Overall Rating Gold - expired
Overall Score 73.04
Liaison Troy Goodnough
Submission Date March 30, 2018
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.1

University of Minnesota, Morris
PA-2: Sustainability Planning

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 3.25 / 4.00 Troy Goodnough
Sustainability Director
Office of Sustainability
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Does the institution have a published strategic plan or equivalent guiding document that includes sustainability at a high level? :
Yes

A brief description of how the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document addresses sustainability:

We have a campus Strategic Plan that incorporates sustainability objectives and complements other plans, including the Campus Master Plan, Historic Preservation Plan, Morris Healthy Eating Assessment, Morris Sustainability Snapshot, and Morris Climate Action Plan. In the Recommendations of the Strategic Plan it specifically calls on our campus to leverage our Green Campus initiatives. The Strategic Plan also articulates our UMM Mission, which includes environmental stewardship.

A specific recommendation in the report is as follows: Leverage our strong green campus initiatives and partnerships to integrate environmental issues into the curriculum and campus opportunities, while becoming an energy self-sufficient campus. Responsibility: Appropriate standing committees, Chief Academic Officer, Associate Vice Chancellor for Physical Plant and Master Planning, West Central Research and Outreach Center, community partners, and others. Timing: Since 2000, these initiatives have become nationally recognized and will be aggressively pursued.

Here is another section from the Master Plan:

Achieve energy self-sufficiency through wind generation, biomass heating and cooling, local foods initiative, green vehicles, recycling, and conservation. Invest resulting savings in strategic initiatives. Responsibility: Associate Vice Chancellor for Physical Plant and Master Planning, Senior Administrative Director for Finance and Administration, Campus Resources and Planning Committee. Timing: Initiatives have begun, additional steps beginning fall 2007.


A copy of the strategic plan:
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The website URL where the strategic plan is publicly available:
Does the institution have a published sustainability plan (apart from what is reported above)? :
Yes

A copy of the sustainability plan:
The website URL where the sustainability plan is publicly available:
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Does the institution have a published climate action plan (apart from what is reported above)? :
Yes

A copy of the climate action plan:
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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)? :
Yes

A list of other published plans that address sustainability, including public website URLs (if available):

The Morris Sustainability Snapshot (Sustainability Plan) is linked above.

The Morris Campus Master Plan has a section covering sustainability objectives.
https://cppm.umn.edu/campus-master-plans/morris-campus-master-plan

The Master Plan has an entire section dedicated to outlining sustainability objectives including in food, waste, transportation, carbon footprint and more.

For example, here are some of the goals stated in the Master Plan:
Complete a thorough waste analysis and composition study for the campus.
Conduct a cost benefit analysis of an industrial composting system.
Expand educational efforts related to recycling and waste reduction with students and staff.
Campus vehicle fleet should continue to be gradually converted to alternative fuel based and hybrid technologies

We are signatories of the Second Nature Climate Commitment which outlines planning objectives we follow.
http://secondnature.org/wp-content/uploads/Climate-Commitment-2017-Second-Nature.pdf


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Curriculum?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Curriculum and the published plans in which each objective is included:

From the UMM Strategic Plan:
Leverage our strong green campus initiatives and partnerships to integrate environmental issues into the curriculum and campus opportunities, while becoming an energy self-sufficient campus.5 Responsibility: Appropriate standing committees, Chief Academic Officer, Associate Vice Chancellor for Physical Plant and Master Planning, West Central Research and Outreach Center, community partners, and others. Timing: Since 2000, these initiatives have become nationally recognized and will be aggressively pursued.

Evidence of work:
Our campus Strategic Plan and Sustainability Leaders for the Future Program targets the growth of sustainability courses in the curriculum.

https://www4.morris.umn.edu/sustainability/sustainability-leaders-future


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Research?:
No

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Research and the published plans in which each objective is included:
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Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address 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:

The Morris Sustainability Snapshot (linked above in the Sustainability Plan section) outlines high level and sub-level goals at UMM in many areas of campus life.

For example:
In the Transportation section: Establish an e-bike program on campus
In the Waste section: Improve recycling and compost education to eliminate improper disposal and communicate efforts
In the Land Use and Wildlife section: Earn yearly recognition as a Tree Campus school (which requires a campus-community tree team) AND
Conduct Morris campus biodiversity survey, soil health survey, and tree canopy survey.


