| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 53.64 |
| Liaison | William Cocke |
| Submission Date | May 14, 2014 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
University of North Texas
PA-2: Sustainability Planning
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
4.00 / 4.00 |
Todd
Spinks Director UNT Sustainability |
Does the institution have current and formal plans to advance sustainability in the following areas? Do the plans include measurable objectives?:
| Current and Formal Plans (Yes or No) | Measurable Objectives (Yes or No) | |
| Curriculum | Yes | Yes |
| Research (or other scholarship) | Yes | Yes |
| Campus Engagement | Yes | Yes |
| Public Engagement | Yes | Yes |
| Air and Climate | No | No |
| Buildings | Yes | Yes |
| Dining Services/Food | Yes | Yes |
| Energy | Yes | Yes |
| Grounds | Yes | Yes |
| Purchasing | --- | --- |
| Transportation | Yes | Yes |
| Waste | Yes | Yes |
| Water | No | No |
| Diversity and Affordability | Yes | Yes |
| Health, Wellbeing and Work | --- | --- |
| Investment | --- | --- |
| Other | Yes | Yes |
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Curriculum:
UNT is currently developing courses, certificates and degree programs in sustainability at the undergraduate and graduate levels. These developments draw upon the university's strengths in several disciplines relating to environmental sciences, engineering, philosophy, resource depletion and conservation, biodiversity and ecosystems, economic development, and social organizational structures including governance, human rights and labor practices and can be found in the Framework for Responsible Growth. http://rs.acupcc.org/site_media/uploads/cap/1025-cap.pdf
Date Revised: Aug. 7, 2014
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Curriculum plan(s):
Increased student enrollment in sustainability-related or sustainability-focused courses, certificate and degree programs.
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Curriculum plan(s):
Office of the Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, College of Business, Institute of Applied Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Merchandising, Hospitality and Tourism, College of Public Affairs and Community Service, College of Engineering
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Research (or other scholarship):
In the University of North Texas Strategic Plan 2012-17, research is identified as an important area of growth that UNT will work to expand and strengthen. The manner in which research is conducted at UNT affects the type and quantity of emissions produced locally on campus and in surrounding communities. The type of research conducted at UNT also influences the intellectual and technological practices and advancements associated with groundbreaking research, also impacting emission levels. Research clusters at UNT are also concerned with sustainability initiatives. Started in 2008, research clusters at UNT include focuses on renewable bioproducts, human security, democracy and global development, renewable energy and conservation and more. Continuation and support of the research clusters can be found in the Framework for Responsible Growth. http://rs.acupcc.org/site_media/uploads/cap/1025-cap.pdf The strategic plan can be found at http://www.unt.edu/features/four-bold-goals/.
Date Revised: Aug. 7, 2014
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Research plan(s):
Students, faculty and staff's increased participation in research concerning, pertaining to, or developing sustainability.
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Research plan(s):
Office of Research and Economic Development, UNT Sustainability
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Campus Engagement around sustainability:
UNT Sustainability has enlisted the help of other departments on campus to disseminate information, spread awareness and encourage change in practices on campus. Student organizations and other educational programs are also part of UNT Sustainability's Outreach campaigns. The plan to further campus engagement endeavors through outreach is indicated in the Framework for Responsible Growth. http://rs.acupcc.org/site_media/uploads/cap/1025-cap.pdf
Date Revised: Aug. 7, 2014
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Campus Engagement plan:
Increased participants in sustainability initiatives, such as the Office Certification Program, Bring Your Own Bottle, Recyclemania, Recycling at Tailgating and others.
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Campus Engagement plan(s):
UNT Sustainability, Office of Student Affairs
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Public Engagement around sustainability:
As indicated in the University of North Texas Strategic Plan 2012-17, UNT will promote the economic and cultural development of the North Texas region, the state of Texas and the nation by providing a highly educated, highly skilled workforce of critical thinkers and fostering a wellspring of knowledge, ideas and solutions. UNT will also be established as a nationally recognized, engaged university and regional leader by building and expanding mutually beneficial partnerships and resources.
http://www.unt.edu/features/four-bold-goals/
Date Revised: Aug. 7, 2014
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Public Engagement plan(s):
To provide professional development and growth opportunities through seminars, conferences, workshops, forums, and regular Consortium-wide communications.
To support member college and Consortium-wide activities in institutional planning, institutional research, and institutional effectiveness.
To improve communication and collaboration among member community colleges and between member community colleges and the University of North Texas.
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Public Engagement plan(s):
Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Air and Climate:
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Air and Climate plan(s):
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Air and Climate plan(s):
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Buildings:
For all new buildings, UNT has committed to achieving LEED Silver certification or higher. In addition, UNT is working to achieve LEED EB (Existing Building) certification or Energy Star Certification on existing campus buildings built before 2009. The Campus Master Plan details the importance of compact development for increased building density and preservation and adaptive reuse of existing buildings.
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Buildings plan(s):
UNT is working to ensure new buildings are designed and constructed with environmental consciousness, and that older buildings have the opportunity and ability to be upgraded with sustainable features. For all new buildings, UNT has committed to achieve LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver Certification or higher.
Additionally, the university is exploring possibilities to achieve LEED EB (Existing Building) certification or Energy Star Certification on existing campus buildings built before 2009. Currently, UNT has three LEED certified buildings and aims to continue its green accountability in upcoming construction projects.
