| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 51.12 |
| Liaison | Matthew Williams |
| Submission Date | June 30, 2017 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
University of Florida
PA-2: Sustainability Planning
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
3.83 / 4.00 |
Liz
Storn Program Coordinator Office of Sustainability |
"---"
indicates that no data was submitted for this field
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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) | No | No |
| Campus Engagement | No | No |
| Public Engagement | No | No |
| Air and Climate | Yes | Yes |
| Buildings | Yes | Yes |
| Dining Services/Food | Yes | No |
| Energy | Yes | Yes |
| Grounds | Yes | Yes |
| Purchasing | Yes | Yes |
| Transportation | Yes | Yes |
| Waste | Yes | Yes |
| Water | Yes | Yes |
| Diversity and Affordability | Yes | Yes |
| Health, Wellbeing and Work | Yes | Yes |
| Investment | No | No |
| Other | No | No |
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A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Curriculum:
In the "Vision for a Sustainable UF, the guiding principle is to stimulate and facilitate curricular development and research efforts in sustainability-related areas, including the promotion of service-learning and the empowerment of faculty, students, and staff to engage the campus community, university operations, and university lands as living laboratories for sustainability.
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Curriculum plan(s):
The following opportunities are included in the Vision Plan for curriculum:
- Develop formalized, institutionalized, interdisciplinary, academic programs that support teaching and research for sustainability.
- Develop a core sustainability requirement in every college
- Provide support and incentives for students, faculty, and staff to cross departmental boundaries and approach problem solving in a multifaceted way.
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Curriculum plan(s):
Office of Sustainability
Provost
President
Deans and Department Chairs
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Research (or other scholarship):
---
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Research plan(s):
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None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Research plan(s):
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None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Campus Engagement around sustainability:
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None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Campus Engagement plan:
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None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Campus Engagement plan(s):
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None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Public Engagement around sustainability:
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None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Public Engagement plan(s):
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None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Public Engagement plan(s):
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None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Air and Climate:
The UF Climate Action Plan (CAP) was developed in 2009 to foster organizational leadership and create a foundation for long-term institutional culture change in climate change mitigation and natural resource management; Initiate, implement, and monitor the efficacy of key infrastructure energy efficiency strategies identified in the ongoing Energy Summits and outlined in the Office of Sustainability Vision and Implementation Plans; Continue and expand GHGE reduction campaigns via the Office of Sustainability Green Team Network and other outreach efforts with a focus on the conservation of electricity and water, the reduction of vehicles miles traveled, and utilizing the three R's (reduce ->reuse->recycle) of materials and waste; Evaluate, finance, and install a minimum of 100 kW of on-site renewable energy generating capacity within the main campus and/or its local environs.
http://old.sustainable.ufl.edu/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/UF_CAP_v1.pdf
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The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Air and Climate plan(s):
UF set a visionary goal of carbon neutrality by 2025. This would be achieved by capturing the maximum energy efficiencies across campus in all buildings, utility infrastructure and service; developing and maintaining a comprehensive carbon inventory; establishing baselines for all areas in order to set reduction goals; encouraging our energy provider to develop a lower carbon portfolio; installing renewable energy on campus; and developing a revolving loan fund for efficiency retrofits and renewable energy innovations.
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Air and Climate plan(s):
Office of Sustainability
Physical Plant Division
Business Affairs
Facilities Planning & Construction
IFAS
UF Health
Transportation & Parking Services
Finance & Accounting
Housing
Purchasing
University Athletic Association
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Buildings:
The guiding principal to advance sustainability in buildings as described in the "Vision for a Sustainable UF" is to "Construct and renovate the built environment to high standards or energy, water, and materials efficiency with minimum impacts on local ecosystems".
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Buildings plan(s):
All new major construction on UF main campus must achieve a minimum of LEED Gold.
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Buildings plan(s):
Planning, Design, and Construction, Office of Sustainability, Physical Plant Division, Housing, IFAS
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Dining Services/Food:
UF emphasizes providing sustainable, healthy food options on campus that contribute to the overall wellness of students, faculty, staff, and visitors. The "Vision for a Sustainable UF" envisions UF offering a full range of dining choices, with equally convenient and attractive sustainable options. Per the "Vision", UF campus would function as a living laboratory to develop, demonstrate, and teach best practices.
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Dining Services/Food plan(s):
The following strategies are identified in the Agricultural Implementation Plan:
- Work with stakeholders to develop an assessment framework that defines sustainable agriculture for UF
- Work to support/develop opportunities/incentives for farmers to maintain land and help new farmers.
- Encourage all staff, vendors, and decisions makers on campus to engage in sustainability in dining services at UF and to align with other UF sustainability goals and directives (i.e. Waste, Sustainable Purchasing).
- Educate on the value of food and food systems, develop critical thinking skills around food systems and healthy lifestyles, and provide opportunities and access for students to engage in the local food system on campus.
