| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 53.85 |
| Liaison | Ruairi O'Mahony |
| Submission Date | May 1, 2015 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
University of Massachusetts Lowell
PA-2: Sustainability Planning
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.67 / 4.00 |
Richard
Lemoine Director of Environmental & Emergency Management Environmental & Emergency Management |
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 | No |
| Research (or other scholarship) | Yes | No |
| Campus Engagement | Yes | No |
| Public Engagement | Yes | No |
| Air and Climate | Yes | Yes |
| Buildings | Yes | Yes |
| Dining Services/Food | Yes | Yes |
| Energy | Yes | No |
| Grounds | No | No |
| Purchasing |
No
Date Revised: July 20, 2015
|
No
Date Revised: July 20, 2015
|
| Transportation | Yes | Yes |
| Waste | No | No |
| Water |
Yes
Date Revised: July 20, 2015
|
Yes
Date Revised: July 20, 2015
|
| Diversity and Affordability | Yes | No |
| Health, Wellbeing and Work | No | No |
| Investment | No | No |
| Other | No | No |
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Curriculum:
The UMass Lowell Climate Action Plan (2011) and 2020 Strategic Plan (2009), and Midway Report to the 2020 Strategic Plan outline goals to advance sustainability. These goals consist of ensuring that diversity and environmental sustainability are incorporated into all aspects of strategic planning including academic programming. A further emphasis involves improving the quality of academic programs, achieving recognition for those programs, and strengthening community partnerships. Specific working goals identified consist of:
1. Goal: Explore climate change education as a recognized and emphasized theme across the University curriculum.
2. Goal: Develop faculty capacity for climate change education and research that can become known for its excellence.
3. Goal: Integrate UMass Lowell Climate Change academic and research activities with those of the UMass system and with the regional needs.
4. Goal: Promote these academic and research components of the UMass Lowell Climate Action Plan to raise external funding.
The first goal is focused on curriculum by emphasizing the theme of climate change education in program offerings.
Date Revised: July 20, 2015
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Curriculum plan(s):
The number of sustainability majors, minors and courses offered as outlined in previous categories is a benchmark for the integration of sustainability across the curriculum.
Date Revised: July 20, 2015
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Curriculum plan(s):
The Provost’s Council with support from the Climate Change Initiative are accountable for the curriculum plan.
Date Revised: July 20, 2015
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Research (or other scholarship):
The UMass Lowell Climate Action Plan (2011) and 2020 Strategic Plan (2009), and Midway Report to the 2020 Plan outline goals to advance sustainability. These goals consist of ensuring that diversity and environmental sustainability are incorporated into all aspects of strategic planning including research activities. Specific working goals identified consist of:
1. Goal: Explore climate change education as a recognized and emphasized theme across the University curriculum.
2. Goal: Develop faculty capacity for climate change education and research that can become known for its excellence.
3. Goal: Integrate UMass Lowell Climate Change academic and research activities with those of the UMass system and with the regional needs.
4. Goal: Promote these academic and research components of the UMass Lowell Climate Action Plan to raise external funding.
The third goal is focused on research activities addressing climate change and regional needs.
Date Revised: July 20, 2015
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Research plan(s):
The number of sustainability research programs as outlined in previous categories is a benchmark for the integration of sustainability in research activities.
Date Revised: July 20, 2015
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Research plan(s):
The Provost’s Council with support from the Climate Change Initiative are accountable for the research plan.
Date Revised: July 20, 2015
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Campus Engagement around sustainability:
One of the goals outlined in the Climate Action Plan (2011) is to “Integrate UMass Lowell Climate Change academic and research activities with those of the UMass system and with the regional needs”. To complete this integration, campus engagement is needed through multiple avenues that encompass academics and operations. In addition, the 2020 Strategic Plan charts the strategic course for the University with major themes of expanded campus and public engagement and affordability.
Date Revised: July 20, 2015
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Campus Engagement plan:
Various campus events and engagement opportunities offered across campus as outlined in other credits and serve as a benchmark for campus engagement.
Date Revised: July 20, 2015
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Campus Engagement plan(s):
Tyler Arrigo, Sustainability Program Developer in the Office of Sustainability coordinates and/or supports various events and campus engagement opportunities.
Date Revised: July 20, 2015
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Public Engagement around sustainability:
One of the goals outlined in the Climate Action Plan (2011) is to “Integrate UMass Lowell Climate Change academic and research activities with those of the UMass system and with the regional needs”. To complete this integration, public engagement is needed through multiple avenues. In addition, the 2020 Strategic Plan charts the strategic course for the University with major themes of expanded campus and public engagement and affordability.