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Buildings plan(s):
Division of Finance and Administration, UNT Facilities
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Dining Services/Food:
Dining services engages in policies, procedures and practices that promote sustainability in the dining halls. Dining services purchases food locally and from a prime vendor, and encourages the use of reusable mugs and bottles. Fair Trade Certified and organic coffee is available at various locations on campus. Reusable cutlery, glassware and china are used in all dining halls, the Avest restaurant and with Verde catering.
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Dining Services/Food plan(s):
Dining services has made all of the dining halls trayless and continues to purchase products that are regional or local and that are low impact waste-wise.
http://www.dining.unt.edu/sustainabilitygeneralinfo
Date Revised: Aug. 7, 2014
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Dining Services/Food plan(s):
UNT Dining Services
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Energy:
UNT has already implemented numerous programs and initiatives that continue to reduce the university’s overall electricity consumption by promoting energy conservation and efficiency both on and off campus. UNT is committed to the continuation of these efforts, as well as exploring
the feasibility of new innovative projects and programs that support the university’s objectives to reach carbon neutrality, become a sustainable leader, and promote innovative research.
http://rs.acupcc.org/site_media/uploads/cap/1025-cap.pdf
Date Revised: Aug. 7, 2014
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Energy plan(s):
UNT will be able to measure reduction in energy consumption, as well as what renewable energy sources on campus contribute to our cost-savings. Strategies included in UNT's energy plans are a contract with Schneider Electric that enables tracking of energy usage and building renovations for more energy efficient operations.
Date Revised: Aug. 8, 2014
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Energy plan(s):
UNT Sustainability, UNT Facilities Department
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Grounds:
Maintaining campus grounds is important to preserve the natural landscape and foster a sense of place for the UNT community. UNT is committed to promoting sustainability though campus grounds – utilizing only native landscaping, instituting a campus Tree Policy, and being recognized as a Tree Campus USA for the past four consecutive years. In the Campus Master Plan, UNT indicates a new focus on developing the campus network of open spaces and improving the physical connections and the quality of those spaces.
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Grounds plan(s):
Reduction of fertilizer use
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Grounds plan(s):
UNT Facilities Department
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Purchasing:
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Purchasing plan(s):
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Purchasing plan(s):
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Transportation:
Exploring
expansion of campus infrastructure to accommodate
the needs of hybrid, flex-fuel, and electric vehicles is
an additional way for UNT to be proactive in reducing
transportation related emissions. Currently, the university has a
strong partnership with Denton County Transportation
Authority (DCTA). Through student fees, DCTA
provides an intra-campus shuttle system and offers free
public transportation for the UNT community. The
university works closely with DCTA to expand the use of
public transportation. Additionally, UNT has played a key
role in the development of the A-Train commuter rail,
providing valuable input and guidance regarding routes
and schedules. The university encourages students, faculty,
and staff to utilize public transportation options to reduce
emissions associated with personal automobiles.
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Transportation plan(s):
UNT Sustainability is working on approval for a campus-wide bike sharing program.
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Transportation plan(s):
UNT Sustainability
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Waste:
Since FY 2007, UNT has realized costsavings
upwards of $135,000, generated revenues close
to $200,000, and reduced emissions by 7,620 MT CO2(e)
as a result of campus recycling. There is a significant
opportunity to further cut costs, generate additional
revenues, and reduce GHG emissions through the
improvement of campus recycling.
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Waste plan(s):
Studies have been conducted by teams of students and interns to evaluate waste and recycling on campus.
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Waste plan(s):
UNT Sustainability, UNT Facilities
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Water:
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Water plan(s):
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Water plan(s):
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Diversity and Affordability:
UNT is offering two choices for a tuition rate plan to give you flexibility and convenience. Each plan allows students to budget your costs in advance because the tuition rate is set for the next four years. UNT is setting new rates to increase the quality of the education and support we provide. Both plans allow UNT to offer you the best undergraduate experience in Texas at an affordable price, while helping students better forecast and plan for the future.The Eagle Express plan is available to all new freshmen and transfer students entering UNT in Fall 2014 and beyond. Current students have a one-time opportunity to opt-in to the plan, but no continuing students will be allowed to join the plan after Fall 2014.
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Diversity and Affordability plan(s):
Students will save up to $4,000 upon graduating on time and will know their total academic costs for four years, which will help them plan their expenses.
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Diversity and Affordability plan(s):
Student Financial Aid and Scholarships
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Health, Wellbeing and Work:
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Health, Wellbeing and Work plan(s):
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Health, Wellbeing and Work plan(s):
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Investment:
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Investment plan(s):
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Investment plan(s):
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in other areas:
Placemaking at UNT to encourage students to stay on campus during the weekends rather than commute home is an initiative that is expressed in the Campus Master Plan.
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the other plan(s):
Student housing arranged around recreation, student services and amenities will serve the purpose of encourage students to remain on campus.
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the other plan(s):
Division of Student Affairs, UNT Sustainability, UNT Facilities
The institution’s definition of sustainability:
Does the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document include sustainability at a high level?:
A brief description of how the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document addresses sustainability:
The website URL where information about the institution’s sustainability planning is available:
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.