| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 59.07 |
| Liaison | Matt Wolsfeld |
| Submission Date | March 5, 2020 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
University of Saskatchewan
PA-2: Sustainability Planning
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
4.00 / 4.00 |
Erin
Akins Sustainability Coordinator Office of Sustainability |
Does the institution have a published strategic plan or equivalent guiding document that includes sustainability at a high level? :
A brief description of how the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document addresses sustainability:
Usask's Plan 2025's goal is "To be the university the world needs."
The various components of the plan are symbolized by a weave. Sustainability is one of the 4 pillars identified. The other 4 pillars are Connectivity, Diversity and Creativity.
The plan defines five areas of impact to which we aspire: Transformative Decolonization Leading to Reconciliation, Productive Collaboration, Meaningful Impact, Distinguished Learners, Global Recognition
A copy of the strategic plan:
The website URL where the strategic plan is publicly available:
Does the institution have a published sustainability plan (apart from what is reported above)? :
A copy of the sustainability plan:
The website URL where the sustainability plan is publicly available:
Does the institution have a published climate action plan (apart from what is reported above)? :
A copy of the climate action plan:
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)? :
A list of other published plans that address sustainability, including public website URLs (if available):
Strategic Research Plan: https://www.usask.ca/ipa/documents/USASK_Strategic%20Research%20Plan_Nov%2023%202018_final.pdf
The International Blueprint for Action 2025 — A vision for a globally significant university: https://www.usask.ca/ipa/documents/international-blueprint.pdf
Campus Master Plan: http://facilities.usask.ca/campus-master-plan/
Aboriginal Foundation Document: https://www.usask.ca/ipa/documents/planning/aboriginal_foundationaldoc_2003.pdf
Energy and Water Conservation Policy: https://policies.usask.ca/policies/health-safety-and-environment/energy-and-water-conservation.php
Usask Wellness Strategy: https://www.usask.ca/wellness-strategy/documents/wellness-strategy.pdf
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Curriculum?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Curriculum and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Selection of objectives:
By the end of the Third Integrated Planning Cycle (2012-2016):
• Produce and publish an inventory of sustainability-focused and sustainability-related courses, programs and immersive experiences.
• Develop the methodology for a sustainability literacy assessment involving an initial and follow-up assessment of the sustainability literacy of a defined cohort of undergraduate students.
• Establish a program of small grants to support the incorporation of sustainability into programs and courses, with the goal of facilitating the revision of 5 to 7 courses per year.
By the end of the Four Integrated Planning Cycle (2016-2020)
• Establish a library collected focused on sustainability to support sustainability courses and sustainability content in courses.
• Establish one sustainability immersive experience appropriate to the context of our university.
From Campus Sustainability Plan
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Research?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Research and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Selection of objectives:
By the end of the Third Integrated Planning Cycle (2012-2016);
• Develop and publish a sustainability research inventory identifying research centres, laboratories, departments and faculty members whose research focuses on, or is related to, sustainability.
• Develop a plan to facilitate linkages between U of S researchers to facilitate research linkages across departmental and disciplinary boundaries and the university’s signature research areas, with implementation to occur during the Fourth Integrated Planning Cycle (2016-2020).
From Campus Sustainability Plan
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Campus Engagement?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Campus Engagement and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Selection of objectives:
By the end of the Third Integrated Planning Cycle (2012-2016):
• Establish a jointly administered sustainability student group grant program with the University of Saskatchewan Students’ Union.
• Create an annual summer student position to provide gardening education and facilitation to community garden participants.
By the end of the Fourth Integrated Planning Cycle (2016-2020):
• Provide Energy Awareness Training to at least 50 units on campus
• Establish a multi category sustainability award that celebrates the sustainability achievements of members of the campus community.
From Campus Sustainability Plan
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Public Engagement?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Public Engagement and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Selection of objectives:
By the end of the Third Integrated Planning Cycle (2012-2016):
• Host at least one event jointly with the Saskatchewan Regional Centre of Expertise on Education for Sustainability.
• Through cyclical renewal of signage, include "Green Features" on all new campus wayfinding and informational signage.
From Campus Sustainability Plan
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Air & Climate?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Air & Climate and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Our reduction target is reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% below 2006/2007 levels by 2020, which equates to a GHG level of 128,800 MT eCO2..
From the Climate Action Plan
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Buildings?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Buildings and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Selection of objectives:
By the end of the Fourth Integrated Planning Cycle (2016-2020);
• Formalize LEED-EBOM as the standard for U of S building Operations and Maintenance practices.
• Implement Energy Management Information Systems for all building on campus.
• Develop and facilitate the approval of a Green Building Policy that covers all university-owned buildings.
From Campus Sustainability Plan
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Energy?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Energy and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Our goal is reduce energy consumption by 5% annually until the end of the Fourth Integrated Planning Cycle.
