Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
---|---|
Overall Score | 77.18 |
Liaison | Daimon Eklund |
Submission Date | Oct. 12, 2018 |
Executive Letter | Download |
University of Washington, Seattle
PA-2: Sustainability Planning
Status | Score | Responsible Party |
---|---|---|
![]() |
3.75 / 4.00 |
Claudia
Frere-Anderson Director UW 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? :
Yes
A brief description of how the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document addresses sustainability:
The UW believes that an inclusive, shared future depends on choices we make today. The UW has an ongoing strategic planning process that allows the University to be responsive to the changing landscape of higher education. Based on our community’s shared vision of its future, the UW strategic planning process identifies trends and drivers of change, and takes steps to ensure the UW is responding in ways to keep us on track to thrive in the future.
A visioning document titled "UW of the 21st Century" provides a high level vision and strategy, and the Sustainable Academic Business Plan sets out specific objects and strategies (see links below). Specifically, the Sustainable Academic Business Plan includes the following sustainability-related objectives and strategies:
-- Redouble efforts to achieve operational & organizational efficiencies
-- Support the goals of the Diversity Blueprint and improve campus climate
-- Increase global learning and scholarship
-- Optimize finance & facilities
-- Improve UW environmental sustainability
-- Leverage tri-campus opportunities for collaboration and coordination
Several of of the objectives and strategies above are shared by the State of Washington goals and strategies.
In addition, the UW Sustainability Dashboard and Map are listed as key tools used to compile indicators and assess progress (see links below).
Finally, the new Population Health initiative, with its moniker "Healthy People, Healthy Planet", have been a formative development at the UW. The initiative focuses on improving population health locally and globally and is defined by three major pillars — human health, environmental resilience and social and economic equity (see link below).
Links:
https://www.washington.edu/strategicplanning/
https://www.washington.edu/strategicplanning/plan/
http://www.washington.edu/strategicplanning/files/2012/12/uw-of-the-21st-century.pdf
https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/uw-s3-cdn/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2012/10/05212738/UW_Strategic_Plan_2018-final.pdf
https://green.uw.edu/dashboard
https://green.uw.edu/map/sustainability
https://www.washington.edu/populationhealth/
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)? :
Yes
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):
Several campus-wide divisional offices have plans. Some published plans are included below:
Transportation (website navigation changes occasionally, so general link below is recommended):
http://facilities.uw.edu/transportation/
Facilities (website navigation changes occasionally, so general link below is recommended):
https://facilities.uw.edu/
Our UW Bothell campus also recently published a sustainability action plan:
https://www.uwb.edu/sustainability/sustainability-action-plan
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:
The Climate Action Plan identifies the following measurable sustainability objectives for curriculum at the UW:
2.2.1 Develop Environmental
Literacy. Actions: Develop
environmental
literacy
courses
at
the
College
of
the
Environment
that
all
students
may
take
as
part
of
their
general
education
requirements.
2.2.2 Enhance
Interdisciplinary
Environmental
Instruction.
Actions:
Establish
interdisciplinary
units
or
centers
at
the
College
of
the
Environment.
Offer
joint
appointments
allowing
faculty
to
retain
a
relationship
with
their
existing
department
while
joining
an
interdisciplinary
unit
2.2.3 Explore
the
Boundaries
between
Disciplines.
Action:
Develop
courses
at
the
College
of
the
Environment
that
are
collaboratively
taught
by
faculty
members
from
multiple
disciplines;
these
courses
will
focus
on
exploring
the
relationships
among
the
various
disciplines
and
the
boundary
space
between
them.
The UW Bothell Sustainable Action Plan also includes these measurable sustainability objectives:
2.1 a. Integrating and Assessing Sustainability Across the Curriculum
-Create tools and resources to facilitate the incorporation of sustainability into courses
-Explore means of assessing sustainability literacy on campus
-Construct tools and resources for faculty to implement green practices in course delivery
2.1 b. Expanding Academic Exposure and Opportunities in Sustainability
-Strengthen and expand sustainability offerings in current and additional degrees / curricula
-Strengthen the exposure of all students to concepts surrounding sustainability
2.1 c. Promote Scholarship and Service in Sustainability
-Encourage Community-Based Learning and Research (CBLR) components in sustainability teaching
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:
The Climate Action Plan identifies the following measurable sustainability objectives for research at the UW:
2.1.1 Foster
Undergraduate
Participation
in
Environmental
Research.
