| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 69.47 |
| Liaison | Sally DeLeon |
| Submission Date | Feb. 28, 2019 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
University of Maryland, College Park
PA-2: Sustainability Planning
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
4.00 / 4.00 |
Sally
DeLeon Acting Manager Environmental Safety, Sustainability and Risk |
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indicates that no data was submitted for this field
Published Plans That Address Sustainability
Strategic Plan
Yes
A brief description of how the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document addresses sustainability:
The Strategic Plan incorporates principles that support sustainability, including build an inclusive community; partner with others, locally and globally; and take responsibility for the future. The plans states several goals that relate to sustainability, in all three parts of the document: (1) Institutional Priorities (Research related sustainability goals, diversity and inclusiveness goals, graduate student living conditions improvement goals, and community partnership goals); (2) Strategic Initiatives (International service learning goals, increasing affordability of international educational experiences, and smart growth goals in partnership with the local community; and (3) Critical Enablers (Compensation and benefits goals for faculty and staff, natural resource conservation and infrastructure efficiency goals, carbon neutrality goals, and communication and public awareness goals).
A copy of the strategic plan:
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The website URL where the strategic plan is publicly available:
Sustainability Plan
Yes
A copy of the sustainability plan:
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The website URL where the sustainability plan is publicly available:
Climate Action Plan
Yes
A copy of the climate action plan:
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The website URL where the climate action plan is publicly available:
Other Published Plans
Yes
A list of other published plans that address sustainability, including public website URLs (if available):
Strategic Plan for Diversity: https://issuu.com/umaryland/docs/22628
Facilities Master Plan:
https://www.facilities.umd.edu/facilities-master-plan
University IT Strategic Plan: https://it.umd.edu/sites/divisionofit.umd.edu/files/StratPlan_final0213.pdf
College of Behavioral and Social Sciences Sustainability Plan: https://bsos.umd.edu/about-us/sustainability-plan
Division of Student Affairs Sustainability Vision, Mission, Values and Standards: https://www.studentaffairs.umd.edu/about-us/sustainability
UMD Dining Services Sustainable Food Action Plan: http://dining.umd.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/UMD-Dining-Services-Sustainable-Food-Action-Plan_Final_Oct-2012.pdf
University System of Maryland Statement on Socially Responsible Investing: http://www.usmf.org/about-the-foundation/statement-on-socially-responsible-investing/
Measurable Sustainability Objectives
Curriculum
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Curriculum and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Sustainability Goals/Plan Objectives: measurable progress on the Education for Sustainability Goals in this plan can be seen in the Education for Sustainability section UMD's annual Sustainability Progress Report at https://sustainability.umd.edu/progress/progress-report
Climate Action Plan Objectives: status and recent progress on Education and Research strategies can be seen on the Climate Action Plan web page at climateplan.umd.edu
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College of Behavioral and Social Sciences Sustainability Plan:
1. Expand the number of participants in the Chesapeake Project, a multi-day workshop that helps faculty integrate sustainability through various disciplines. The college set a goal of having at least one faculty member per department participate by December 2016, two faculty members participate by 2018 and 30 faculty members from the college participate by December of 2020.
2. Develop a detailed plan for integrating sustainability into the college academics by December 2014.
Research
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Research and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Strategic Plan Objectives:
1. "As an explicit goal, it is expected that by 2018 the University will have successfully established the first group of seven major multi-disciplinary programs, many of which are expected to reach annual funding levels of $20 million or more, and will have in place at least five additional initiatives at varying levels of development." The seven major multi-disciplinary programs include three areas of sustainability: Global Climate Change; Energy; Diversity and Inclusiveness.
Climate Action Plan Objectives: status and recent progress on Education and Research strategies can be seen on the Climate Action Plan webpage at climateplan.umd.edu
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 Sustainable Food Action Plan lists outreach and education objectives for campus by year, including development of green dining internship opportunities and a green dining peer education program, hosting special events like farm to table dinners to highlight the program, and identifying collaborators to develop academic educational opportunities for students.
