| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 66.44 |
| Liaison | Mike Wilson |
| Submission Date | Jan. 29, 2014 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
University of Victoria
PA-2: Sustainability Planning
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
4.00 / 4.00 |
"---"
indicates that no data was submitted for this field
None
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 | No | No |
| Research (or other scholarship) | No | No |
| Campus Engagement | Yes | Yes |
| Public Engagement | Yes | No |
| Air and Climate | Yes | Yes |
| Buildings | Yes | Yes |
| Dining Services/Food | Yes | Yes |
| Energy | Yes | Yes |
| Grounds | Yes | Yes |
| Purchasing | Yes | Yes |
| Transportation | Yes | Yes |
| Waste | Yes | Yes |
| Water | Yes | Yes |
| Diversity and Affordability | Yes | No |
| Health, Wellbeing and Work | Yes | No |
| Investment | Yes | No |
| Other | --- | --- |
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Curriculum:
N/A
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Curriculum plan(s):
N/A
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Curriculum plan(s):
N/A
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Research (or other scholarship):
N/A
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Research plan(s):
N/A
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Research plan(s):
N/A
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Campus Engagement around sustainability:
UVic's Sustainability Action Plan: Campus Operations (2009-2014), consists of a number of initiatives to advance campus engagement around sustainability. These include developing a communications strategy,a mulit-stakeholder advisory committee on campus operations, a sustainability action team program (green office, student residences and labs), and a sustainability awards program for staff and students, and a revolving sustainability load fund to fund campus community ideas to save energy and water on campus. See the full plan for details: https://www.uvic.ca/sustainability/assets/docs/FinalACTIONPLAN.pdf. The Office of Campus Planning & Sustainability and many other departments on campus host many public talks and sustainability events to encourage campus engagement around sustainability. See: http://www.uvic.ca/sustainability/.
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Campus Engagement plan:
The above strategies included in the UVic's Sustainability Action Plan: Campus Operations (2009-2014), and were all implemented by 2011 and are ongoing. See our sustainaiblity report card: https://www.uvic.ca/sustainability/assets/docs/BUDG_02652_SustainabilityHighlightsBooklet_OUT_web.pdf.
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Campus Engagement plan(s):
Office of Campus Plannig and Sustainability, Facilties Management, Waste Reduction Unit, and UVic Communications.
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Public Engagement around sustainability:
UVic hosts many public lectures (most free of charge), workshops and conferences with a focus on sustainability, as well as Continuing Studies classes. These are hosted by the Office of Campus Planning and Sustainability, the Centre for Co-operatives and Community-Based Economy, Institute for Studies and Innovation in Community-University Engagement, Social Justice Studies, School of Environmental Studies, School of Business, and the Environmental Law Centre, plus others. UVic is a research-intensive university with a focus on oceans and climate change, and the various research centres including the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions, Pacific Climate Impacts Consortium, and Neptune Ocean Research, host many public events and host comprehensive websites with information available to the public.
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Public Engagement plan(s):
None are specifically planned or measured (would be impossible to coordinate all of the various centres!).
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Public Engagement plan(s):
The Office of Campus Planning & Sustainability, Centre for Co-operatives and Community-Based Economy, Institute for Studies and Innovation in Community-University Engagement, Social Justice Studies, School of Environmental Studies, School of Business, the Environmental Law Centre, Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions, Pacific Climate Impacts Consortium, Oceans Networks Canada and Continuing Studies.
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Air and Climate:
The Sustainability Action Plan: Campus Operations (2009-2014) contains a section on Energy that includes climate change. See: https://www.uvic.ca/sustainability/assets/docs/FinalACTIONPLAN.pdf.
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Air and Climate plan(s):
Sustainability Action Plan goals:
- Conduct annual greenhouse gas inventory and become carbon neutral by 2010.
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% over 2007 baseline by 2015.
- Quantify the risks to university resources and infrastructure associated with global climate change by 2015.