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Dining Services/Food plan(s):
Business Services Division, Gator Dining/Aramark, Office of Sustainability, IFAS
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Energy:
The guiding principle for energy in the "Vision for a Sustainable UF" plan is to: "Monitor and minimize energy consumption, reduce and offset greenhouse gas emissions, and promote the development and use of renewable energy sources."
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Energy plan(s):
The energy plans tie in directly with the Air and Climate plans with the following objectives: Capturing the maximum energy efficiencies across campus in all buildings, utility infrastructure and service; establishing baselines for all areas in order to set reduction goals; installing renewable energy on campus; and developing a revolving loan fund for efficiency retrofits and renewable energy innovations.
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Energy plan(s):
Physical Plant Division
Facilities, Planning & Construction
Office of Sustainability
Business Affairs
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Grounds:
The guiding principle from the UF Vision for a Sustainable UF" is to "Manage lands in a sustainable manner to conserve, protect, and restore natural systems, natural resources, and biodiversity."
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Grounds plan(s):
- Manage lands so that there is no net loss of biodiversity
- Promote indigenous species and appropriately limit the use of inorganic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers
- Develop educational interpretations to promote biodiversity
- Conserve areas by designing the university's built environment into a denser urbanized center.
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Grounds plan(s):
Physical Plant Division
Office of Sustainability
Lakes, Vegetation & Landscaping Committee
Facilities, Planning & Construction
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Purchasing:
The UF "Vision for a Sustainable UF" states that the guiding principle to advance sustainability in procurement is to "Subscribe to procurement policies and practices that support environmentally and socially responsible products and services."
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Purchasing plan(s):
- Develop a web-based, user-friendly interface to identify sustainable options for purchasing decisions.
- Integrate analysis of total cost of ownership and full-cost accounting into purchasing decisions
- Develop materials to support campus-wide and department level understanding and compliance.
- Negotiate "extended producer responsibility" clauses with contract vendors.
- Develop "report cards" to track sustainable purchasing on campus and the performance of campus suppliers/vendors
- Offer sustainable purchasing training to all purchasers.
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Purchasing plan(s):
Procurement Services
Office of Sustainability
Asset Management
CFO
Finance & Accounting
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Transportation:
The Campus Master Plan includes an entire Transportation element, designed to improve all transportation options across campus and in the community (http://www.facilities.ufl.edu/planning/cmp/mp2015/docs/elements/Transportation.pdf)
Specific objectives that apply to sustainable transportation include:
- Objective 1.3 - Reduce the dependence on single-occupant vehicles as a primary mode of travel to campus and encourage transportation modal choice within the Context Area
- Objective 2.2 - Provide pedestrian and bicycle facilities that safely and efficiently accommodate walking and bicycling in a comfortable and aesthetically-pleasing environment
- Objective 2.3 - Provide transit facilities and services that are convenient, safe and responsive to the needs of the campus community
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The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Transportation plan(s):
The Campus Master Plan includes 7 specific pedestrian project priorities, 17 independent bicycle project priorities, 3 bicycle/pedestrian grade-separation project priorities, and 8 campus bus shelter construction/improvement priorities. Additional policies include: The University administration and Student Government shall continue to work with RTS to maintain and enhance service for on-campus routes and off-campus student-oriented residential concentrations subject to ongoing system performance monitoring; The University administration and Student Government shall participate with the
City of Gainesville, Alachua County, MTPO, FDOT, Gainesville Community Redevelopment Agency, and Regional Transit System (RTS) to improve bicycle and pedestrian safety through educational programs, safety awareness campaigns and facility improvements including intersection modifications, traffic signal equipment upgrades (e.g. count-down and audible signal heads) shared-use paths, overpasses/underpasses. In particular, the development of facilities presented in Figure 8-3 shall be encouraged; Retain University of Florida Design and Construction Standards for bicycle and pedestrian facilities consistent with the most recent applicable publications of the Florida Department of Transportation and the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials.
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Transportation plan(s):
Transportation and Parking Services
Facilities, Planning & Construction
Office of Sustainability
University Police Department
City of Gainesville
Alachua County
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Waste:
In 2005, the President of UF announced that the University would strive for Zero Waste. Additionally, the state of Florida has a goal of 75% recycling by 2020. UF is working to meet both goals through aversion, increased recycling, composting and purchasing initiatives. Waste audits performed in 2009 and 2014 have set the stage for strategies to achieve Zero Waste. The "Vision for a Sustainable UF" states that the guiding principles for waste management are to "Reduce waste streams and promote closed-cycle material practices".