Actions
:
Create
a
web‐based
clearinghouse
for
current
environmental
research
opportunities in
the
sciences,
engineering,
public
health
and
the
social
sciences; include
in
the
clearinghouse
descriptions
of
exemplary
recent
student
accomplishments,
and provide
clear
explanations
of
how
to
pursue
opportunities; and make
undergraduate
research
scholarships
available
on
all
campuses.
2.1.2
Support
Junior Faculty
in
New
Areas
of
Environmental Scholarship.
Actions:
Develop
a
high‐level,
tri‐campus
strategy
for
hiring,
support,
promotion
and
tenure
and
merit
criteria
of
new
faculty
with
environmental
scholarship
focus.
Develop a
pool
of
expert
research
peers
across
the
globe
for
assisting
with
decisions
of
promotion
and
tenure.
2.1.3
Expand
Environmental
Foci
to
UW’s
Professional
Degree
Programs. Actions: Develop
both
strategic
priorities
and
implementation
plans
for
high‐quality
environmental
professional
degree
programs
or
courses
in
relevant
schools
and
colleges.
2.1.4 Foster
Collaborations
between
Academic
and
Administrative
Activities. Actions: Develop
an
approach
to
link the
UW
environmentally
focused
academic
units
with administrative
units
to
provide
research
opportunities
for
students
and
faculty.
2.2 a. Increase Engagement in Sustainability Research
-Foster faculty and staff Sustainability Research Fellows Program
-Showcase sustainability research
-Promote student research opportunities
-Develop research support
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:
Campus engagement to support the University’s carbon reduction strategies are provided in the UW’s Climate Action Plan, Section 4. (http://green.washington.edu/cap). The UW will reduce GHG emissions to meet or exceed the goals passed by the Washington State Legislature in April of 2009, requiring state agencies to reduce emissions by 15% below 2005 levels by 2020, and 36% below 2005 levels by 2035. The UW is hoping to achieve neutrality by 2050.
As part of the Climate Action Plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the UW has created a sustainability pledge for members of the UW community and the Environmental Stewardship & Sustainability office measures the number of pledges taken as one communications metric.
The UW Bothell Sustainable Action Plan also includes these measurable sustainability objectives:
2.7 a. Campus Sustainability Engagement
-Create a formal peer-to-peer education program
-Integrate sustainability into orientation programming
-Develop support for campus sustainability projects
-Integrate sustainability into Residential Life
-Develop sustainability programming in Outdoor Recreation and Wellness
2.7 b. Outreach Materials and Publication
-Develop campus-wide sustainability outreach campaign
2.7 c. Staff Involvement
-Incentivize involvement campus sustainability activities for staff and faculty
-Provide continuing education opportunities for staff and faculty in sustainability topics
-Increase access to and attendance in University of Washington wellness programs
2.7 d. Sustainability Programming
-Increase engagement in current sustainability programming
-Improve engagement with Campus Garden and the Sarah Simonds Green Conservatory
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Public Engagement?:
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Public Engagement and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The Climate Action Plan, the UW of the 21st Century visioning document, and the Diversity Blueprint all contain measurable sustainability objectives (links appear below). UW Bothell's Sustainability Action Plan is the newest plan to include measurable objectives in public engagement so it is provided as an example.
