| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 66.00 |
| Liaison | Jonna Korpi |
| Submission Date | Nov. 4, 2019 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
University of Minnesota, Duluth
PA-2: Sustainability Planning
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
3.25 / 4.00 |
Jonna
Korpi Sustainability Director UMD Sustainability |
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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:
Sustainability is expressed in the campus Strategic Plan as a Core Value: We balance current environmental, economic, and social needs with those of future generations.
In addition, Strategic Plan Goal 6 states that we will: Establish and maintain effective and sustainable operations across all areas of the institution.
http://www.d.umn.edu/strategic-planning/strategic-initiatives
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):
Student Life Departmental Strategic Plans | https://champ.d.umn.edu/student-life/about/strategic-planning/departmental-plans
Large Lakes Observatory Strategic Plan | https://scse.d.umn.edu/large-lakes-observatory/about/strategic-plan
MN Sea Grant Strategic Plan | http://www.seagrant.umn.edu/downloads/MNStrategicPlan2018-2021.pdf
College of Education and Human Service Professions | https://cehsp.d.umn.edu/about/mission-vision-goals
Campus Master Plan | https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BzxPsNYqbvRINjRocEtkM0N2ZzQ/view
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:
Board of Regents Sustainability & Energy Efficiency Policy. Section II.Subd.6. Education and Outreach. The University shall promote educational and outreach activities that are linked to operational improvements and innovation principles.
UMD Strategic Plan. Goal 6. Subd.9. Infuse the concept and application of sustainability into our curriculum and co-curriculum, our research activities, and our use of facilities (immediate and ongoing).
Office of Sustainability Strategic Plan. Sust Goal 2: Connect sustainability with student learning opportunities, whether integrated into existing programs, education, coursework, research, or through new initiatives.
- Facilitate sustainability learning opportunities (courses, internships, research, etc.)
- Support UMD faculty appointed through the Institute on the Environment to work on sustainability Education
- Increase the number of students participating in sustainability learning opportunities
UMD Energy Plan
Education and Outreach. p.26 http://reporting.secondnature.org/media/uploads/cap/777-cap_3.pdf
Research
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Research and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Board of Regents Sustainability & Energy Efficiency Policy. Section II.Subd.1, 4, & 5. https://regents.umn.edu/sites/regents.umn.edu/files/policies/Sustain_Energy_Efficiency.pdf
UMD Strategic Plan. Goal 6. Subd.9. Infuse the concept and application of sustainability into our curriculum and co-curriculum, our research activities, and our use of facilities (immediate and ongoing).
Office of Sustainability Strategic Plan. Sust Goal 2: Connect sustainability with student learning opportunities, whether integrated into existing programs, education, coursework, research, or through new initiatives.
- Facilitate sustainability learning opportunities (courses, internships, research, etc.)
UMD Energy Plan
Research. p.28 http://reporting.secondnature.org/media/uploads/cap/777-cap_3.pdf
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:
UMD Strategic Plan. Goal 6. Subd.9. Infuse the concept and application of sustainability into our curriculum and co-curriculum, our research activities, and our use of facilities (immediate and ongoing).
Office of Sustainability Strategic Plan. Continue outreach activities to encourage sustainable actions and communicate sustainable changes from all areas around campus.
UMD Energy Plan
Campus Community Engagement Actions. p.19 http://reporting.secondnature.org/media/uploads/cap/777-cap_3.pdf
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:
UMD Strategic Plan. Goal 5. Advance UMD's profile as an intentional and pivotal partner for Duluth, the Northland, and Minnesota.
-Develop a plan for public engagement
-Evaluate feasibility to secure Carnegie classification as a community engaged institution
-Establish benchmarks and goals for contracted research through UMD.
-Identify applied research initiatives and external partners.
Office of Sustainability Strategic Plan. Assist in community collaborations and campus partnerships related to sustainability.
- Partnerships with faculty, students, and community members on energy efficiency, energy conservation, and renewable energy projects continue or are created.
UMD Energy Plan
Education and Outreach. Regional Community Education Strategies. p.27 http://reporting.secondnature.org/media/uploads/cap/777-cap_3.pdf
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:
Many plans address climate without directly naming climate. Our goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through energy use reductions and efficiency, investments in renewable and alternative energy sources, etc. all relate to this objective.
UMD Strategic Plan. Goal 6. Establish and maintain effective and sustainable operations across all areas of the institution.
- Move and track progress toward the 25% reduction in emissions by 2020 and continue to make progress towards the carbon neutrality target date of 2050.
UMD Energy Plan
Education and Outreach. Active Learning Strategies. p.26
-Host Open Seminars on campus with experts clarifying aspects of climate change and fossil fuels resource depletion.
Research. p. 28
-Continue to research the impacts of a changing climate and methods for adapting to changing climate and resource scarcity, for scenarios where mitigation falls short of ideal objectives.
Implementation. p. 31
-The campus is working towards a greenhouse gas emissions reduction of 25% by 2020, while working toward a climate neutrality target date of 2050.
http://reporting.secondnature.org/media/uploads/cap/777-cap_3.pdf
Buildings
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Buildings and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Overall, Buildings are the largest source of emissions from the UMD campus. The emissions come from the natural gas that is burned to heat/cool campus buildings and the electricity purchased to power offices, classrooms, computers, and housing.
UMD Energy Plan
Building operations and retrofitting actions. P.15-19
Objectives include actions to address building contruction and retrofits, efficient operations, and behavior actions in regard to buildings to reduce campus greenhouse gas emissions. Small sample of objectives includes:
-Construct all new buildings to the Minnesota State B3 Guidelines, and meet or exceed requirements that would qualify for LEED Silver certification or above.