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 Strategic Plan specifies that each division of the university sets measurable goals and benchmarks for initiating and strengthening its partnerships, outreach, and engagement in support of its missions. Divisions are expected to update goals and benchmark reporting annually. The Office of Community Engagement (in the Division of Administration and Finance) has completed more than 50 sustainability projects in support of the division's goals. Other divisions have also set sustainability related goals for their community partnerships.
One of the Office of Community Engagement's published goals was to "Craft a digital community engagement guide to illustrate public service and civic engagement efforts across disciplines and units (including sustainability related public engagement programs). This digital guide, titled Fearless Connections: Campus and Community Engagement, was published in Fall of 2018 and is available online at: https://oce.umd.edu/reports
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 Climate Action Plan includes targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The full plan and all supporting strategies (including measurable objectives) is online at climateplan.umd.edu
UMD aims to reduce carbon emissions by 50% by 2020, 60% by 2025, and be carbon neutral by 2050 compared to 2005 emission levels.
Buildings
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Buildings and the published plans in which each objective is included:
UMD Sustainability Goals:
Operate all new buildings and major renovations as carbon neutral through a combination of energy efficient design and utilizing renewable energy.
UMD Facilities Master Plan:
Incorporate Life Cycle Assessment into decision-making for all construction projects.
Energy
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Energy and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Climate Action Plan
1. Reduce electricity consumption in existing buildings 20% by 2020
2. Operate all new buildings with net zero greenhouse gas emissions
3. Purchase only 100% renewable energy by 2020
Facilities Master Plan
Reduce total and per capita energy demand on campus.
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 Sustainable Food Action Plan states Dining Services commitment to the following measurable objectives:
1) 1-4% annual increase in sustainable foods purchases (meeting the criteria identified for sustainable food categories including local, fair, humane, and ecologically sound) based on financial feasibility and product availability
2) Annual, incremental increases in sourcing from local growers, with special emphasis on Maryland growers and harvesters
3) Annual, incremental increases in sourcing unprocessed, whole foods
4) 20% sustainable food by 2020 (local, fair, ecologically sound, or humane)
Grounds
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Grounds and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Climate Action Plan
1. Explore landscaping opportunities to reduce maintenance and other emissions, including mowers, leaf blowers, trucks, and other power equipment needed to maintain plants and grass.
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Facilities Master Plan
1. Build an Arboretum nursery research and holding facility for new, research, and replacement material at the Humphrey Property in conjunction with a forest conservation easement.
2. Restore and improve existing wetland and pond, add new ponds on holes 3 and 7 to
improve storm event storage and improve conditions on Campus Creek while minimizing potable water use for irrigation.
The Arboretum goals include:
The goals of our Campus Arboretum are:
1.To display our campus landscape, forestry, plants, and natural heritage dating from the University’s beginnings to the present,
2. To educate our community and visitors about our campus’s natural environment, and
3. To model UMD’s vision of a green university
Purchasing
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Purchasing and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Environmentally Preferable Procurement Policies (which are part of UMD's Sustainability Goals/Plan):
1. By July 1, 2012 only general purpose office paper made from 100% post-consumer recycled content will be procured.
2. Promote the procurement of post-consumer recycled-content paper products (such as colored office paper, writing pads, message pads, and file folders) from Forest Stewardship Council certified sources.
3. Purchase vegetable oil based inks.
4. Purchase EPEAT certified green electronic equipment.
5. Purchase carbon-neutral energy sources.
6. Purchase low or no VOC painting products, adhesives and solvents.
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Also from UMD's Sustainability Goals/Plan:
1. Purchase only renewable energy from the grid by 2020.
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The Division of Student Affairs Sustainability Standards lists measurable objectives for business operations and purchasing (which reflect the university wide goals stated above).
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The College of Behavioral and Social Sciences Sustainability Plan includes purchasing objectives (which reflect the university wide goals stated above).
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 Facilities Master Plan includes a section on Vehicular and Pedestrian Circulation Systems with thirteen measurable objectives. More than half of these focus on sustainability objectives like improving pedestrian and bicyclist support and access and strengthening alternative transit opportunities and appeal.
The Climate Action Plan specifies a reduction of 4190 commuter parking permits through an expansion of bus, biking, car/van-pooling and walking.