The UW Bothell Sustainable Action Plan also includes these measurable sustainability objectives:
2.8 a. Community Partnerships
-Leverage community partnerships to meet other sustainability goals
-Build upon existing relationships with community partners in organizing summer camp programs
2.8 b. Strengthen Resources for Campus-Community Members
-Strengthen online resources about sustainability for public access
-Improve signage and interpretation of UW Bothell grounds to enhance understanding and appreciation of the environmental history and sustainability projects
-Create a “green ribbon” graduation pledge
-Identify and implement a system for qualitative and quantitative assessment of public engagement efforts on the UW Bothell campus
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:
The UW has committed to reducing emissions by 15% below 2005 levels by 2020, and 36% below 2005 levels by 2035. The UW aspires to achieve neutrality by 2050. The UW Climate Action Plan guides us to that goal. See more at: http://green.uw.edu/inform/uw-climate-action-plan
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:
The UW built all new buildings to LEED Silver standards through 2018 and going forward Leed GOLD will be the new standard. The UW has committed to reducing emissions by 15% below 2005 levels by 2020, and 36% below 2005 levels by 2035. The UW aspires to achieve neutrality by 2050. The UW Climate Action Plan guides us to that goal. See more at: http://green.uw.edu/inform/uw-climate-action-plan
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:
The UW has committed to reducing emissions by 15% below 2005 levels by 2020, and 36% below 2005 levels by 2035. The UW aspires to achieve neutrality by 2050. The UW Climate Action Plan guides us to that goal. See more at: http://green.uw.edu/inform/uw-climate-action-plan
The UW Bothell Sustainable Action Plan also includes these measurable sustainability objectives:
2.3 a. Building Energy Conservation
-Upgrade all lighting to energy efficient LEDs
-Build load shedding into the Metasys Johnson Controls Building Automation System
-Revise Building Hours Policy to include blackout times during academic breaks when campus is shut down
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:
The Climate Action Plan identifies the following measurable sustainability objective for food and dining at the UW:
5.2 Food
and
Composting. Actions:
Increase
availability
of
compostable
service
ware
for
department‐organized
events.
Increase
coordination
among
Recycling,
Solid
Waste
and
Housing
and
Food
Services
(HFS) offices
to
ensure
appropriate
receptacles
and
post‐event
pick
up
for
functions
catered
by
HFS.
Capture
pre‐consumer
waste
streams
from
large
food
preparation
facilities
at
UW
Medical
Center
and
Harborview
Medical
Center.
In addition, HFS measures sustainable food and beverage purchases, waste diversion, outreach and education efforts and customer feedback on our sustainability practices. Waste diversion goals within UW Dining are aligned with the campus, which is to achieve a 70% waste diversion rate by the year 2020. HFS is striving for 100% compostable take out containers in all of our food platforms, which we have almost achieved. As part of our internal waste diversion plan, we are continuing to work with our vendors to implement compostable or recyclable packaging so we can divert more products from the landfill.
The UW Bothell Sustainable Action Plan also includes these measurable sustainability objectives:
2.3 d. Landscape
-Advance on-campus food production for Food Services and Husky Pantry
2.5 Food and Dining
-Enhance sustainability in food purchasing
-Educate food service staff and consumers
-Increase sustainable food options
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:
The Climate Action Plan identifies the following measurable sustainability objective for grounds and land use at the UW:
5.1 Land Use. Actions: Create
guidelines
based
on
best
practices
that
support
a
comprehensive
understanding
of
sustainable
land
use
planning.
Determine
how
to
best
to
include
these
guidelines
in
the
decision
making
process
for
grounds, real
estate
and
capital
projects.
Translate
guidelines
and
policies that are developed.
The UW Bothell Sustainable Action Plan also includes these measurable sustainability objectives:
2.3 c. Water Conservation
-Implement rainwater capture for irrigation use
-Enhance water conservation in landscape irrigation
2.3 d. Landscape
-Restore and conserve upland coniferous forest
-Implement on-campus plant material propagation
-Advance on-campus food production for Food Services and Husky Pantry
-Improve wetland access
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:
The Climate Action Plan identifies the following measurable sustainability objective for procurement at the UW:
4.3.1
Buy
Green. Actions: explore
costs
and
benefits
of
adopting
a
UW
policy
that
meets
faculty
and
staff
research,
teaching
and
administrative
needs
for
purchasing
computer
hardware
that
reduces
energy
use.
Where
possible,
require the
Energy
Star
rating
and
EPEAT
Gold
registration
goal for
all
computes,
including
workstation
quality
laptop
computers,
docking
stations,
standard
monitors
and
standard
keyboards.
Replace
CRT
monitors
with
LCD
monitors and
configure
systems
with
aggressive
power
management
or
install
power
saving
software to
accomplish
the
same
goal.