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address 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:

UMM is classified as a Carnegie Community Engagement school, which is indicative of our successful public engagement work in the city of Morris and around the region. And, UMM is part of the national Campus Compact Civic Engagement planning process. We have released our official engagement plan below, which has specific time-bound engagement planning goals . UMM is also a signatory of the Second Nature Climate Commitment which includes several time-bound commitments. UMM is one of the first and only schools in Minnesota to have signed this planning commitment. To see more of these specific planning goals go to the Second Nature link below. These commitments are part of our sustainability planning efforts (the Chancellor at UMM had to approve these commitments). I have included the planning goals of the Second Nature Climate Commitment below, which includes the formation of a campus-community task force to conduct shared climate and resilience planning (See b), c) and d) in the Climate Commitment list below).

http://reporting.secondnature.org/ip/resiliencePublic!2105
http://reporting.secondnature.org/institution/publiccampus!2105
http://reporting.secondnature.org/institution/detail!2105##2105
https://engagement.umn.edu/sites/engagement.umn.edu/files/morris-engagement-action-plan.pdf

UMM identifies the Morris Model in the Sustainability Snapshot planning document. The purpose of calling it out in this way the Morris Model as an ongoing public engagement planning project that also meets our Second Nature planning goals, especially around community resilience.

Some awards for our public engagement work:
https://news.morris.umn.edu/news/mcap-2017
https://news.morris.umn.edu/news/morris-environmental-initiative-award-finalist

Climate Commitment: An integrated climate commitment including carbon neutrality and resilience 1) Develop a comprehensive Climate Action Plan * a. Within two months of signing this document, create internal institutional structures to guide the development and implementation of the Plan b. Within one year of the implementation start date, actively support a joint campus-community task force (or equivalent) to ensure alignment of the Plan with community goals and to facilitate joint action, and complete a greenhouse gas emissions inventory, also identifying near term opportunities for greenhouse gas reduction. Report these in the first annual evaluation of progress c. Within two years of the implementation start date, lead and complete an initial campus-community resilience assessment including initial indicators and current vulnerability d. Within three years of the implementation start date complete the Plan, (also reflecting joint community-campus components), which will include: • A target date for achieving carbon neutrality as soon as possible • A target date by which defined thresholds of resilience will be met • Interim target dates for meeting milestones that will lead to carbon neutrality and increasing resilience** • Mechanisms and indicators for tracking progress (including those that cut across campus-community boundaries) • Actions to make carbon neutrality and resilience a part of the curriculum and other educational experiences for all students • Actions to expand research in carbon neutrality and resilience e. Review, revise if necessary, and resubmit the climate action plan not less frequently than every five years 2) Submit an annual evaluation of progress a. Within one year of the implementation start date, and every year thereafter, complete an annual evaluation of progress b. Make the action plan, annual evaluation of progress (including greenhouse gas inventory, resilience assessment etc.), publicly available by submitting them to Second Nature’s reporting system for posting and dissemination


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address 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:

Our campus goal is carbon neutrality by 2020. This can be found in the Second Nature goal reporting and the Morris Sustainability Snapshot (which is linked above in the Sustainability Report section)

See our Second Nature Climate Commitment reporting and goals.
http://reporting.secondnature.org/dashboard/dashboard/?next=/##2105
http://reporting.secondnature.org/cap/cap-public!256


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Buildings?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Buildings and the published plans in which each objective is included:

UMM newly built buildings need to comply with the SB2030 building performance planning standards. These are part of UMM building standards -- because we are required by law to conform to these planning standards.

UMM campus buildings should also comply with the State of Minnesota B3 guidelines. These B3 guidelines outline measurable sustainability planning objectives, in a variety of areas, including the building site, water, energy, materials, waste, and indoor environmental air quality.

For example, at the link below you can read the specification for low-emitting materials -- I.2 Specify Low-emitting Materials.

https://www.b3mn.org/guidelines2-2/guidelines.html
https://www.b3mn.org/guidelines/

To see how UMM has complied with these building planning objectives, see the links below:
http://casestudies.b3mn.org/ProjectDetail?id=5294
https://news.morris.umn.edu/news/b3-2015


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Energy?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Energy and the published plans in which each objective is included:

See our Second Nature reporting. For example: past goals included a 70% reduction (in Scope I, II, III) in our greenhouse gas emissions by 2015. Our goal is to obtain 60% of our electricity from wind. Our goal is to offset 70% of our traditional fossil fuel usage by biomass.
http://reporting.secondnature.org/dashboard/dashboard/?next=/##2105


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address 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:

The Morris Healthy Eating Initiative outlines goals and program logic model in the Community Food Assessment document.

https://students.morris.umn.edu/health-and-wellness/healthy-eating/community

Morris has a goal, in partnership with Sodexo to reach 20% sustainable food by 2020. The Morris master plan has a number of recommendations around developing a system to better understand the carbon footprint of our campus food system, incorporating more seasonal menus, and more.


