| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 70.52 |
| Liaison | Ruairi O'Mahony |
| Submission Date | Aug. 10, 2016 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
University of Massachusetts Lowell
PA-2: Sustainability Planning
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
3.00 / 4.00 |
Ruairi
O'Mahony Executive Director Rist Institute for Sustainability and Energy |
Does the institution have a published strategic plan or equivalent guiding document that includes 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 well being 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.
A copy of the strategic plan:
The website URL where the strategic plan is publicly available:
Does the institution have a published sustainability plan (apart from what is reported above)? :
A copy of the sustainability plan:
The website URL where the sustainability plan is publicly available:
Does the institution have a published climate action plan (apart from what is reported above)? :
A copy of the climate action plan:
The website URL where the climate action plan is publicly available:
Does the institution have other published plans that address sustainability or include measurable sustainability objectives (e.g. campus master plan, physical campus plan, diversity plan, human resources plan)? :
A list of other published plans that address sustainability, including public website URLs (if available):
Strategic Development Plan - https://www.uml.edu/docs/UML%20Climate%20Action%20Plan_tcm18-74405.pdf
Campus Transportation Plan - https://www.uml.edu/docs/UML-Campus-Transportation-Plan-sm_tcm18-197880.pdf
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Curriculum?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Curriculum and the published plans in which each objective is included:
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.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Research?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Research and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The number of sustainability research programs as outlined in previous categories is a benchmark for the integration of sustainability in research activities.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Campus Engagement?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Campus Engagement and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Various campus events and engagement opportunities offered across campus as outlined in other credits and serve as a benchmark for campus engagement.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Public Engagement?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Public Engagement and the published plans in which each objective is included:
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.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Air & Climate?:
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 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.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Buildings?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Buildings and the published plans in which each objective is included:
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.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Energy?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Energy and the published plans in which each objective is included:
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..
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Food & Dining?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Food & Dining and the published plans in which each objective is included:
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.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Grounds?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Grounds and the published plans in which each objective is included:
NA
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Purchasing?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Purchasing and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Numerous sustainable purchasing policies were developed in 2015
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Transportation?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Transportation and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The depth of offerings for sustainable transportation options and the use of these options are measurable indicators 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.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Waste?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Waste and the published plans in which each objective is included:
NA
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Water?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Water and the published plans in which each objective is included:
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.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Diversity & Affordability?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Diversity & Affordability and the published plans in which each objective is included:
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.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Investment & Finance?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Investment & Finance and the published plans in which each objective is included:
NA
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Wellbeing & Work?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Wellbeing & Work and the published plans in which each objective is included:
There are many programs available, but no formalized plan.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address other areas (e.g. arts and culture or technology)?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address other areas and the published plans in which each objective is included:
NA
Does the institution have a formal statement in support of sustainability endorsed by its governing body (e.g. a mission statement that specifically includes sustainability and is endorsed by the Board of Trustees)? :
The formal statement in support of sustainability:
The institution’s definition of sustainability (e.g. as included in a published statement or plan):
Is the institution an endorser or signatory of the following?:
| Yes or No | |
| The Earth Charter | --- |
| The Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI) | --- |
| ISCN-GULF Sustainable Campus Charter | --- |
| Second Nature’s Carbon Commitment (formerly known as the ACUPCC), Resilience Commitment, and/or integrated Climate Commitment | Yes |
| The Talloires Declaration (TD) | --- |
| UN Global Compact | --- |
| Other multi-dimensional sustainability commitments (please specify below) | --- |
A brief description of the institution’s formal sustainability commitments, including the specific initiatives selected above:
The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives 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.