Procurement Services has created an annual performance metric for EPP purchases, copy paper reduction, energy efficient appliances, computer purchases and electronics. Annual or quarterly business reviews are scheduled with university contract suppliers and a standing topic is sustainability and supplier diversity. Suppliers within our eProcurement catalog environment are asked to identify products meeting sustainability classifications. Many have developed separate listings of these products to make it easier for campus to choose environmentally responsible products.
Procurement Services maintains a list of contract suppliers who offer sustainable products and publishes this on our Procurement Services website.
Opportunities to increase awareness and purchases of sustainable products is an on-going activity within Procurement Services.
In addition, Procurement continues to grow their Supplier Diversity Program (https://finance.uw.edu/ps/supplier-diversity) in partnership with the state-focused Business Diversity Program (https://bdp.uw.edu/)
In 2018, Procurement was one of the areas identified for developing a modular sustainability plan. The plan is schedule to be released in 2019.
The UW Bothell Sustainable Action Plan also includes these measurable sustainability objectives:
2.6 Purchasing
-Bring Supplier Diversity Program from UW Seattle to UW Bothell
-Develop Green Purchasing Guidelines and encourage their use
-Investigate opportunities and feasibility for tracking and reporting environmental and social impact criteria within purchases
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:
The Climate Action Plan identifies the following measurable sustainability objective for transportation at the UW:
4.4.1
Support
Bicycling
and
Walking. Actions: Construct
sufficient
secure
bicycle
parking
spaces
to
meet
demand,
and
improve
campus
safety
generally. Explore
options
and
adopt
policies
for
building
and
campus
design
that
support
walking
and
bicycling.
4.4.2
Increase
Student,
Faculty,
and
Staff
Housing
near
Campus. Actions: attract
faculty
and
staff
to
live
near
campus
and
advance
the
construction
of
new
student
residence
halls
that
are
energy
efficient.
4.4.3 Maintain
Low‐Cost
Transit
Access. Actions: develop
and
implement
a
new
funding
model
for
the
U‐PASS
program
that
leverages
its
wide‐ranging
benefits
to
the
University
and
the
region,
and
keeps
user
fees
low.
4.4.4 Reduce Vehicle
Parking
on
Campus. Actions: explore
the
impact
of
increasing
the
cost
of
parking and
identify
improved
opportunities
for
other
commute
options.
4.4.5 Increase
Vehicle
Fuel‐Efficiency. Actions: research
and
identify
low‐
and
zero‐emission
vehicle
purchase
incentives
from
outside
sources
and
consider
developing a
program
to
promote
them
on
campus.
Increase
the
level
of
investment
the
University
is
willing
to
make
to
reduce
vehicle
emissions
by
greening
the
commute
fleet,
including
public
transit.
4.4.6
Encourage
Telework
and
Distance
Education. Actions: develop
a
comprehensive
University‐wide
effort
to
provide
staff,
faculty
and
students
with
the
tools,
resources
and
knowledge
needed
to
maximize
the
use
of
telework
and
distance
education.
The UW Bothell Sustainable Action Plan also includes these measurable sustainability objectives:
2.4 a. Encourage Alternative Transportation Options
-Promote alternative fuel vehicles
-Prioritize implementation of strategies in the university Trip Reduction Plan
-Reduce vehicle volume on campus
2.4 b. Investigate Opportunities to Reduce our Transportation Impacts
-Develop a transportation study
-Minimize impervious surfaces
-Investigate certification opportunities
-Engage in future research projects connected to our regional bike trails
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:
The Climate Action Plan identifies the following measurable sustainability objective for waste reduction at the UW:
5.3 Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Actions: Migrate
desk‐side
waste
collection to
self‐service
disposal.
Expand
break room/office/kitchen
recycling
programs. Replace
stand‐alone
waste
bins
with
recycling
bin‐sets
in
common
areas,
classrooms
and
conference
rooms
as
appropriate
to
the
space.
Increase
visibility
and
density
of
recycling
bins
at
athletic
events.
Expand reuse
services
for
low‐value
high
volume
items
like
office
supplies,
including
virtual
storefront
and
delivery
services
to
parallel
e-procurement. Expand
reuse
marketing
to
the
non‐profit
sector
and
small businesses.
