Virginia Commonwealth University
EN-14: Participation in Public Policy

Institution advocates for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability. The advocacy may take place at one or more of the following levels:

• Municipal/local

• State/provincial/regional

• National

• International

The policy advocacy must have the implicit or explicit support of the institution’s top administrators and/or governing bodies to count. For example, advocacy by administrators, students, or employees who are acting as representatives of the institution or its governance bodies may count. Advocacy by students or employees conducted in a personal capacity does not count unless it is formally endorsed at the institutional level.

Examples of advocacy efforts include supporting or endorsing legislation, ordinances, and public policies that advance sustainability; active participation in campaigns aiming to change public policy; and discussions with legislators in regard to the above.

This credit acknowledges institutions that advocate for policy changes and legislation to advance sustainability broadly. Advocacy efforts that are made exclusively to advance the institution's interests or projects may not be counted. For example, advocating for government funding for campus sustainability may be counted, whereas lobbying for the institution to receive funds that have already been appropriated may not.

This credit applies to all institutions.

An institution earns 0.67 points for each level outlined above at which it advocates for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability. A maximum of 2 points are available for this credit.

Timeframe

Report on sustainability policy advocacy efforts that took place during the three years prior to the anticipated date of submission. It is not required that all advocacy efforts be reported.  

Sampling and Data Standards

Not applicable.