Date Revised: July 20, 2015
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Public Engagement plan(s):
Various public engagement opportunities as outlined in other credits is a benchmark for external engagement. UMass Lowell has a long standing relationship with the City of Lowell and other important partners which offers continual opportunities for public engagement.
Date Revised: July 20, 2015
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Public Engagement plan(s):
Tyler Arrigo, Sustainability Program Developer in the Office of Sustainability coordinates and/or supports various public engagement opportunities.
Date Revised: July 20, 2015
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Air and Climate:
The Climate Action Plan (2011) outlines UMass Lowell’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and strive to achieve carbon neutrality. UMass Lowell also must meet the requirements of the Executive Order 484 Lead by Example (LBE) program that establishes green building standards and energy performance requirements. Specifically, new construction and major renovation projects over 20,000 square feet (SF) must be LEED Silver certified and energy performance must exceed the Massachusetts Energy Code by at least 20%. The university has also developed a formal “Sustainability Initiatives and Green Design Guidelines” and Design Standards (Plumbing, HVAC & Electrical) which establish specific air and climate-related sustainability and green building guidelines to be considered in the design and specifications of a project.
Date Revised: July 20, 2015
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Air and Climate plan(s):
The Climate Action Plan establishes quantitative carbon reduction goals for FY2020, FY2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050. It also includes a plan for energy reduction. One of the interim goals established for FY2020 have already been achieved as well as the Executive Order 484 requirements. Measurable objectives and strategies identified in the Sustainability Initiatives and Green Design Guidelines and the Design Standards include, for example, specifying ENERGYSTAR rated equipment, HVAC zoning and controls, eliminating or reducing use of CFC refrigerants, etc.
Date Revised: July 20, 2015
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Air and Climate plan(s):
The Climate Action Plan Steering Committee.
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Buildings:
UMass Lowell also must meet the requirements of the Executive Order 484 Lead by Example (LBE) program that establishes green building standards and energy performance requirements. Specifically, new construction and major renovation projects over 20,000 square feet (SF) must be LEED Silver certified and energy performance must exceed the Massachusetts Energy Code by at least 20%. In addition, the university’s Design Standards (Plumbing, Electrical & HVAC) establish specific sustainability and green design guidelines with measurable objectives. The university has also developed a formal “Sustainability Initiatives and Green Design Guidelines” and Design Standards (Plumbing, HVAC & Electrical) which establish specific building–related sustainability and green building guidelines to be considered in the design and specifications of a project. The Sustainability Guidelines state, “Consideration for green building is a priority and should be a driving factor when selecting building products, means and methods.”
Date Revised: July 20, 2015
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Buildings plan(s):
New construction and major renovation projects over 20,000 square feet (SF) must be LEED Silver certified and energy performance must exceed the Massachusetts Energy Code by at least 20%. In addition, the university’s Design Standards establish specific sustainability and green design guidelines with measurable objectives. Measurable objectives and strategies identified in the Sustainability Initiatives and Green Design Guidelines and the Design Standards include, for example, specifying plumbing fixtures that use 20-40% less water, specifying ENERGYSTAR rated equipment, HVAC zoning and controls, eliminating or reducing use of CFC refrigerants, use of local building materials, etc.
Date Revised: July 20, 2015
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Buildings plan(s):
Facilities Department and Climate Action Plan Steering Committee.
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Dining Services/Food:
ARAMARK, UMass Lowell’s food service provider, has established specific commitments to affect positive sustainable change referred to as “Green Stakes.” The Green Stakes commitments include: implementing an energy and water conservation program, purchasing paper products with recycled content, using green cleaning products, diverting 100% of fryer oil waste, and increasing the level of sustainable food offerings with a yearly growth goal of 5%.
UMass is also committed to diverting food waste from disposal and has established a successful composting program. UMass Lowell is regulated under the MassDEP Commercial Food Waste Disposal Ban regulations and prohibited from disposing of organic food waste.
Date Revised: July 20, 2015
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Dining Services/Food plan(s):
As described above, UMass Lowell has implemented food waste composting programs and has experienced positive results. ARAMARK, UMass Lowell’s food service provider, is committed to increasing the level of sustainable food offerings with a goal of 5% per year. The objectives are to continue to reduce waste in dining and pursue the established goal of increasing sustainability.
Date Revised: July 20, 2015
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Dining Services/Food plan(s):
Francis Hurley, Head Chef, University Dining Services
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Energy:
The Climate Action Plan (2011) outlines UMass Lowell’s commitment to reduce energy. UMass Lowell also must meet the requirements of Executive Order 484 which dictates energy reductions. The Sustainability Initiatives & Green Design Guidelines as well as the university’s Design Standards also establish specific energy-related sustainability and green building guidelines to be considered in the design and specifications of a project.
