| Overall Rating | Gold |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 65.91 |
| Liaison | Elizabeth MacKenzie |
| Submission Date | June 25, 2024 |
University of Iowa
PA-2: Sustainability Planning
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
3.00 / 4.00 |
Emma
Duncan Grad Student Intern Office of Sustainability and the Environment |
Does the institution have a published plan or plans that include measurable sustainability objectives that address sustainability in curriculum and/or research?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to academics and the plan(s) in which they are published:
The University of Iowa strives to further integrate sustainability into the university’s teaching, research, and public engagement missions as well as its operations. By 2027, the University aims to increase undergraduate students completing a sustainability-focused course to 75%.
This goal was published in the University of Iowa 2022-2027 Strategic Plan.
Does the institution have a published plan or plans that include measurable sustainability objectives that address student, employee, or community engagement for sustainability?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to engagement and the plan(s) in which they are published:
The University of Iowa strives to bolster community partnerships in areas of institutional excellence—including health, arts and cultural programming, sustainability, entrepreneurship and business development, policy leadership, well-being and mental health, and others—to positively impact communities in Iowa and advance the university’s mission around the world. An example of the university's goal to increase engagement is to increase the percentage of campus participation in campus climate surveys to 60% by 2027.
This goal was published in the University of Iowa 2022-20127 Strategic Plan.
Does the institution have a published plan or plans that include measurable sustainability objectives that address sustainability in operations?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to operations and the plan(s) in which they are published:
The University of Iowa strives to continue to exercise responsible and effective stewardship of resources, prioritize sustainability, and address the needs of stakeholders in the state of Iowa and beyond as well as integrate sustainability into the university’s operations. The university aims to reduce green house gas emissions by 47% by 2027 with a goal of 50% reduction by 2030.
This goal was published in the University of Iowa 2022-2027 Strategic Plan.
Does the institution have a published plan or plans that include measurable sustainability objectives that address diversity, equity, and inclusion; sustainable investment/finance; or wellbeing?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to administration and the plan(s) in which they are published:
One of the University of Iowa's five pillars in its 2022-2027 Strategic Plan is Holistic Well-Being and Success. This pillar aims to provide a comprehensive foundation of support for individuals throughout all stages of their relationship with the university.
From Strategic Plan:
A. Embed well-being and mental health into all aspects of campus culture to better support students, faculty, and staff.
1. Evaluate the effectiveness of and recommend improvements to existing well-being programs, and identify service gaps based on population data.
2. Identify well-being and mental health needs of diverse groups and evaluate effectiveness of existing programs in meeting those needs.
3. Create a cohesive framework of existing holistic well-being services and resources for students, faculty, and staff to ensure a more inclusive and equitable well-being and mental health infrastructure.
4. Increase access to and awareness of mental health and well-being resources.
5. Expand curricular and co-curricular learning for all students that provides foundational well-being knowledge and skills.
B. Promote institutional excellence and success by attracting and recruiting a talented body of students, faculty, and staff to create an inclusive and engaged community rich in diversity of experiences, perspectives, and expertise.
1. Recruit talented undergraduate, graduate, and professional students.
2. Recruit exceptional faculty, with a focus on areas of strategic importance.
3. Recruit talented staff, with attention to areas of critical need to the institution
Action on the well-being pillar is being led by the Well-Being and Mental Health Campus Committee, which has several subcommittees, including the Built and Natural Environment subcommittee. The Built and Natural Environment subcommittee includes members of the Office of Sustainability and the Environment, as well as Utilities, Campus Planning, Human Resources, Grounds Management, and Campus Recreation. The subcommittee provides information and recommendations on best practices for integrating sustainability and wellness into campus environments. Some examples include, developing Design Standards for campus buildings that prioritize biophilic design, Well-Building standards, and outdoor spaces that are welcoming and functional.
Does the institution have a published strategic plan or equivalent guiding document that includes sustainability at a high level? :
The institution’s highest guiding document (upload):
Website URL where the institution’s highest guiding document is publicly available:
Which of the following best describes the inclusion of sustainability in the highest guiding document?:
The institution's sustainability plan (upload):
Website URL where the institution's sustainability plan is publicly available:
Does the institution have a formal statement in support of sustainability endorsed by its governing body?:
The formal statement in support of sustainability:
Regent Institutions Sustainability Plan
The Plan is to provide a vision for long term comprehensive sustainability. The premise of the plan rests on:
♦ Leadership -Sustainability has been underway on the Regent campuses for a number of years and has become more visible with the appointment on each
university campus of a presidential-level council to develop best practices in sustainability, and the creation of an Energy and/or Sustainability Coordinator/Director position. This Sustainability Plan builds on those stewardship initiatives.
♦ Flexibility - the Sustainability Plan is meant to be a framework for each Regent institution to use in developing a campus plan that recognizes the uniqueness of each. This Plan will be refined as needed for Regent institutions to stay leaders in education, research, and action.
♦ Measurement - the Sustainability Plan is intended to further the development of a campus assessment and benchmarking framework. Its purpose is to continue the work underway on all Regent campuses. Regent institutions will monitor AASHE sustainability rating systems; the Governor’s Office of Energy Independence and the Iowa Climate Change Advisory Council; as well as other sustainability standards. An annual update/progress report will be presented to the Board of Regents.
The Sustainability Plan is a dynamic document intended to provide an overarching vision. The development and utilization of emerging technology will be incorporated as it balances with economic, social and environmental goals. The Plan does not attempt to encompass every aspect of sustainability, but selects specific goals in areas in which the Regent institutions can achieve real and measurable progress. It is also recognized that as programs grow or develop absolute consumption could increase while meeting efficiency and improved per unit measures. Each institution will develop methodologies for implementing, measuring and educating to that vision.
Eight functional areas have been identified:
o Planning and Development
o Purchasing
o Energy and Climate
o Materials and Recycling
o Transportation
o Water and Landscape
o Sustainability in the Curriculum
o Sustainability in Research and Outreach
The institution’s definition of sustainability:
As noted by the Iowa Board of Regents in the preamble of the annual Regent Institutions sustainability report:
Iowa’s public universities are committed to a sustainable future through academics and research, operations and economic development. Respect for the impact on the environment is part of decision-making at all levels. Regent institutions broadly apply campus sustainability in the general operations of each institution, in curriculum and in experiences of students and employees. Sustainability is also utilized effectively when partnering with industry leaders, joining with all levels of government and transferring technology within the institutions.
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 |
| Pan-Canadian Protocol for Sustainability | --- |
| SDG Accord | --- |
| 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) | Yes |
A brief description of the institution’s formal sustainability commitments, including the specific initiatives selected above:
The University of Iowa is a certified tree campus with Tree Campus Higher Education as well as an affiliate with Bee Campus U.S.A.
Website URL where information about the institution’s sustainability planning efforts is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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.