Overall Rating Silver - expired
Overall Score 58.55
Liaison Amy Brunvand
Submission Date April 5, 2017
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.1

University of Utah
PA-2: Sustainability Planning

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 3.50 / 4.00 Amy Brunvand
Librarian
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? :
No

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

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)? :
No

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)? :
Yes

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)? :
Yes

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

CAMPUS MASTER PLAN (2008)
http://facilities.utah.edu/campus-planning/master-plan/2008-master-plan.php

University of Utah Bicycle Master Plan. Alta Planning + Design; Psomas, (2011)
URL: http://facilities.utah.edu/static-content/facilitiesmanagement/files/pdf/UniversityOfUtah-BicycleMasterPlan.pdf

Sustainability Collection Development Policy Report. J. Willard Marriott Library, (2012)
URL: https://content.lib.utah.edu/utils/getfile/collection/sustain/id/0/filename/3.pdf
Improving the Air We Breathe: Emission Mitigation Strategies for the University of Utah. University of Utah Air Quality Task Force, (2015).
URL: http://sustainability.utah.edu/_documents/2015-UofU-Air-Quality-Task-Force-Report.pdf

University of Utah: Report to the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Year Seven Self Evaluation Report, (2015)
URL: http://accreditation.utah.edu/2015-year-7-report/UU-Accreditation-Report-2015.pdf
Storm Water Management Program Plan. University of Utah, (June 2016)
URL: http://d2vxd53ymoe6ju.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/20160810213712/UofU-SWMP-July-2016.pdf
Sustainability Action Plan (in progress, projected for Spring 2018). An update to the 2010 Climate Action Plan to include aspects of social justice, food systems, investment practices, and wellness.


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:

CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
Note: All strategies in the Climate Action Plan are categorized in the following time frames:
On-going: current programs or strategies to be continued or expanded
Short-term: strategies to be initiated by 2015 (five years)
Mid-term: strategies to be initiated by 2020 (ten years)
Long-term: strategies to be initiated after 2020

--Create a University Professorship in Sustainability. [2010, p. 21]
--Work with the Council of Academic Deans to develop and implement a Sustainability Certificate. [2010, p.20]
--Incorporate sustainability efforts in both departmental reviews and faculty activity reporting. [2010, p21]
--Work with the Council of Academic Deans to develop and implement a Sustainability Certificate. [2010, p. 20] (Interdisciplinary Graduate Certificate in Sustainability launched in January, 2015).
--Create a robust faculty support system to develop a broader understanding of sustainability concepts and “Social Learning,” and develop sustainability course materials. [2010, p. 21] Implemented in Wasatch Experience workshop, 2014, biennial]
--Work with the campus libraries in building collections, licensing and creating resources, and providing services that fully support the sustainability curriculum. [2010, p. 21] (see: “Marriott Library Sustainability Collection Development Policy Report, 2012).
--additional strategies in plan [2010, p20 & 21]


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:

Note: All strategies in the Climate Action Plan are categorized in the following time frames:
On-going: current programs or strategies to be continued or expanded
Short-term: strategies to be initiated by 2015 (five years)
Mid-term: strategies to be initiated by 2020 (ten years)
Long-term: strategies to be initiated after 2020

CLIMATE ACTION PLAN [2010, p.24]
--Promote sustainability-related research incentives such as funded research programs, fellowships, financial support, and formal mentorship.
--Strengthen the foundation for sustainability research by supporting library resources and services focused on sustainability.
--Encourage interdisciplinary sustainability research in tenure and promotion considerations and implement procedures for faculty under promotion and retention consideration to report and highlight interdisciplinary sustainability research.
--Create an active interface between the Sustainability Research Center and the Technology Commercialization Office to foster technology transfer and accelerate commercialization of technologies within the University of Utah.

--Transformative Excellence Program: Recruit clusters of high achieving faculty in target areas of strength and societal relevance to ensure vibrant future (University Strategy, 2016)


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:

Note: All strategies in the Climate Action Plan are categorized in the following time frames:
On-going: current programs or strategies to be continued or expanded
Short-term: strategies to be initiated by 2015 (five years)
Mid-term: strategies to be initiated by 2020 (ten years)
Long-term: strategies to be initiated after 2020
CLIMATE ACTION PLAN [2010]
--Each year, the Office of Sustainability will host a Climate Action Summit centered on climate change awareness, education, and University efforts. At the summit, the Office of Sustainability will deliver progress reports and provide an opportunity for the campus community to ask questions and comment on the plan. [2010, p. 51]

