Overall Rating Silver - expired
Overall Score 58.49
Liaison Cody Friend
Submission Date Feb. 13, 2017
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.1

University of Nebraska at Omaha
PA-2: Sustainability Planning

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 3.75 / 4.00 Sarah Burke
Sustainability Coordinator
Student Affairs
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Published Plans That Address Sustainability 

Strategic Plan

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:
Academics & Student Affairs identified sustainability as one of five priority areas for the University in 2012. UNO's Campus Priorities: Charting a Clear Vision for 20/20 makes the case for why UNO should continue to expand its sustainability-related academic offerings and research.

A copy of the strategic plan:
campus_priorities_022012.pdf

The website URL where the strategic plan is publicly available:
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Sustainability Plan 

Does the institution have a published sustainability plan (apart from what is reported above)? :
Yes

A copy of the sustainability plan:
UNO Sustainability Master Plan - FINAL - V3.pdf

The website URL where the sustainability plan is publicly available:
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Climate Action Plan 

Does the institution have a published climate action plan (apart from what is reported above)? :
No

A copy of the climate action plan:
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The website URL where the climate action plan is publicly available:
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Other Published Plans 

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):
UNO's Strategic Plan: http://www.unomaha.edu/strategic-plan/index.php#plan

Measurable Sustainability Objectives 

Curriculum

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:
Sustainability Master Plan: UNO's Vision/Goal - All graduates, faculty, and staff are sustainability literate. Sustainability literacy is embedded in curricular and co-curricular programs, and it is realized in the (physical and virtual) classroom and through experiential learning on and off campus. Secondary Metrics - UNO will continue tracking progress toward earning more STARS points. It is expected that the University will earn 75% (30/40) of the Curriculum Points by 2025 through improved tracking of existing efforts and expansion of sustainability education across the University.

Research 

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

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Research and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Sustainability Master Plan: UNO's Vision/Goal - UNO is nationally recognized for the advancement of sustainability research. Secondary Metrics - UNO will continue tracking progress toward earning more STARS points. It is expected that the University will earn 89% (16/18) Research points by 2025 through improved tracking of existing efforts and expansion of sustainability research across the University.

Campus Engagement 

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:
Sustainability Master Plan: UNO's Vision/Goals - Sustainability is an integral part of UNO's culture and identity. Students, faculty, staff, and administrators make decisions that are environmentally friendly, socially responsible, and financially feasible. Metrics - UNO Sustainability Index: 75% by 2025 Campus Engagement STARS points: 100% by 2025

Public Engagement 

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:
Sustainability Master Plan: UNO's Vision/Goals - UNO is a model of dynamic sustainability thinking and practices for the community it serves and is a well-known and ready community resource. Metric - Public Engagement STARS points: 100% by 2020

Air & Climate 

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:
Sustainability Master Plan: UNO's Vision/Goals - UNO uses energy efficiently and strives to have energy produced from renewable and carbon-neutral sources equal to the amount consumed. Metric - Metric Tons of CO2 equivalent: 60% reduction by 2030

Buildings 

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:
Sustainability Master Plan: UNO's Vision/Goals - When needed, new buildings are designed and built to the best resource conservation standards. While no measureable targets were outlined in the Sustainability Master Plan, by order of the President of the Nebraska University System, all new construction and major renovations must be up to LEED standards.

Energy 

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:
Sustainability Master Plan: UNO's Vision/Goals - UNO uses energy efficiently and strives to have energy produced from renewable and carbon-neutral sources equal to the amount consumed. UNO uses existing, efficient building spaces to their fullest. Metric - Weather-Normalized kBTU/ft2: 35% reduction by 2025

Food & Dining 

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:
Sustainability Master Plan: While the Sustainability Master Plan does not have measurable targets that address Food & Dining (like it does for other categories), it does state that the University should focus on sourcing food that is local and/or community-based and that meet relevant third-party certifications.

Grounds 

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:
Sustainability Master Plan: UNO's Vision/Goals - Water is efficiently used within buildings and prudently used in landscaping. Rainfall is managed so to meet a portion of campus needs. Metric - Gallons per weighted campus user: 25% reduction by 2025

Purchasing 

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

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Purchasing and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Sustainability Master Plan: UNO's Vision/Goals - All purchasing decisions include lifecycle cost and closed loop considerations. Metric - % of purchases that are "green": 50% by 2025

Transportation 

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 Master Plan: UNO's Vision/Goals - UNO has a sustainably designed, walkable campus with buildings and outdoor spaces that are inviting and nature-inspired. The majority of people travel to campus by walking, biking, transit, or carpool. Many students live on campus, and virtual meetings/classes eliminate the need for some trips. Metrics - Campus population per parking stall: 2.24 by 2020 % of single occupancy vehicle commute trips: 40% by 2025

Waste 

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 Master Plan: UNO's Vision/Goals - UNO reduces, reuses, and recycles nearly all materials to the extent that very few waste products are sent to the landfill. Metrics - % diverted from landfill: 61% by 2020 Tons of waste + recycling per weighted campus user: 25% reduction by 2025

Water 

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 Master Plan: UNO's Vision/Goals - Water is efficiently used within buildings and prudently used in landscaping. Rainfall is managed so as to meet a portion of campus needs. Metric - Gallons per weighted campus user: 25% reduction by 2025

Diversity & Affordability 

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:
UNO's Strategic Plan: Goal 1: UNO will be recognized as a student-centered metropolitan university. Sub-Goal D: UNO will increase the educational opportunities for students from underrepresented populations. UNO will: - Objective 1: Increase recruitment, retention, and graduation rates of students from underrepresented populations. - Objective 2: Recognize the unique challenges faced by under-represented populations and sustain and expand programs that are responsive to students' needs. - Objective 3: Increase recruitment and retention of a diverse faculty and staff. Sub-Goal E: UNO will foster an institutional culture and climate that attracts and develops students, faculty and staff of diverse talents and backgrounds. UNO will: - Objective 1: Demonstrate and assess a welcoming environment based on a community of learners and an appreciation of differences. - Objective 2: Recruit and support underrepresented students from Omaha and the metropolitan region. - Objective 3: Design, maintain, promote and assess programs and services designed to recruit and develop student, faculty, and staff of diverse talents and backgrounds. - Objective 4: Recruit and support international students.

Investment & Finance 

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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Wellbeing & Work 

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:
UNO's Strategic Plan: Create a supportive culture that enhances students' experiences and success (dimensions of wellness, academic support centers, and learning communities). As measured by: survey data (NSSE, wellness, graduation) and unit/program assessment and review. In addition, UNO's Office of Human Resources partners with Campus Wellness to foster a culture of wellness at UNO. http://www.unomaha.edu/human-resources/benefits/wellness.php

Other Impact Areas 

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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Optional Fields 

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)? :
No

The formal statement in support of sustainability:
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The institution’s definition of sustainability (e.g. as included in a published statement or plan):
Sustainability is defined as using resources wisely and engaging in actions that: 1) are environmentally friendly, socially responsible, and financially feasible; and 2) benefit present and 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 No
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:
http://www.unomaha.edu/sustainability/

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.