| Overall Rating | Silver |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 52.28 |
| Liaison | Jamie Jacquart |
| Submission Date | March 5, 2021 |
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
AC-8: Campus as a Living Laboratory
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
3.20 / 4.00 |
Jamie
Jacquart Assistant Director Sustainability |
Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Campus Engagement?:
A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Campus Engagement:
The university has a Green Navigators program where work study and other students work on sustainability projects such as recycling, waste audits, and student move out sales to reduce waste and repurpose student appliances and other things that students would otherwise throw out. The Biology Department has an ongoing Low Mowing Research Project.
Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Public Engagement?:
A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Public Engagement:
Many SUS faculty incorporate community-based projects into their courses.
Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Air & Climate?:
A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Air & Climate:
Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Buildings?:
A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Buildings:
Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Energy?:
A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Energy:
Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Food & Dining?:
A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Food & Dining:
UMass Dartmouth Dining Services is committed to minimizing the University’s impact on the environment. Through limiting food waste, reducing energy consumption, and recycling waste products for use within the community, Dining Services is leading the way to a greener future and creating innovative sustainability initiatives.
In 2019 the University received a grant through the Kendall Foundation to incorporate underutilized fish and kelp into recipes at the University. Chefs from 4 campuses have worked together to create recipes, gain feedback from students, all the while raising their knowledge of new tastes and textures.
Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Grounds?:
A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Grounds:
Students in several biology courses are involved in studying 5 "No Mow" areas on campus. They are looking at the soil density, moisture contents, number and variety of insects and plants observed in both test and control areas.
Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Purchasing?:
A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Purchasing:
Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Transportation?:
A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Transportation:
The Sustainability In Action course looked at Transportation issues related to the University. This included existing relationships with transportation vendors and their optimization, how to encourage more ride-sharing behaviors, and how the campus fleet could be both updated and electrified.
Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Waste?:
A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Waste:
The Green Navigators have conducted a number of electronic waste collections days, both on campus as well as in partnership with the Buttonwood Park Zoo during their "Party for the Planet" events. All collected items were sent to an electronics recycler certified with the state.
Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Water?:
A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Water:
Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Coordination & Planning?:
A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Coordination & Planning:
Students in a course on Sustainability and Planning did an analysis of the University's Emergency Preparedness in light of a possible Category 4 hurricane (which has never come to New England, but may with storms driven by climate change).
Another group of students looked at the Resilience of the University. This was the first time that a comprehensive look was done related to climactic shifts, which in the North East will include hotter summertime temperatures, more significant rain and snow events followed by periods of draught.
Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Diversity & Affordability?:
A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Diversity & Affordability:
Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Investment & Finance?:
A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Investment & Finance:
Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Wellbeing & Work?:
A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Wellbeing & Work:
The Art & Architecture / Interior Design Department has been looking at the campus environment using the WELL criteria. There is a plan to officially evaluate a campus lounge area to make it more user friendly to students in the fall of 2021.
Website URL where information about the institution’s living laboratory program is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
Jamie Jacquart
Jamie Jacquart
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.