CAMPUS MASTER PLAN [2008]
--Implementation, Sustainability: 1) Continue to build on current efforts led by the Office of Sustainability. 2) New developments to meet Architecture 2030 objectives 3) Undertake sustainability audit to establish baseline conditions. 4) Promote full participation in achieving a sustainable campus environment. [2008, p. 7-3]


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

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

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:

Note: All strategies in the Climate Action Plan are categorized in the following time frames:
On-going: current programs or strategies to be continued or expanded
Short-term: strategies to be initiated by 2015 (five years)
Mid-term: strategies to be initiated by 2020 (ten years)
Long-term: strategies to be initiated after 2020

CLIMATE ACTION PLAN [2010]
--From 2007 baseline, 25% greenhouse gas reduction by 2020; 50% reduction by 2030; carbon neutrality by 2050. [2010, p. 51]

Improving the Air We Breathe: [2015]
--Reduce emissions to help bring Salt Lake County PM2.5 levels into compliance by 2019. (2015, p.4]


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:

Note: All strategies in the Climate Action Plan are categorized in the following time frames:
On-going: current programs or strategies to be continued or expanded
Short-term: strategies to be initiated by 2015 (five years)
Mid-term: strategies to be initiated by 2020 (ten years)
Long-term: strategies to be initiated after 2020

CAMPUS MASTER PLAN [2008]
-- Campus Master Plan, Implementation, Future Development Approach: 1) Future projects should be multi-use. 2) Infill development as a priority (ie. Before “green-field”). 3) Work towards achieving a compact campus footprint 4) Consider re-use options as part of development programming/planning. 5) Prioritize re-use of significant campus buildings. [p. 7-3]
--New development to meet Architecture 2030 objectives (p. 7-3]
--Energy Performance Contracting (2002) : URL: http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/publications/pdfs/rebuild_america/univ_of_utah_090903_ss.pdf


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:

Note: All strategies in the Climate Action Plan are categorized in the following time frames:
On-going: current programs or strategies to be continued or expanded
Short-term: strategies to be initiated by 2015 (five years)
Mid-term: strategies to be initiated by 2020 (ten years)
Long-term: strategies to be initiated after 2020

CLIMATE ACTION PLAN [2010]
--By 2050, the University of Utah will source the majority of its energy from clean renewable sources such as solar, geothermal, and combined heat and power. [p. 30]
--Increase overall Renewable Energy Credit (REC) purchases by 5 % per year.
--Evaluate and expand the campus portfolio of certified renewable energy credits (RECs) and offsets. Within two years, develop a promotional campaign to increase participation and contributions by 10 percent. [P. 32]
--Create a campus standard for minimum percentage of renewable energy on all major capital development projects and tie to LEED Energy and Atmosphere credit 2 “On-Site Renewable Energy.”

--Create a pilot program and develop financing strategies with Commuter Services for a special parking permit to install PV parking structures

-Analyze Building 093 (HPER) pool heating opportunities and initiate project if the Life-cycle analysis and funding warrants action.

--Require all new capital development projects to investigate opportunities to use solar thermal and storage as a source for building heat.

Improving the Air We Breathe: Emission Mitigation Strategies for the University of Utah [2015]
--Reduce energy use on campus by 20% percent by 2020 through the Better Buildings Challenge (BBC) by 2020. [p. 43]
--Complete utility metering for all campus buildings to better collect and analyze building information [p. 14]
--Replacement of all inefficient and high-emitting boilers by 2017 [p. 46]
--Implement the campus energy standard to require all new capital improvement projects to provide a minimum of 40 percent savings beyond the required energy code. [ p. 27]
-- the University has committed to achieve a 20% reduction in our energy use intensity (EUI) by 2020 as compared with a 2010 baseline [p. 188]


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:

Note: All strategies in the Climate Action Plan are categorized in the following time frames:
On-going: current programs or strategies to be continued or expanded
Short-term: strategies to be initiated by 2015 (five years)
Mid-term: strategies to be initiated by 2020 (ten years)
Long-term: strategies to be initiated after 2020

CLIMATE ACTION PLAN [2010]
--All campus-based food vendors and members of the campus community will seek to close food waste cycles by 25 percent by reducing food waste, enhancing energy-efficient technology, and purchasing more local foods between 2010-2015. [2010, p. 45]
--Real Food Challenge: Commit at least 20 percent of its food-purchasing budget to “real” food by 2020.


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:

Note: All strategies in the Climate Action Plan are categorized in the following time frames:
On-going: current programs or strategies to be continued or expanded
Short-term: strategies to be initiated by 2015 (five years)
Mid-term: strategies to be initiated by 2020 (ten years)
Long-term: strategies to be initiated after 2020

CLIMATE ACTION PLAN [2010]
--Revise landscaping policies to promote more water efficient turf, landscaping and irrigation policies. Evaluate various design standards (such as LEED and Sustainable Sites Initiative) for applicability on campus [p.47]

--Explore alternatives to ice-melting salts on sidewalks and roads while maintaining safety and evaluating life cycle costs of material, personnel, and unintended consequences of ice-melting salts.