UW recycling has set the UW's overall waste diversion goal as 70% waste diversion by 2020. This measure ‘s performance can be viewed at: http://green.uw.edu/dashboard/landfill-reduction
Additionally, we have a stated goal of 100% participation of state funded campus buildings in our MiniMax program by the end of fiscal year 2018. Currently, 84% of these buildings have been converted. Read about MiniMax program here: http://www.washington.edu/facilities/building/recyclingandsolidwaste/minimax
The UW Bothell Sustainable Action Plan also includes these measurable sustainability objectives:
2.3 b. Waste Management
-Centralize waste operations
-Waste education
-Landfill waste reduction
-Add Minimax service to leased buildings
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:
The Climate Action Plan identifies the following measurable sustainability objective for water at the UW:
4.1.3
Measure
and
Monitor
Building
Performance. Actions: create
baseline
water
use
information
for
all
buildings
on
all
three
campuses.
Provide
additional
metering
with
online
capabilities
as
appropriate.
Monitor
building
performance
and
use
information
to
identify
water
conservation
opportunities.
7.4.2 General
Office
Guidelines
and
Policy. Actions:
training
and
education
in
the
wise
use
of
resources
delivered
at
the
office
and
facility
level
. Establish
Green
Committees
and
Building
Coordinators
as
a
focal
point
for
providing
ongoing
education
in
water
conservation
and
other
sustainable
practices.
Creating
UW‐wide
workshops
and
celebrations
of
special
events
like
Earth
Da to
build
awareness
and
a
broader
sense
of
ownership.
The UW has strived to reduce Seattle central campus total water use by a minimum of one percent per year. Some water reduction strategies being implemented include installation of irrigation and cooling tower submeters, replacement of cooling towers, optimization of cooling tower blowdown, replacing single-pass city-water cooled equipment, irrigation best practices including networked controllers and low-water use plantings, re-use of Reverse Osmosis reject water at a cooling tower, installation of lab faucet aerators, rainwater harvesting for irrigation and laundry makeup.
The UW has also strived to improve water quality. Some water quality strategies being implemented include installation of bioswales and bioretention treatment trains, planter cells, underground cartridge systems for surface water runoff, separation of combined storm sewer systems, and Salmon-Safe certification.
The UW Bothell Sustainable Action Plan also includes these measurable sustainability objectives:
-Improve tracking of water consumption
-Implement rainwater capture for irrigation use
-Enhance water conservation in landscape irrigation
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:
The Diversity Blueprint has metrics, strategies and timeframes for these goal areas and selected strategies:
1) Provide leadership and communicate commitment to diversity
a. Build diversity into mission of unit
b. Include diversity resources on home page of unit
c. Set up and sustain a diversity committee
d. Develop and implement a unit diversity plan
e. Include progress on diversity goals in performance evaluations for administrators
2) Attract, retain, and graduate a diverse and excellent student body
a. Establish collaborative relationships between central recruitment and outreach
services and departments to better coordinate K-12 pipeline programs and
initiatives and to connect potential students to academic departments for
follow-up
b. Explore multiple mechanisms and funding opportunities to expand recruitment
and retention of underrepresented and low-income students
c. Increase funding for graduate students in order to recruit, retain, and graduate a more diverse group of students
d. Provide comprehensive financial aid packages that will enable students to
earn degrees and implement proactive advising of students to ensure financial
literacy and management of resources
3) Provide rich learning experiences and prepare students for global citizenship
a. Provide adequate scholarship assistance and support infrastructure to ensure
access to and success in high impact educational experiences for underrepresented
students
b. Increase underrepresented student interaction with faculty particularly in areas
such as career advising, mentorship for graduate and professional study,
internships, and professional development opportunities
c. Create new courses and transform existing courses focused on US and global
diversity issues and their intersections
4) Attract and retain a diverse faculty and staff
a. Craft position descriptions to attract a diverse pool of candidates; emphasize
diversity expertise and research priorities in position descriptions
b. Utilize availability data and applicant flow information in faculty and staff hiring
processes to monitor and improve applicant pool
c. Create a departmental toolkit and training for staff recruiting and workplace
diversity, with attention to recruitment strategies, interviewing, orientation,
career advancement, and succession planning
d. Offer workshops for underrepresented junior faculty members to clarify the
tenure and promotion processes, including third-year reviews, annual reports,
and compilation of tenure files
5) Encourage and support diversity research
a. Enhance central funding to diversity research institutes to support new research
projects and faculty-led conferences and speaker series
b. Create new university professorships for diversity research
c. Assist faculty members to address National Science Foundation “Broader
Impacts” Criterion for grants (broadening participation of underrepresented
groups)
6) Create and sustain a welcoming climate for diversity
a. Conduct periodic assessment of climate for students, faculty, and staff and address issues that surface
b. Provide leadership workshops for department chairs and unit managers to
focus on departmental climate and its impact on faculty and staff from diverse
backgrounds
Data is collected and analyzed every two years and action steps reevaluated and revised. Metrics include participation rates and highlight differential patterns.
