduce emissions 33 per cent by 2015, 67 per cent by 2020, and 100 per cent by 2050, compared to 2007 levels. The comprehensive and visionary plan identifies strategies, actions, and targets to reduce emissions in the areas of development and infrastructure, energy supply and management, fleet, commuting, business travel, procurement and food.

20-YEAR SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY
http://sustain.ubc.ca/20-Year-Sustainability-Strategy
In 2014, UBC approved a 20-year Sustainability Strategy that sets the stage for the next generation of sustainability activities at UBC. The Strategy includes activities across teaching, learning, research, partnerships, operations, infrastructure, and the community. The Strategy will guide institutional innovation and transformation, enabling the University to continue being a global leader that inspires not only a more sustainable campus community, but a more sustainable world. As an overall framework, it will enable UBC to further integrate dispersed sustainability efforts through the lens of regenerative sustainability, leverage the campus as a societal test-bed and create academic, operational and community collaborations and connections. In developing the strategy, UBC convened a Steering Committee chaired by the Associate Provost, Sustainability and composed of 21 community members, including, students, faculty, staff, external partners, the University Neighbourhoods Association and the Musqueam First Nation. The Steering Committee provided oversight on the engagement process, considered community feedback and drafted the strategy. The process engaged over 2,000 people, both online and in-person. The strategy was approved by the USI Steering Committee and presented to the UBC Board of Governors in Fall 2014.

DEPARTMENT-LEVEL SUSTAINABILITY FRAMEWORKS
In 2013, UBC began development of an Operational Sustainability Strategy, which will outline UBC’s strategic framework for improving the campus’ operational sustainability performance. As part of this process, Campus + Community Planning began working with key operational departments, helping them identify strategic sustainability objectives and actions that will enable UBC to achieve long-term campus wide targets in energy, climate, waste, and water. Department-level sustainability frameworks, which identified a series of actions toward meeting departmental targets and goals, were completed for UBC Building Operations, Student Housing and Hospitality Services, Payment and Procurement Services and UBC Information Technology departments.

UBC ANNUAL SUSTAINABILITY REPORTS
http://sustain.ubc.ca/our-commitment/strategic-plans-policies-reports/annual-reports
UBC has produced annual reports on sustainability activities and has been tracking performance metrics since 1998. Annual Sustainability Reports are presented to the UBC Board of Governors, and key performance indicators are also included as part of UBC’s Place and Promise Reports.

A full list of current and historical sustainability policies, plans and reports is available at: http://sustain.ubc.ca/our-commitment/strategic-plans-policies-reports/sustainability-plans.

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.