--Explore alternatives to reduce synthetic fertilizer and herbicide use for lawns.

--Plant more poly-culture gardens to enhance diversity of plantings that offer multiple benefits such as food, pest resistance, enhance soil fertility and provide shade.

--Compost 100 percent of garden waste. Investigate potential for composting and the use of vermiculture (worm husbandry) throughout the campus community. [mid-term]

--Create an education campaign about sustainable landscaping practices among grounds staff and the campus community. [mid-term]

CAMPUS MASTER PLAN [2008]
--Campus Master Plan, Vision: Capitalize on the Natural Landscape Setting: 1) Create smart open space and promote the intelligent use of landscape, 2) Preserve significant views into, within and from the campus, including views to the Wasatch Mountains and Valley. 3) Create a network of open spaces that improve campus connectivity and provides access to nature. 4) Reduce the visual and physical impacts of surface parking. [2008, p. 2-2]

Response to Utah Exec. Order No. 2015-4
--The landscaping surrounding all new buildings on campus must reduce the landscaping water requirement by at least 50% from a baseline building, which is achieved by choosing water-wise plants as well as high-efficiency irrigation.


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:

Note: All strategies in the Climate Action Plan are categorized in the following time frames:
On-going: current programs or strategies to be continued or expanded
Short-term: strategies to be initiated by 2015 (five years)
Mid-term: strategies to be initiated by 2020 (ten years)
Long-term: strategies to be initiated after 2020

CLIMATE ACTION PLAN [2010]
--Implement a comprehensive and environmentally preferred purchasing policy based on federal standards. [P.45]

--Create a centralized tracking system to account for purchases made by the campus community and to enhance opportunities for sustainable purchasing compliance. [P.45]

--Create an education team to reach out to the campus community and provide guidance on sustainable purchasing. [P.45]

Green Procurement: Consistent with the University of Utah’s sustainability goals; the purpose of this guideline is to support and facilitate the purchase of products and materials that minimize the harmful effects to the environment from their production, transportation, use and disposition. It is the University of Utah’s preference to purchase and use environmentally preferable products whenever they perform satisfactorily and can be acquired at similar total value (cost/quality). A related purpose is to develop and implement common purchasing programs to be used by all University of Utah personnel that support suppliers of environmentally preferable products, services and practices.
URL: http://fbs.admin.utah.edu/purchasing/green/


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:

Note: All strategies in the Climate Action Plan are categorized in the following time frames:
On-going: current programs or strategies to be continued or expanded
Short-term: strategies to be initiated by 2015 (five years)
Mid-term: strategies to be initiated by 2020 (ten years)
Long-term: strategies to be initiated after 2020

CLIMATE ACTION PLAN [2010]
--Develop a pilot hand-held, device-based system to track and evaluate campus shuttle ridership information.

--Conduct enhanced biannual Commuter Transportation Survey to track commuting patterns, needs, and methods of travel.

--Develop marketing campaign(s) aimed at reinforcing positive benefits of using alternative modes of transportation; promote making a sustainable choice the norm.

--Educate new students, faculty, and staff regarding alternative transportation options and benefits.

--Promote and expand support for flextime and telecommuting for staff and faculty as appropriate to job duties and work environment.

--Reintroduce van pooling and better promote both van and car pooling

--Re-institute and promote the Guaranteed Ride Home program (requires renegotiation of agreement with UTA and/or Commuter Services policy change).

--Design & Construction to implement applicable aspects of LEED-Neighborhood Development, “Complete Streets,” and other policies for all new construction projects and major building renovations and additions.

--Complete new bicycling master plan in fiscal year 2011 and improve bicycle routes to campus by integrating campus bicycle routes with Salt Lake City routes and improving gateways to campus.

--Increase on-campus housing options for students, faculty, and staff.

--Enhance connectivity between major campus destinations and on-campus intermodal hubs, including pedestrian, bicycle, and shuttle routes.

Construct one or more intermodal hubs on campus that will facilitate easy transfers between routes and from one mode of travel to another. [mid-term]

--Study needs and potential solutions to develop more efficient and cost-effective transportation option between major campus destinations and transit hubs.