-Implement remaining indoor lighting upgrades
-Reduce refrigerant use, where possible
http://reporting.secondnature.org/media/uploads/cap/777-cap_3.pdf
Board of Regents Sustainability & Energy Efficiency Policy. Section III.Subd.2. Operations. Each University campus shall develop specific sustainability objectives and targets in the areas of: (a) physical planning and development, including buildings and infrastructure; (b) operations.
https://regents.umn.edu/sites/regents.umn.edu/files/policies/Sustain_Energy_Efficiency.pdf
UMD Strategic Plan. Goal 6. Subd.7. Renovate and upgrade learning, athletic, social, recreational, and living spaces in and around campus, making use of the campus master plan as a guide (immediate and ongoing).
Energy
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Energy and the published plans in which each objective is included:
UMD Energy Plan
Central Heating Plant Actions. P.17-18
-Continue steam maintenance program: replace steam traps and repair steam and condensate leaks
-Evaluate the boilers across campus in terms of redundancy and efficiency, and look for opportunities to upgrade to more efficient or alternative-fueled boilers
-Invest in renewable fuels to replace the use of natural gas in the campus steam plant
Renewable Energy. p. 22-23
-Expand UMD Solar Research Project
-Partner with campus electricity provider, Minnesota Power, to seek opportunities for the campus to purchase clean power from renewable sources
-Progressively add renewable energy generation to new and existing buildings
http://reporting.secondnature.org/media/uploads/cap/777-cap_3.pdf
Office of Sustainability Strategic Plan.
-Partnerships with faculty, students and community members on energy efficiency, energy conservation, and renewable energy projects continue or are created
-Support staff working to improve energy efficiency in Residence Halls
-Continue investigation of multiple pathways to access renewable energy for campus; Encourage investments in energy efficiency
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:
Dining Services Strategic Plan.
-Develop and implement efficient documentation of our sustainable food/beverage purchases
-Train a staff person to research local products from vendors
-Compile yearly purchasing data of local/sustainable foods/beverages
-Once baseline of local/sustainable food purchases is established, set goal to increase local sourcing each year
https://champ.d.umn.edu/sites/champ.d.umn.edu/files/ds_strategic_plan_2017-2018.pdf
Office of Sustainability Strategic Plan
-Measure benchmark data for local, organic, and fair trade food purchases
Grounds
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Grounds and the published plans in which each objective is included:
UMD Campus Master Plan. P.19, 32
Visibly Manifest Sustainability. Commitment to:
-hydrological systems: campus ponds and streams should be highlighted and used as natural amenities, ecosystems, and rainwater biofilters, while still protecting them from degradation
-Geological systems: rock outcroppings, rip-rap, features;
-Ecosystems: local flora and fauna in and around campus
-Open Space: lawns, yards, gardens, and recreational fields
-Trails and paths: bike and pedestrian - on and beyond campus
Purchasing
No
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Purchasing and the published plans in which each objective is included:
UMD Energy Plan. Information Technology Systems and Services. P.20
-Create a green computing page to highlight sustainable choices in equipment purchasing
Transportation. P. 24
-Consolidate standards across campus for purchasing vehicles
Transportation
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Transportation and the published plans in which each objective is included:
UMD Energy Plan. Transportation. P.23-24
-Continue to support the UPass program, which provides free bus passes to every full-time student, staff, and faculty member
-Install electric vehicle charging stations in campus parking lots
-Work with the City of Duluth to improve bicycling and walking safety around the campus area
UMD Campus Master Plan
-Enhance routes, services, and storage for bicycles on campus
Waste
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Waste and the published plans in which each objective is included:
UMD Energy Plan. P.24-25
-Increase access to recycling bins in crowded common areas
-Continue the food waste recycling program in the Dining Center and look for ways to expand composting across campus
-Create a move-out donation/swap program to reduce landfilled waste for dorm students
Office of Sustainability Strategic Plan.
-Improve recycling rates and reduce waste created in the Residence Halls and apartments
-Set campus goal for waste diversion
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 Energy Plan. Building operations and retrofitting. P. 15
-Install water saving fixtures on all new projects and repairs for bathroom equipment, sinks and showers
-Increase building metering to monitor energy and water use; provide information through a dashboard to encourage conservation behavior
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:
UMD Strategic Plan. Goal 2. Advance equity, diversity, inclusiveness, and social justice within the campus community.
-Deploy a University-wide strategy for recruitment and retention of students of color and American Indian students.
-Increase philanthropic and university support for underrepresented students.
-Develop a strategy to recruit and retain underrepresented faculty and staff at UMD.
-Develop curricula, pedagogies, faculty development, and co-curricular programs that foster inclusivity and accessibility.
Investment & Finance
No
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Investment & Finance and the published plans in which each objective is included:
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Wellbeing & Work
No
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Wellbeing & Work and the published plans in which each objective is included:
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Other Impact Areas
No
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address other areas and the published plans in which each objective is included:
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Optional Fields
Yes
The formal statement in support of sustainability:
Sustainability is a continuous effort integrating environmental, social, and economic goals through
design, planning, and operational organization to meet current needs without compromising the ability
of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainability requires the collective actions of the
University of Minnesota (University) community and shall be guided by the balanced use of all
resources, within budgetary constraints. The University is committed to incorporating sustainability
into its teaching, research, and outreach and the operations that support them.
The institution’s definition of sustainability (e.g. as included in a published statement or plan):
Sustainability: We balance current environmental, economic, and social needs with those of future generations.
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) | No |
A brief description of the institution’s formal sustainability commitments, including the specific initiatives selected above:
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The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
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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.