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Air and Climate plan(s):
Office of Campus Planning and Sustainability, Facilities Management, Occupational, Health, Safety and Environment, and Parking and Transportation Services.
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Buildings:
The Sustainability Action Plan: Campus Operations (2009-2014) contains a section on Green Buildings. See: https://www.uvic.ca/sustainability/assets/docs/FinalACTIONPLAN.pdf.
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Buildings plan(s):
Sustainability Action Plan goals
- 100% of all capital building projects and major renovations will utilize an integrated approach to building planning, design, construction and operations.
- 100% of all new buildings will be constructed and certified as LEED Gold facilities.
- 50% of all major renovation projects registered in the LEED EB (existing buildings) program.
- 100% of all building spaces are cleaned with green cleaning techniques and products by 2011.
- To maintain and maximize the utilization of our physical infrastructure.
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Buildings plan(s):
Facilities Management (Capital Development), and Office of Campus Planning & Sustainability.
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Dining Services/Food:
The Sustainability Action Plan: Campus Operations (2009-2014) contains a section on Food and Urban Agriculture. See: https://www.uvic.ca/sustainability/assets/docs/FinalACTIONPLAN.pdf.
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Dining Services/Food plan(s):
Sustainability Action Plan goals:
- Increase accessibility to healthy and diverse food choices.
- Review and assess the opportunities for locally produced and other "low impact" food options to be made available on campus.
- Increase spending on organic and fair trade food and beverages.
- Become a Fair Trade Campus by the end of 2011.
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Dining Services/Food plan(s):
Food Services, Purchasing Services, and and Office of Campus Planning & Sustainability.
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Energy:
The Sustainability Action Plan: Campus Operations (2009-2014) contains a section on Energy. See: https://www.uvic.ca/sustainability/assets/docs/FinalACTIONPLAN.pdf. UVic also comissioned an Integrated Energy Master Plan in 2011, see: https://www.uvic.ca/sustainability/assets/docs/UVicIntegratedEnergyPlan.pdf.
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Energy plan(s):
Sustainability Action Plan goals:
- Reduce campus electricity consumption by 20% by 2015.
- Increase our renewable energy portfolio.
Additional goals:
- Complete Integrated Energy Master Plan
- Complete a biomass feasibility study
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Energy plan(s):
Facilities Management and the Office of Campus Planning and Sustainability.
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Grounds:
The Sustainability Action Plan: Campus Operations (2009-2014) contains a section on Grounds. See: https://www.uvic.ca/sustainability/assets/docs/FinalACTIONPLAN.pdf.
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Grounds plan(s):
Sustainability Action Plan goals:
- Develop a process to review protection of natural areas outlined in the 2003 Campus Plan beyond 2013.
- Eliminate all toxic chemicals from routine landscape management by 2012.
- Reduce the amount of impermeable surfaces on campus.
- Restore unhealthy natural areas on campus.
- Create a program to coordinate and support academic study and research in our campus landscapes by 2010.
- Ensure that 75% of all new plants installed on campus are native.
- Ensure that 50% of natural areas on campus are healthy natural areas.
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Grounds plan(s):
Facilities Management (Grounds and Environmental Services) and the Office of Campus Planning and Sustainability.
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Purchasing:
The Sustainability Action Plan: Campus Operations (2009-2014) contains a section on Purchasing. See: https://www.uvic.ca/sustainability/assets/docs/FinalACTIONPLAN.pdf. Also, see supplier sustainability objectives: http://web.uvic.ca/purc/docs/misc/Social%20Responsibility%20and%20Sustainability%20Objectives.pdf.
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Purchasing plan(s):
Sustainability Action Plan goals:
- Utilize a quadruple bottomline framework (people, planet, profit and socio-cultural) for major purchasing decisions by 2010.
- By 2012, establish a regional or provincial sustainability purchasing initiative to incubate ideas and support for sustainability purchasing policies and practice.
- Serve fair trade certified products that are readily available (coffee, tea, chocolate, sugar etc.) in 100% of food outlets on campus.
- Design purchasing agreements that accommodate different sizes and types of businesses.