Additional information can be found at the Race & Equity Initiative website:
https://www.washington.edu/raceequity/
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Investment & Finance?:
No
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Investment & Finance and the published plans in which each objective is included:
---
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:
The Whole U is a campus-wide office and resource for promoting health and wellness among students, faculty, and staff. Although elements of health and wellness are mentioned in many campus and department plans such as the UW of the 21st Century visioning document and the Diversity Blueprint, no measurable sustainability objectives are identified. Increasing offerings and participation in Whole U and other health and wellness programs is certainly a goal of the Whole U, however. In 2018, the Whole U offered 166 events (workshops, health activities, lectures, etc.) that engaged over 15,000 participants in over 35,000 interactions. Annually updated information on Whole U programs and achievements can be found here:
https://www.washington.edu/wholeu/about/
The UW Bothell Sustainable Action Plan also includes these measurable sustainability objectives:
2.7 a. Campus Sustainability Engagement
-Develop sustainability programming in Outdoor Recreation and Wellness
2.7 c. Staff Involvement
-Increase access to and attendance in University of Washington wellness programs
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address other areas (e.g. arts and culture or technology)?:
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address other areas and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The Climate Action Plan identifies the following measurable sustainability objective for information technology at the UW:
4.3.1 Buy
Green. Actions: explore
costs
and
benefits
of
adopting
a
UW
policy
that
meets
faculty
and staff
research,
teaching
and
administrative
needs
for
purchasing
computer
hardware
that
reduces
energy
use.
Where
possible,
require the
Energy
Star
rating
and
EPEAT
Gold
registration
goal for
all
computers,
including
workstation
quality
laptop
computers,
docking
stations,
standard
monitors
and
standard
keyboards.
Replace
CRT
monitors
with
LCD
monitors and
configure
systems
with aggressive
power
management
or
install
power
saving
software to
accomplish
the
same
goal.
4.3.2 Exercise
Power
Management. Actions: activate
automatic
sleep
and
hibernation
on
workstation
computers.
When
patch/update
procedures
permit,
shut
down
workstation
computers
at
night
if
not
running
BOINC.
Where
possible,
provide
power
strips
that
sense
the
power
of
a
control
device
to
automatically
turn
off
all
the
related
peripheral
equipment
when
the
control
device
is
turned
off. Provide
economic
incentives
for
departments
to
manage
power
via
installing
monitoring
and
reporting technology.
4.3.3 Increase
Data
Center
Efficiency. Actions: examine
the
costs
and
benefits
of
replacing
non‐rated
server
equipment
with
Energy
Star
equipment.
Conduct
research
projects
to
identify
best
practices.
Install
HVAC
economizer
equipment
and
controls.
Study
opportunities
for
waste
energy
recovery.
Install
building
management
and
inventory
control
systems
to
monitor,
track
and
trend
energy
use
by
all
equipment
and
match
demand
accordingly.
4.3.4 Consolidation
and
Virtualization. Actions: explore
new
computing
technologies
and
develop
appropriate
approaches
and
policies
given
emerging
opportunities.
Collaborate
with
faculty
and
staff
to migrate
distributed
computing
resources
to
data
centers
where
appropriate.
Remove
financial
incentives
for
departments
to
place
servers
in
locations
that
are
not
designed
to
support
computer
equipment.
Expand
capacity
for
virtualization.