CAMPUS MASTER PLAN [2008]
--Campus Master Plan, Enhanced Connections; Challenges to pedestrian and bicycle circulation, including topography, campus scale, and “missing links” can be overcome through the creation of an enhanced framework of pedestrian and bicycle facilities which promote safe and convenient connections to and within the campus. [2008, p. 5-2]
IMPROVING THE AIR WE BREATH [2015]
--Enhance public transportation with intermodal hub [2015, p. 61]
--Goal: Develop a campus transportation plan that focuses on reducing single occupancy vehicles (SOV), smart-growth and land use, and best management practices for all modes of transportation. [2016, 2-1]
BICYCLE MASTER PLAN [2013]
--Goal: Maintain the integrity of the campus through aesthetics and through embracing a holistic “complete streets” concept. [2013, 2-5]
--Achieve silver-level Bicycle Friendly University status by 2016; gold-level by 2021; platinum-level by 2026. [2011, p.5] (The University of Utah achieved silver-level in 2012)


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:

Note: All strategies in the Climate Action Plan are categorized in the following time frames:
On-going: current programs or strategies to be continued or expanded
Short-term: strategies to be initiated by 2015 (five years)
Mid-term: strategies to be initiated by 2020 (ten years)
Long-term: strategies to be initiated after 2020

CLIMATE ACTION PLAN [2010]
--We seek to achieve a 25 percent waste reduction in five years by implementing a more efficient and comprehensive record of all campus-based waste flows, improving education, and forging steps towards a zero-waste campus. [2010, p. 41]
--The University will reduce its waste stream volume through avoidance, durability and reuse, diversion, and aggressive recycling [2010, p. 43]
--Maintain the existing comprehensive waste management job position and provide staff sufficient to manage an integrated waste management system campus-wide. [p. 42]

--Optimize the use of electronic technologies and innovations to reduce paper usage. [p. 42]

--Consolidate waste-collection and recycling programs campus-wide (and across business units) offering a more consistent collection program to enhance efficiency and consistency and increase program participation. [p. 42]

--Re-establish a campus-wide recycling core committee and expand integrated education and awareness program [p. 42]


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:

Note: All strategies in the Climate Action Plan are categorized in the following time frames:
On-going: current programs or strategies to be continued or expanded
Short-term: strategies to be initiated by 2015 (five years)
Mid-term: strategies to be initiated by 2020 (ten years)
Long-term: strategies to be initiated after 2020

CLIMATE ACTION PLAN [2010]
--By 2020, the University of Utah seeks to achieve water neutrality and to minimize waste from grounds operations through composting. [p. 46]
--By 2020, the University of Utah seeks to achieve water neutrality and to minimize waste from grounds operations through composting. [2010, p. 46]
--Reduce the volume of annual storm water runoff beyond campus boundaries by 50 percent within five years and by more than 75 percent within 10 years. [2010, p 47]
--Create and implement a 10-year plan for enhanced water conservation efforts. [2010, p. 47]

Storm Water Management Program Plan [2016]
--New sites should be managing rainfall on site at close to 100% of the rainfall volume. Designers are to document the technical basis and calculations for the infiltration rates. The minimum (90th Percentile) calculation is to be included in the November 2016 update to the Campus design standards. [2016, p.14]


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:

--Increase diversity of faculty, including women in science and engineering [University Strategy, 2016]
--Achieve an appropriate balance among affordability, access, and quality across the institution [University Strategy, 2016]


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

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

Note All strategies in the Climate Action Plan are categorized in the following time frames:
On-going: current programs or strategies to be continued or expanded
Short-term: strategies to be initiated by 2015 (five years)
Mid-term: strategies to be initiated by 2020 (ten years)
Long-term: strategies to be initiated after 2020

CLIMATE ACTION PLAN [2010]
--Create an internal financing mechanism capable of receiving corporate, staff, and faculty contributions with the intent to finance investment in energy efficiency and renewable energy. [2010, p. 48]
--…reinvest paybacks from investments in additional campus projects. Create a revolving loan fund for energy projects, using interest and principal payments on outstanding loans to issue new loans. [2010, p. 48]


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

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:
---

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:
---

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

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) ---

A brief description of the institution’s formal sustainability commitments, including the specific initiatives selected above:

American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment, signed 2008.

Better Buildings Challenge, signed 2011.
The University of Utah signed on to the Better Buildings Challenge in 2011 and committed our campus to achieving 20% energy efficiency by 2020.


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:

Governor, Administration: Water Conservation, Utah Exec. Order No. 2015-4 Issued: June 3, 2015
URL: http://www.rules.utah.gov/execdocs/2015/ExecDoc156361.htm


Governor, Administration: Water Conservation, Utah Exec. Order No. 2015-4 Issued: June 3, 2015
URL: http://www.rules.utah.gov/execdocs/2015/ExecDoc156361.htm

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.