Increase purchasing of local goods and services.
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Purchasing plan(s):
Purchsing Services, Food Services, University Systems, UVic Bookstore, and the Office of Campus Planning and Sustainability.
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Transportation:
The Sustainability Action Plan: Campus Operations (2009-2014) contains a section on Transportation. See: https://www.uvic.ca/sustainability/assets/docs/FinalACTIONPLAN.pdf.
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Transportation plan(s):
Sustainability Action Plan goals:
- Increase bus use, cycling, and carpooling to 70% of campus modal split by 2014.
- Reduce the number of fleet vehicles that consume fossil fuels to 40% of total vehicle fleet.
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Transportation plan(s):
Office of Campus Planning and Sustainability and Parking and Transportation Services.
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Waste:
The Sustainability Action Plan: Campus Operations (2009-2014) contains a section on Waste. See: https://www.uvic.ca/sustainability/assets/docs/FinalACTIONPLAN.pdf. A comprehensive waste audit with recommendations was also prepared in 2011, see: https://www.uvic.ca/sustainability/assets/docs/WasteAudit2011.pdf.
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Waste plan(s):
Sustainability Action Plan goals:
- A streamlined, standardized, and consolidated waste reduction operating model by 2010.
- A landfill diversion rate of 75% by 2012.
- Achieve a construction demolition waste diversion rate of greater than 75%.
- Ensure 100% of all university electronic waste is recycled domestically.
- Measure the amount of hazardous waste we produce annually.
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Waste plan(s):
Facilities Management (Waste Reduction Unit), Residence Services, Food Services and the Office of Campus Planning and Sustainability.
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Water:
The Sustainability Action Plan: Campus Operations (2009-2014) contains a section on Water. See: https://www.uvic.ca/sustainability/assets/docs/FinalACTIONPLAN.pdf. A water audit report was also prepared for UVic by our regional government and water provider in 2011. The university is committed to implementing all of the recommendations contained in the report. See: https://www.uvic.ca/sustainability/assets/docs/crdwateraudit.pdf.
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Water plan(s):
Sustainability Action Plan goals:
- Reduce water consumption by 25% through conservation and innovation by 2015.
- Decrease rainwater runoff by 10% by 2012.
- Increase campus community access to public water for drinking.
- Expand the system and the use of treated waste water on campus.
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Water plan(s):
Facilities Management and the Office of Campus Planning and Sustainability.
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Diversity and Affordability:
The Office of the Vice President Academic and Provost has an adviser to the provost on equity and diversity who works in collaboration with the provost, the VPAC diversity and equity steering committee and other offices on campus to identify barriers to access and accommodation for faculty, librarians, staff and students and to coordinate and communicate equity and diversity across campus. See: http://www.uvic.ca/vpacademic/faculty/diversity/
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Diversity and Affordability plan(s):
The UVic Strategic Plan, states as it's first objective: "To be a diverse, welcoming learning community, with a demonstrated commitment to equity and fairness", with 4 key strategies which include identifying and reporting on equity, diversity and fairness issues across the university including the recruitment, retention and experience of students, faculty and staff. (p.15) See: http://www.uvic.ca/strategicplan/assets/docs/strategicplan.pdf.
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Diversity and Affordability plan(s):
Advisor to the Provost on Equity and Diversity, Human Resources and Student Affairs.
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Health, Wellbeing and Work:
UVic's Health Services hosts the Healthy Campus Advisory Committee comprised of staff, students and vaulty across campus (including sustainability) with a mandate to advise Health Services and Counselling Services on advancing an overall student and campus health and wellness vision, including policy development, strategic planning and assessment of services and programs.
Human Resources provides resources for staff and faculty on wellness and work-life balance, and makes work-life consultants available to provide training and assistance. See: http://web.uvic.ca/hr/worklifesupport/index.html#well. The definition of 'wellness' includes the capability to live in a clean and safe environment that is not detrimental to health. The quality of today's environment has a direct effect on personal welness. To enjoy environmental wellness, we require clean air, pure water, quality food, adequate shelter, satisfactory work conditions, personal safety, and healthy relationships. See: http://web.uvic.ca/hr/worklifesupport/environmental.htm.