4.3.5 Utilize
Cloud
Computing. Actions: aggressively
explore
opportunities
for
using
cloud
services
rather
than
servers
provisioned
locally
in
our
own
data
centers
when
the
cloud
services
are
compatible
with
the
university's
functionality,
policy
and
cost
objectives.
This
would
include
applications
such
as
email
and
other
collaboration
tools,
as
well
as "infrastructure
as
a
service."
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)? :
Yes
The formal statement in support of sustainability:
The UW Board of Regents has published position statements on several topics related to sustainability. These include a policy on the university's role and mission to serve the community, state, region, nation and world, as well as serving traditional and non-traditional students; a policy on the economic sustainability of the university, a policy on transportation, a policy on diversity, a policy on ethical principles (including topics such as conflict of interest and waste of university resources), a policy on business equity (purchasing goods and services from diverse vendors), and a policy on divestment (created and applied in 2017 in association to divestment from coal companies). Links to policies are provided below.
Regent Policy No. 5 - Role and Mission of the University
http://www.washington.edu/admin/rules/policies/BRG/RP5.html
Regent Policy No. 7 Transportation Policy
http://www.washington.edu/admin/rules/policies/BRG/RP7.html
Regent Policy No. 11 - Statement on Diversity
http://www.washington.edu/admin/rules/policies/BRG/RP11.html
Regent Policy No. 14 - Statement of Ethical Principles
http://www.washington.edu/admin/rules/policies/BRG/RP14.html
Regent Policy No. 15 - Declaration of Concern for the Sustainability of Washington Public Higher Education:
http://www.washington.edu/admin/rules/policies/BRG/RP15.html
Regent Policy No. 16 - Statement of Business Equity for the University of Washington
http://www.washington.edu/admin/rules/policies/BRG/RP16.html
Regent Policy No. 17 - University of Washington Divestment Guideline
http://www.washington.edu/admin/rules/policies/BRG/RP17.html
The institution’s definition of sustainability (e.g. as included in a published statement or plan):
The Sustainability in the Curriculum committee was charged by Provost Ana Mari Cauce to meet, analyze and report back regarding providing a more formalized and visible sustainability curriculum for undergraduate students at the UW.
The Committee discussed a variety of definitions of sustainability, and supports adopting a broad and inclusive definition. The Brundtland Commission report’s (1987) definition is one of the most commonly cited: “…sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” A more recent (Griggs et al. 2013) conception identifies elements of sustainability related to thriving lives and livelihoods, sustainable food security, sustainable water security, universal clean energy, healthy and productive ecosystems, and governance for sustainable societies. We also discussed other definitions that included variations on the “3 pillars” of sustainability (environment, society, and economy), and the “triple bottom line” (planet, people, profit). We did not settle on one particular definition of sustainability, but agree that faculties, elected faculty councils and deans of academic units must decide what sustainability means to them (within a broad framework). Additional work is needed in order to develop a broad framework definition of sustainability (similar to the process that developed the diversity definition).
The complete report may be referenced here: http://f2.washington.edu/ess/sites/default/files/May 31 Final Report.pdf
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 | --- |
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:
UW signed on to ACUPCC in 2008.
UW signed on to the Washington Business Climate Declaration in 2015.
https://green.uw.edu/news/uw-signs-washington-business-climate-declaration
In 2018, UW signed the Declaration on University Global Engagemen, a joint effort from the United Nations Institute for Training Research and the Association of Public & Land-grant Universities:
http://globallyengageduniversities.org/
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:
Campus Master Plan: http://www.washington.edu/community/cmp_site/final_cmp.html
Sustainable Academic Business Plan and 2Y2D Initiative: http://www.washington.edu/discover/leadership/provost/initiatives/2y2d
Campus of the 21st Century document: http://www.washington.edu/provost/print/2y2dCampus21stC.pdf
Diversity Blueprint
http://www.washington.edu/diversity/files/2013/04/Diversity-Blueprint.pdf
In September 2018, UW joined leading universities around the world in signing the newly-launched Declaration on University Global Engagement. This effort further aligns the work of the world’s top universities with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
https://www.washington.edu/globalaffairs/2018/09/24/declaration-university-global-engagement/?utm_source=UW+News+Subscribers&utm_campaign=60059bc875-UW_Today&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_0707cbc3f9-60059bc875-307369609
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.