Date Revised: July 20, 2015
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Energy plan(s):
The Climate Action Plan (2011) identifies strategies to continually identify projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy use. The plan also identifies exploring renewable energy opportunities on campus. Strategies identified in the Sustainability Initiatives and Green Design Guidelines and the Design Standards include, for example, specifying ENERGYSTAR rated equipment, HVAC zoning and controls, specifying lighting rated by National Grid for rebates, 3rd party commissioning, complying with EO 484 LEED Plus requirements (including surpassing the MA Energy Code Requirements by at least 20%, etc..
Date Revised: July 20, 2015
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Energy plan(s):
Facilities Department and the Climate Action Plan Steering Committee.
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Grounds:
The plan is yet to be developed.
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Grounds plan(s):
NA
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Grounds plan(s):
NA
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Purchasing:
The plan involves the development of formal purchasing policies that advance sustainability.
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Purchasing plan(s):
The primary objective is to develop formalized purchasing policies to advance sustainability on campus. The policies are under development and are anticipated to be completed in 2015.
Date Revised: July 20, 2015
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Purchasing plan(s):
Mike Durkin, Director of Procurement Services
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Transportation:
The 2011 Campus Transportation Plan outlines goals focused on sustainable transportation, increased opportunities for bicycle use, and integration with the City of Lowell Regional Transportation Authority.
Date Revised: July 20, 2015
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Transportation plan(s):
The depth of offerings for sustainable transportation options and the use of these options are measurable indictors for the goals outlined in the Transportation Plan. As outlined in other credits, many sustainable transportation options are offered and the use of these options has increased over time.
Date Revised: July 20, 2015
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Transportation plan(s):
Tom Miliano, Director of Administrative and Office Services
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Waste:
There are no formalized plans for waste reduction however, UMass Lowell has this as a primary area of focus as it continues to advance its waste diversion and reuse strategies.
Date Revised: July 20, 2015
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Waste plan(s):
NA
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Waste plan(s):
NA
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Water:
The 2014 Sustainability Report charts global sustainability objectives for the UMass System outlines other specific objectives for UMass Lowell. It includes goals for reducing potable water use by 2020.
Date Revised: July 20, 2015
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Water plan(s):
Reductions in potable water use is a primary goal. UMass Lowell has had success in this area by implementing low-flow fixtures into construction and renovation projects and as part of the ongoing Accelerated Energy Program.
Date Revised: July 20, 2015
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Water plan(s):
Facilities Department
Date Revised: July 20, 2015
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Diversity and Affordability:
The UMass Lowell 2020 Strategic Plan includes goals for fostering an inclusive campus community including a goal to increase the diversity of students, faculty and staff from underrepresented groups.
Date Revised: July 20, 2015
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Diversity and Affordability plan(s):
Each year UMass Lowell issues a Report Card to track and evaluate indicators vital to the success of the strategic plan. The Report Card tracks metrics for Global Engagement and Fostering Inclusion which include international undergraduate/graduate students and underrepresented populations of students. These metrics are assessed annually and used to direct the activities of the Global Engagement and Fostering Inclusion Committee of the Strategic Planning Commission.
Date Revised: July 20, 2015
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Diversity and Affordability plan(s):
NA
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Health, Wellbeing and Work:
NA
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Health, Wellbeing and Work plan(s):
There are many programs available, but no formalized plan.
Date Revised: July 20, 2015
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Health, Wellbeing and Work plan(s):
Human Resources Department and the Global Engagement and Fostering Inclusion Committee of the Strategic Planning Commission.
Date Revised: July 20, 2015
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Investment:
The plan has yet to be defined.
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Investment plan(s):
NA
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Investment plan(s):
NA
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in other areas:
NA
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the other plan(s):
NA
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the other plan(s):
NA
The institution’s definition of sustainability:
Does the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document include sustainability at a high level?:
A brief description of how the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document addresses sustainability:
The 2020 Strategic Plan has just been formed and has specific goals and objectives, such as to:
• Promote and enhance environmental stewardship, sustainability, and climate change literacy throughout the campus community.
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the University’s carbon footprint to meet the University’s obligation of carbon neutrality as required in the Climate Action Plan.
• Maximize internal and external resources, operations, and efficiencies that support environmental sustainability and promote the health and wellbeing of students, faculty, and staff.
• Engage the campus and surrounding community in fostering and communicating a culture of sustainability and environmental stewardship that promotes UMass Lowell as a living laboratory, locally and globally.
The website URL where information about the institution’s sustainability planning is available:
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.