Waste
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Waste and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Climate Action Plan
1. Achieve individual combined compost and recycling rates of 60% by 2020 and 65% by 2025
Water
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Water and the published plans in which each objective is included:
UMD's Sustainability Goals/Plan draws from the Sustainable Water Use and Watershed Report which states these objectives:
1. Reduce purchased potable water use from 500 million gallons per year to 400 million gallons per year (20% reduction) by the end of calendar year 2020.
2. Complete a water audit by the end of 2015.
3. In preparation for the pending NPDES MS4 permit, the University should immediately
begin planning for meeting the 20% treatment requirement using environmental site design to the maximum extent practicable.
4. Restore Campus Creek by 2020.
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Facilities Master Plan 2011 - 2030
Reduce total and per capita water consumption campus by 2030. To accomplish the university will:
1. Eliminate discharge of mechanical systems wastewater (i.e. condensate, blowdown, etc.) to storm sewers by maximizing reuse of this water wherever feasible for beneficial purposes.
2. Upgrade campus irrigation technologies to reduce water demand (match actual soil conditions).
3. Install efficient fixtures in all buildings on campus.
4. Develop a water and wastewater master plan that will review current and future water
demand, specify strategies and goals for using alternative sources of water supply and reducing discharges to surrounding streams and the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission.
5. Conduct a feasibility study to identify opportunities to capture stormwater,
gray water, and industrial wastewater for reclamation and beneficial reuse.
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 Strategic Plan for Diversity states the following objectives:
1. The president will appoint a chief diversity officer (preferably a vice president with faculty rank) who reports directly to the president and is a member of the President’s Cabinet.
2. The university will create an Office of University Diversity led by the chief diversity officer.
3. The university will create a campus-wide diversity advisorycouncil with representatives from all divisions, schools/colleges, graduate and undergraduate student bodies, and other appropriate units.
4. Create an online climate assessment survey that will be administered by all units to establish a baseline so they can assess their needs in creating a climate conducive to success.
5. The university will implement the new general education plan with Diversity requirements that increase undergraduates’ knowledge of diversity issues, understanding of pluralistic societies, engagement with peers from diverse backgrounds, and multicultural competencies.
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 University System of Maryland Foundation Statement on Socially Responsible Investing (released in May 2016) set several objectives for the Foundation to make progress toward increasing investments in renewable energy and staying abreast of other sustainability related investing issues. One objective is that the Foundation will make no direct investments in the Carbon Underground 200 companies.
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 Critical Enablers section of The Strategic Plan gives specific objectives related to compensation and benefits for faculty and staff, including:
1) By FY 2013 average faculty compensation for each professorial rank and for each college will be at or above the mean of our five designated peers for that rank and for comparable disciplines.
2) Make staff salary levels, benefits, and conditions of employment competitive with those for similar positions in competitive markets.
3) Ensure that pay levels, benefits, and conditions of employment are fair, competitive, and appropriate for non-tenure-track faculty, especially for those in part-time and short-term contractual positions.
4) And several others related to retirement benefits, housing support, domestic partner benefits, day care, salary, hiring and retention.
Other Impact Areas
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 Division of Information Technology Strategic Plan states an objective to make a concerted effort to further lower the carbon footprint of technology on campus through better desktop and printer power management practices. The plan also states an objective for the Division, the Office of Sustainability, and local IT units to work together to pursue measures that promote more effective power management and lower operational energy use overall.
Optional Fields
No
The formal statement in support of sustainability:
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The institution’s definition of sustainability (e.g. as included in a published statement or plan):
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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 | Yes |
| 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 Maryland became a charter signatory of the American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment (now called the Carbon Commitment) in 2007 and finished its first Climate Action Plan (CAP) in 2009. Many faculty, staff, and students worked tirelessly over the years implementing CAP strategies and keeping the university on track with meeting its targets. By 2015, the university had achieved its targets of reducing its carbon emissions by 25% and enhancing opportunities for all students to learn about sustainability and climate action.
The university is now striving to meet the following ambitious targets for all scopes of emissions:
50% reduction in carbon emissions (from 2005 levels) by 2020
60% reduction in carbon emissions (from 2005 levels) by 2025
Carbon neutrality (net-zero carbon emissions) by 2050
The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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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.