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Grounds?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Grounds and the published plans in which each objective is included:

See Morris Sustainability Snapshot, Master Plan, and UMM Historic Preservation Plan for Grounds goals. We have several land use goals in our planning documents.

For example, in our Morris Sustainability Snapshot, these are several goals listed:

Minimize the use of fertilizer on campus and use composted soil as fertilizer.
Conduct Morris campus biodiversity survey, soil health survey, and tree canopy survey
Implement additional rain gardens on campus to capture rainfall.
Build an outdoor classroom for further education about the environment.

UMM is also a Campus Tree USA school and aligns its efforts around those goals.

In the UMM Historic Plan for the South Grove, here are several actions listed:

Treatment Recommendations
[1] Spruce plantations:
[A] Retain and prune remaining viable
spruce. Remove buckthorn and other
understory invaders.
[B] Remove deadwood. Recreate the central
mass of the grove with shade tolerant enduring
species such as grey dogwood, and
serviceberry. Rehabilitate the evergreen
appearance of the grove by planting spruce
along the edges where they will receive light.
[2] Ash rows: Prune viable remaining ash for
longevity and storm resistance. Rehabilitate
rows by interplanting with new ash trees from
varieties resistant to ash borer. They should be
set ten feet on center or as appropriate.
[3] Scotch pine and red cedar rows: Prune viable
remaining Scotch pine and cedars for longevity
and storm resistance. Prune surrounding trees
to allow adequate light to the conifers.
Rehabilitate rows by interplanting with new
Scotch pine and red cedar; 15-feet on center.
[4] Throughout the grove, remove buckthorn, box
elder, and other invasive species.
[5] Throughout the grove, encourage native ferns,
sedges, and spring ephemerals for the
understory floor, including the areas abutting
the walk to the LaFave House. Refer to shrub
and groundcover recommended species lists in
this report’s vegetation guidelines when
planting along the walk edge areas or within
the Grove.
[6] Continue to use the University Standard poles
for lighting, but replace the luminaires with the
luminaires recommended under this plan’s
lighting section (see Structures, Furnishings,
and Objects guidelines).

More links:
https://news.morris.umn.edu/news/tree-history
https://www4.morris.umn.edu/historic-preservation/historic-preservation-plan

Examples of grounds crew planning efforts: Improve the composting process by incorporating the use of a compost sifter. Continue to improve the campus tree canopy, by planting more diverse and climate-tolerant trees. Continue preparations for possible emerald ash borer invasion by managing the campus ash tree population.


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Purchasing?:
No

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Purchasing and the published plans in which each objective is included:
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Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Transportation?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Transportation and the published plans in which each objective is included:

Sustainability Snapshot includes transportation.
For example: Conversion of vehicle fleet to alternative-fuel/hybrid vehicles to increase the fuel economy of the fleet. Convert existing parking to green spaces. Coordinate travel for students between Morris and common travel locations, like the Twin Cities, providing preferential parking locations for low-emission vehicles and more.


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Waste?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Waste and the published plans in which each objective is included:

Sustainability Snapshot includes waste.
To measure an increase in waste diversion towards our composting system each year. To measure a reduction in our non-recyclable/compostable waste hauled each year.


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Water?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Water and the published plans in which each objective is included:

Sustainability Snapshot, Master Plan include water goals.
Examples include: restoration of a wetland near campus, creating some wetland/drainage areas on-campus, analyzing volumes of campus water discharged to the Pomme de Terre River, etc.


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address 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:

An example from our Strategic Plan: increase U.S. students-of-color to 25% of total enrollment by 2016.


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address 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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Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Wellbeing & Work?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Wellbeing & Work and the published plans in which each objective is included:

An example from the Morris strategic plan: modernize the Food Service Building to improve preparation and serving facilities to offer a greater variety of fresh, healthy, locally-provided food of improved quality that is attractive to a more diverse student body.


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address other areas (e.g. arts and culture or technology)?:
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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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)? :
Yes

The formal statement in support of sustainability:

Yes, the University of Minnesota Board of Regents passed a policy on sustainability in 2004. There have been subsequent sustainability planning initiatives since then.

https://regents.umn.edu/sites/regents.umn.edu/files/policies/Sustain_Energy_Efficiency.pdf


The institution’s definition of sustainability (e.g. as included in a published statement or plan):
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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:

We are one of the only schools in Minnesota to have signed the full Second Nature Climate Commitment -- which commits us to doing carbon reduction planning and campus-community resilience planning. We have won statewide and national awards in both of these areas.


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.