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Waste plan(s):
The State of Florida has established a goal of 75% recycling by 2020 with the following interim goals: 60% recycling by December 31, 2016, 70% recycling by December 31, 2018 and 75% recycling by December 31, 2020. Additionally, UF is striving for Zero Waste. Additionally, the "Vision" plan envisions sorting all waste for the most productive re-use, recycling, or conversion to energy with the following priorities:
- Construction & Deconstruction Waste - reduce and eliminate waste followed by recycling materials on campus
- Biomedical Waste - explore options for waste to energy
- Organic Waste - Sustainably manager through anaerobic digestion or composting.
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Waste plan(s):
Office of Sustainability
Physical Plant Division
Procurement Office
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Water:
The "Vision for a Sustainable UF" envisions the University of Florida adopting collaborative and responsive processes for land and water management. Both technological improvements and behavior change would play significant roles in sustainable resource management. To inspire behavior change in the campus community, UF will endeavor to monitor and assess our land and resource use and to educate the campus community about the effects of our collective practices.
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The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Water plan(s):
- UF will require water metering on all new buildings and use data to compile new standards for water conservation according to building classifications.
- UF will evaluate the cost to install water meters on existing buildings
- Improve financing, marketing, and diffusion of water fountain filtration system upgrades
- Evaluate water quality performance standards of all campus water bodies and re-evaluate thresholds as needed.
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Water plan(s):
Facilities, Planning & Construction
Office of Sustainability
Physical Plant Division
Business Affairs
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Diversity and Affordability:
The President's Council on Diversity developed a Diversity Action Plan with the goals to:
- Break down stereotypes about faculty, students, staff, and others who are members of that group or gender and provide educational benefits to all students.
- Promote dissolution of isolation and marginalization to relieve individuals who are members of that group or gender from such feelings that hinder full participation in educational, research, and service activities as individuals and not as representatives of their group or gender.
- Create broadly diverse classroom, laboratory, and other curricular and co-curricular experiences to teach all students to work creatively, collaboratively and productively with individuals of different backgrounds and experiences, including those of different races, genders, and socio-economic backgrounds.
- Enhance the multicultural competency of the faculty and student body in teaching, learning, and research—enabling them to include people of a wide range of perspectives, backgrounds, races, genders, and experiences— and providing opportunities to enhance learning and research outcomes by expanding the potential to broaden issue-identification, problem-solving, and collaboration.
- Contribute to the University's ability to serve the needs of the state of Florida, the nation, and all of society for a well-qualified and diverse citizenry, workforce, and academic research community—with the associated benefits to our democracy, society, economic strength, and national security--taking into account the changing demographics of the state of Florida and the United States, as well as the evolving
global focus of society
http://hr.ufl.edu/wp-content/uploads/publications/Diversity%20Action%20Plan%20-%20August%202011.pdf
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The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Diversity and Affordability plan(s):
- Develop a comprehensive communications and marketing program to advance diversity by expressing that UF is a welcoming and inclusive institution for diverse internal and external stakeholders. Initiate proactive, ongoing media campaigns to support the efforts to foster a welcoming campus climate.
- Develop instructor led diversity awareness workshops to embed knowledge and to explore sensitive issues in a structured environment
- Collect data and create databases to systematically and effectively assess progress to
achieve diversity goals.
- Develop a MentorNet or e-mentoring program by which undergraduate and graduate students in science and engineering, whose backgrounds and experience indicate a need, can be mentored by professionals in industry and universities.
- Develop mentoring / community building programs for any students who have demonstrated barriers to overcome for success.
- Develop policies and practices to ensure residential facilities foster a greater understanding of diversity, and each provides an inclusive and welcoming environment for a diverse population.
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Diversity and Affordability plan(s):
President's Council on Diversity
President's Office
Sr. Vice Presidents
Housing & Residence Education
University Relations
Student Affairs
Deans and Department Chairs
Office of institutional Equity & Diverstiy
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Health, Wellbeing and Work:
The "Vision for A Sustainable UF" envisions UF striving to create an environment that supports employees in balancing work and family responsibilities while staying healthy. In order to monitor progress, UF would track indicators of wellbeing such as student and employee access to health care benefits, student and employee access to child care, job satisfaction, retention, and motivation/determination.
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Health, Wellbeing and Work plan(s):
- Develop a fully coordinated wellness effort on campus.
- Provide an integrated and accessible child care/family support system
- Create easy campus-wide access to healthy food choices at affordable prices
- Increase accessibility to conflict resolution assistance.
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Health, Wellbeing and Work plan(s):
Human Resources
Student Affairs
Office of Sustainability
Gator Dining/Aramark
Business Services
Baby Gator
Healthy Gators
Counseling Center
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Investment:
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None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Investment plan(s):
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None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Investment plan(s):
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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:
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Does the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document include sustainability at a high level?:
No
None
A brief description of how the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document addresses sustainability:
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None
The website URL where information about the institution’s sustainability planning is available:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
Implementation Plans for many areas described in the "Vision for a Sustainable UF" are included here: http://sustainable.ufl.edu/about/history/uf-strategic-vision/
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.