From our Energy and Water Conservation Policy: http://policies.usask.ca/policies/health-safety-and-environment/energy-and-water-conservation.php
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Food & Dining?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Food & Dining and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Selection of objectives:
By the end of the Fourth Integrated Planning Cycle (2016-2020);
• Develop and implement a comprehensive food waste composting strategy.
• Develop and implement sustainability requirements for food service franchises operating on campus, initially to be followed voluntarily, later to be integrated into new contractual agreements with franchises.
From Campus Sustainability Plan
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Grounds?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Grounds and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Selection of objectives:
By the end of the Third Integrated Planning Cycle (2012-2016):
• Develop and implement an integrated pest management plan that covers 100% of the university’s core landscaped lands.
From Campus Sustainability Plan
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Purchasing?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Purchasing and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Selection of Goals:
By the end of Third Integrated Planning Cycle (2012-2016):
• Develop a mechanism to optimize the purchase of EPEAT Silver or higher computer equipment purchased by the university, with the goal of 100% of purchases attaining this standard.
By the end of the Fourth Integrated Planning Cycle (2016-2020):
• Develop and implement a vendor code of conduct to establish standards for the social and environmental responsibilities of vendors on campus.
From Campus Sustainability Plan
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Transportation?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Transportation and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Selection of objectives:
By the end of the Third Integrated Planning Cycle (2012-2016):
• Transition Parking Services to Parking and Transportation Services to facilitate better ongoing support for alternative transportation on campus.
• Establish a subsidized bus pass, similar to the U-Pass for undergraduate students, for graduate students, faculty and staff.
• Instigate the completion of a Transportation Demand Management Plan and Strategy to guide future transportation planning on campus.
By the end of the Fourth Integrated Planning Cycle (2016-2020):
• Develop and implement policy governing idling of University fleet vehicles, non-University service vehicles and privately-owned vehicles.
From Campus Sustainability Plan
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Waste?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Waste and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Selection of objectives:
By the end of the Fourth Integrated Planning Cycle:
• Divert 90 % of normal waste streams (non construction; non hazardous waste) through from landfill
• Divert from landfill a minimum of 50% by weight of construction/demolition waste.
From Campus Sustainability Plan and Facilities Management Second Integrated Plan.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Water?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Water and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Our goal is reduce water consumption by 5% annually until the end of the Fourth Integrated Planning Cycle.
From our Energy and Water Conservation Policy
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Diversity & Affordability?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Diversity & Affordability and the published plans in which each objective is included:
• Growth in the number of Indigenous policies, programmes, curricula, and initiatives across colleges and schools developed with and validated by Indigenous peoples
• Recognized Indigenous leadership at all levels of the academy, administration, and governance
• Systems and structures—including tenure, promotion, and merit practices—that support and recognize Indigenization
From the University Plan 2025
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Investment & Finance?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Investment & Finance and the published plans in which each objective is included:
By the end of the Fourth Integrated Planning Cycle:
• Socially responsible investment practices are developed
• Sustainability in embedded in financial decision making
From the Campus Sustainability Plan
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Wellbeing & Work?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Wellbeing & Work and the published plans in which each objective is included:
- Define and formalize wellness roles and responsibilities for senior leaders, people leaders.
- Highlight supports and resources which are already available on campus.
-Increase student, staff and faculty knowledge and skills to enact healthy behaviors and create environments to foster these.
-Maintain and develop healthy spaces throughout the U of S campuses.
- Form a wellness support network that values, represents and speaks for diversity of the U of S community, and promotes inclusion in practicing and supporting wellness while at work or while learning.
From the Wellness Strategy
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address other areas (e.g. arts and culture or technology)?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address other areas and the published plans in which each objective is included:
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)? :
The formal statement in support of sustainability:
USask Vision Statement
We will contribute to a sustainable future by being among the best in the world in areas of special and emerging strengths, through outstanding research, scholarly, and artistic work that addresses the needs and aspirations of our region and the world, and through exceptional teaching and engagement.
We will be an outstanding institution of research, learning, knowledge-keeping, reconciliation, and inclusion with and by Indigenous peoples and communities.
The institution’s definition of sustainability (e.g. as included in a published statement or plan):
From University Plan 2025
Nākatēyihtamowin | nakaatayihtaamoowin
The principle of sustainability ensures that we take care of the relationships with which we’ve been entrusted—with the land, with the air and water, with our students, colleagues, and neighbours— guided by mindfulness, respect, and reverence. In Cree and Michif, the idea is much bigger, extending to the attention we pay to protecting and honouring the wellness of all humanity and creation, the integrity of our cultural identities, and the stories embedded within language—the baskets of stories— our students, staff, faculty, and partners bring to our community.
For the University of Saskatchewan, Nākatēyihtamowin | Nakaatayihtaamoowin is a cultural and ecological touchstone.
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) | Yes |
| UN Global Compact | No |
| Other multi-dimensional sustainability commitments (please specify below) | Yes |
A brief description of the institution’s formal sustainability commitments, including the specific initiatives selected above:
University and College Presidents’ Climate Change Statement of Action for Canada (UCPCCS)
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:
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.