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Health, Wellbeing and Work plan(s):
None specifically stated at this time.
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Health, Wellbeing and Work plan(s):
Human Resources, Health Services, Counselling Services, Food Services,Residence Services and the Office of Campus Planning and Sustainability.
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Investment:
In evaluating prospective investment managers, the UVic Board of Governors considers how ESG issues are incorporated into the investment decision making process, and requests annual disclosure by investment managers regarding the processes by which ESG factors are incorporated into the investment decision making process.
See also policies regarding Operating Funds - Policy on Social Responsibility and UVic Investments
http://www.uvic.ca/universitysecretary/assets/docs/policies/FM5215_1790_.pdf and
Endowment – Investment Belief
http://www.uvic.ca/universitysecretary/assets/docs/obfoundations/SummaryOfInvesmentBeliefsMay2013.pdf
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Investment plan(s):
Investment managers are required to disclose annually the processes by which ESG factors have been incorporated into the investment decision-making progress.
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Investment plan(s):
Board of Governors, Pension Plan Trustees, Associate Vice President Financial Planning and Operations, and the Assistant Treasurer.
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in other areas:
UVic's Peter B. Gustavson School of Business includes a Centre for Social and Sustainable Innovation thats purpose is to "open a door to the array of resources that help students, staff and faculty incorporate all kinds of sustainability into their studies, careers and lives." See: http://www.uvic.ca/gustavson/cssi/.
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the other plan(s):
Not specifically stated at this time.
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the other plan(s):
---
None
The institution’s definition of sustainability:
"Sustainability is the state of achieving the ecological balance that allows social development and
economic prosperity to be achieved across generations." (from UVic Sustainability Policy, see: https://www.uvic.ca/sustainability/assets/docs/SustainabilityPolicy.pdf).
None
Does the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document include sustainability at a high level?:
Yes
None
A brief description of how the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document addresses sustainability:
The Mission contained in the current Strategic Plan for UVic includes, "promoting the development of a just and sustainable society through our programs of education and research and the stewardship of our own financial and physical resources" (p 6). It also contains a section on Developing and Sustainbly Stewarding Our Resources, with Objective 34 to update the Campus Plan that is informed by our commitment to sustainability, and Objective 35 to "demonstrate leadership in sustainability through the continued development and implementation of innovative operational practices and their integration with institutional planning activities." (pp 40-41)
None
The website URL where information about the institution’s sustainability planning is available:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
UVic integrates various strategic planning processes and administrative/management functions that include sustainability as a central theme or an important component. The UVic Strategic Plan (http://www.uvic.ca/strategicplan/assets/docs/strategicplan.pdf) contains many references to sustainability in its Mission and various Objectives (34 & 35 in particular). The Sustainability Action Plan: Campus Operations, 2009-2014 (http://www.uvic.ca/sustainability/assets/docs/FinalACTIONPLAN.pdf) contains specific goals and actions in 8 operational topic areas (e.g. buildings, energy, waste) and a series of foundational goals to engage the entire campus community in sustainability learning and behaviours. The Campus Plan (https://www.uvic.ca/sustainability/assets/docs/campusplan2003.pdf) guides the physical development of the campus and incorporates central themes of maintaining and promoting the environmental integrity of our physcial landscape including the placement of permanent and temporary development moritoriums on areas deemed to have special or vulnerable characteristics.
Many other plans and departments incorporate sustainability with diversity, equity, health and wellness into their work with students, staff, facutly and the community. UVic has a Diversity and Equity Advisor to the Provost, a multi-stakeholder Healthy Campus Advisory Committee, and Work-Life consultants assigned to each department. The School of Business includes a Centre for Social and Sustainable Innovation which has as its purpose to promote sustainability into the teaching, research and operations of the school, see: http://www.uvic.ca/gustavson/cssi/.
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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.