| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 77.56 |
| Liaison | Ruairi O'Mahony |
| Submission Date | Feb. 15, 2019 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
University of Massachusetts Lowell
EN-14: Participation in Public Policy
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 2.00 |
Ruairi
O'Mahony Executive Director Rist Institute for Sustainability and Energy |
Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the municipal/local level?:
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the municipal/local level, including the issues, legislation, and ordinances for or against which the institution has advocated:
UMass Lowell is actively engaged with our partners in the City of Lowell to find sustainable solutions to our future growth. Balancing the needs of a growing university with those of our host community is a challenge that UMass Lowell has embraced. UMass Lowell worked with the City of Lowell in 2015 to adopt a 'Complete Streets' policy that advocates for the inclusion of infrastructure such as bike and transit priority lanes that will support future sustainable travel patterns and has continued to engage with the city in a university Transportation Master Planning process in 2018.
UMass Lowell leads the annual Lowell Earth Day parade and festival. University leadership provides funding and participation in this event with our City and Regional Partners. It has become a key event in the City of Lowell's calendar that focuses on sustainability and climate change.
The University also engages with the Lowell Sustainability Council to support their public policy advocacy and assists in relevant legislation and ordinances. Specific examples include support for the Solarize Lowell program, funding provided for Bee City Designation, and joint events and engagement.
The city is a valued partner for the university.
Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the state/provincial/regional level?:
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the state/provincial/regional level, including the issues, legislation, and ordinances for or against which the institution has advocated:
UMass Lowell, under Vice-Chancellor Joanne Yestramski, is an active member of the Massachusetts Leading By Example (LBE) Council. LBE works collaboratively with state agencies and public colleges and universities to advance clean energy and sustainable practices that reduce the environmental impacts of state government operations. LBE serves as a trusted resource and helps transform policy into action through strategic partnerships, technical assistance, grant funding and nation-leading best practices. The LBE Council provides public policy guidance and guides the development of legislation and ordinances including, but not limited to, energy efficiency, greenhouse gas emissions, green buildings, and sustainable transportation in Massachusetts.
In addition, the Toxics Use Reduction Institute (TURI) at UMass Lowell was established by the Massachusetts Toxics Use Reduction Act (TURA) of 1989. TURI collaborates with businesses, community organizations and government agencies to reduce the use of toxic chemicals, protect public health and the environment and promote the competitiveness of Massachusetts businesses. TURI develops policy analyses to support regulatory decision making, and provides information and analysis on state and national toxics policy issues relevant to Massachusetts companies and communities.
Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the national level?:
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the national level, including the issues, legislation, and ordinances for or against which the institution has advocated:
The Lowell Center for Sustainable Production at UMass Lowell uses rigorous science and innovative strategies to develop practical solutions that promote environmentally sound systems of production and consumption.The Center has hosted a national green chemistry business organization, the Green Chemistry & Commerce Council (GC3) since 2005, which participates in public policy and advocates for sustainability with some of the largest companies in the nation. The work of the Center is funded by a wide range of different supporters including corporations, government agencies and private individuals.
Specific examples of public policy advocacy from GC3 include:
- Green Chemistry and Commerce Council Policy Statement on Green Chemistry in Higher Education
- GC3 offered five amendments to encourage sustainable chemistry elements, and to secure a Republican co-sponsor for the Sustainable Chemistry R&D Act of 2018. GC3 were the first group listed in the Senators’ press release and quoted in the statements of support. GC3 then used this bill as the centerpiece for media outreach efforts to build awareness of its work and advocacy on green chemistry.
Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the international level?:
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the international level, including the issues, legislation, and ordinances for or against which the institution has advocated:
In June, 2017, following the Trump Administration's announcement that the US would pull out of the Paris Climate Agreement, Chancellor Moloney signed onto the "We Are Still In" Letter, an open letter to the international community and parties to the Paris Agreement from U.S. state, local, and business leaders showing our institutional commitment to upholding the climate action goals set by the Paris Agreement.
A brief description of other political positions the institution has taken during the previous three years (if applicable):
A brief description of political donations the institution made during the previous three years (if applicable):
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:
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