| Overall Rating | Gold |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 70.92 |
| Liaison | Amy Brunvand |
| Submission Date | Sept. 12, 2023 |
University of Utah
PRE-2: Points of Distinction
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
N/A |
Kerry
Case Chief Sustainability Officer Sustainability Office |
Name of the institution’s featured sustainability program, initiative, or accomplishment:
A brief description of the institution’s featured program, initiative, or accomplishment:
The new Wilkes Center for Climate Science & Policy at the University of Utah strives to provide transformative, integrative, and cutting-edge science, education, entrepreneurship, and practical solutions to tackle climate change in Utah, the United States, and the globe. The Wilkes Center aims to catalyze innovative science and solutions to address climate change. The Wilkes Center leverages the University of Utah’s unique position and environment to drive world-class research on climate change forecasting, impacts, and solutions and to place this science in the hands of decision-makers. Drawing on multidisciplinary centers of excellence at the University of Utah, the Wilkes Center strives for practical, integrative, and solutions-oriented research that can translate into policy around climate extremes, including wildfire and drought, air quality, natural ecosystems, carbon and water cycling, human environment and health. The Center will foster educational and research training programs that support climate innovation and develop a new generation of solution-oriented leaders.
Which of the following impact areas does the featured program, initiative, or accomplishment most closely relate to?:
Research
Public Engagement
Air & Climate
Website URL where more information about the accomplishment may be found:
STARS credit in which the featured program, initiative, or accomplishment is reported (if applicable):
A photograph or document associated with the featured program, initiative, or accomplishment:
Name of a second highlighted sustainability program/initiative/accomplishment:
A brief description of the second program/initiative/accomplishment:
The University has invested significant financial resources into mental health services since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. Expansion of mental health resources include crisis response, virtual 24/7 support, wellness skills and mindfulness, plus in person and virtual counseling services. Programs are tailored to the mental health needs of students, employees and the community and have increased service coordination between the University Counseling Center, Huntsman Mental Health Institute, Women's Resource Center, Behavioral Health Innovation and Dissemination Center, Resiliency Center, Utah Community Mental Health Clinic, and the Center for Student Wellness. Access to these expanded services and programs supports the resiliency of the University community and has increased participation and demand for mindfulness and wellness centered programs.
Which impact areas does the second program/initiative/accomplishment most closely relate to?:
Public Engagement
Wellbeing & Work
Website URL where more information about the second program/initiative/accomplishment may be found:
STARS credit in which the second program/initiative/accomplishment is reported (if applicable):
A photograph or document associated with the second program/initiative/accomplishment:
Name of a third highlighted program/initiative/accomplishment:
A brief description of the third program/initiative/accomplishment:
The University is committed to reducing vehicle-related emissions that worsen local air quality, as transportation emissions accounted for just over 25% of the University's greenhouse gas emissions in 2020. Expansion of sustainable transportation options include 1) an exclusive contract with a private micromobility provider (SPIN) to encourage daily trips by escooter or ebike, 2) an overhaul of the University's telecommuting policy to encourage mode shift, especially on days of poor air quality, 3) designing and building a mobility hub to expand public transit and micromobility service at the Student Union building with another mobility hub in the plan design phase, 4) changing vehicle permit types to encourage carpooling, 5) extending the open hours of the Campus Bike Shop to better serve the needs of bike commuters, 6) placing in the top 5 teams for Utah's Clear the Air Challenge for the last 5 years of participation - this month long competition gives participants the chance to reduce vehicle emissions by choosing sustainable transportation choices and recording daily trips using the Travelwise tracker.
Which impact areas does the third program/initiative/accomplishment most closely relate to?:
Transportation
Coordination & Planning
Wellbeing & Work
Website URL where more information about the third program/initiative/accomplishment may be found:
STARS credit in which the third program/initiative/accomplishment is reported (if applicable):
A photograph or document associated with the third program/initiative/accomplishment:
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.