Overall Rating Silver - expired
Overall Score 55.66
Liaison Marian Brown
Submission Date Feb. 26, 2016
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.0

Wells College
PA-2: Sustainability Planning

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 4.00 / 4.00 Marian Brown
Director
Center for Sustainability and the Environment
"---" 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 Yes Yes
Research (or other scholarship) Yes Yes
Campus Engagement Yes Yes
Public Engagement Yes Yes
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 Yes
Health, Wellbeing and Work Yes Yes
Investment No
+ Date Revised: March 15, 2016
No
+ Date Revised: March 15, 2016
Other --- ---

None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Curriculum:
From Wells College Climate Action Plan (adopted by Board of Trustees May 11, 2011) Education – Section 4 Exploration of incorporation of sustainability concerns into education of all students Completion, coordination and follow up with class projects Metric: Increase number of courses that incorporate sustainability content Responsibility: Office of the Provost, Center for Sustainability and the Environment Timeline: May 2011 and ongoing From 2015-17 Wells College Strategic Plan (adopted by Wells College Board of Trustees, October 10, 2015) 1. Focus on Academic Programs Curriculum development. Action Step: Integration of campus values into the curriculum (e.g. sustainability) Metric: Increase number of courses that incorporate sustainability content Persons: Provost, Faculty, Center for Sustainability Timing: ongoing From Wells 10-Year Academic Plan (2008-2017), adopted by Wells College Board of Trustees, 2008 Develop courses and programs that discuss environmental problems and sustainability (of the physical, social, and cultural environment) from a wide variety of perspectives. c. Develop courses throughout the curriculum which further students’ understanding of sustainability. Metric: Increase number of courses with sustainability content Persons: Provost, Faculty, Center for Sustainability Timing: starting 2008 and ongoing
+ Date Revised: March 15, 2016

None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Curriculum plan(s):
From Wells College Climate Action Plan (adopted by Board of Trustees May 11, 2011) Education – Section 4 Exploration of incorporation of sustainability concerns into education of all students Completion, coordination and follow up with class projects Metric: Increase number of courses that incorporate sustainability content Responsibility: Office of the Provost, Center for Sustainability and the Environment Timeline: May 2011 and ongoing From 2015-17 Wells College Strategic Plan (adopted by Wells College Board of Trustees, October 10, 2015) 1. Focus on Academic Programs Curriculum development. Action Step: Integration of campus values into the curriculum (e.g. sustainability) Metric: Increase number of courses that incorporate sustainability content Persons: Provost, Faculty, Center for Sustainability Timing: ongoing From Wells 10-Year Academic Plan (2008-2017), adopted by Wells College Board of Trustees, 2008 Develop courses and programs that discuss environmental problems and sustainability (of the physical, social, and cultural environment) from a wide variety of perspectives. c. Develop courses throughout the curriculum which further students’ understanding of sustainability. Metric: Increase number of courses with sustainability content Persons: Provost, Faculty, Center for Sustainability Timing: starting 2008 and ongoing
+ Date Revised: March 15, 2016

None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Curriculum plan(s):
see notations of accountable parties listed above for each objective and strategy

None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Research (or other scholarship):
From Wells College Climate Action Plan (adopted by Board of Trustees May 11, 2011) Section 4 – Research Efforts toward Climate Neutrality (pg 14) [Make climate action] a focus of senior thesis projects Encouraging support for faculty scholarship/development [related to climate action] Metric: Increase the number of research projects (student and faculty) that advance the college’s Climate Action Plan goals Responsibility: Center for Sustainability and the Environment, Sustainability Advisory Committee Timeline: 2011 and ongoing
+ Date Revised: March 15, 2016

None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Research plan(s):
From Wells College Climate Action Plan (adopted by Board of Trustees May 11, 2011) Section 4 – Research Efforts toward Climate Neutrality (pg 14) [Make climate action] a focus of senior thesis projects Encouraging support for faculty scholarship/development [related to climate action] Metric: Increase the number of research projects (student and faculty) that advance the college’s Climate Action Plan goals Responsibility: Center for Sustainability and the Environment, Sustainability Advisory Committee Timeline: 2011 and ongoing
+ Date Revised: March 15, 2016

None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Research plan(s):
see notations of accountable parties listed above for each objective and strategy

None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Campus Engagement around sustainability:
From 2015-17 Wells College Strategic Plan (adopted by Wells College Board of Trustees, October 10, 2015) 1. Improve and maintain the condition and appearance of campus 2. Engage campus-wide community members in improvement efforts 1. Develop opportunities to involve students, faculty, staff, and alumni in campus-wide improvements effort (e.g. campus-wide cleanup days, adopt-a-building, gardening efforts, a campus pride campaign). Metric: increase the number of opportunities for campus community engagement in sustainability-related activities Responsibility: Center for Sustainability and the Environment, Sustainability Advisory Committee Timeline: 2015 and ongoing
+ Date Revised: March 15, 2016

None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Campus Engagement plan:
From 2015-17 Wells College Strategic Plan (adopted by Wells College Board of Trustees, October 10, 2015) 1. Improve and maintain the condition and appearance of campus 2. Engage campus-wide community members in improvement efforts 1. Develop opportunities to involve students, faculty, staff, and alumni in campus-wide improvements effort (e.g. campus-wide cleanup days, adopt-a-building, gardening efforts, a campus pride campaign). Metric: increase the number of opportunities for campus community engagement in sustainability-related activities Responsibility: Center for Sustainability and the Environment, Sustainability Advisory Committee Timeline: 2015 and ongoing
+ Date Revised: March 15, 2016

None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Campus Engagement plan(s):
see notations of accountable parties listed above for each objective and strategy

None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Public Engagement around sustainability:
From 2015-17 Wells College Strategic Plan (adopted by Wells College Board of Trustees, October 10, 2015) Use campus resources to benefit the region and increase the College’s visibility Leverage academic centers to generate revenue, partnership and outreach: b. Center for Sustainability and the Environment
+ Date Revised: March 15, 2016

None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Public Engagement plan(s):
From 2015-17 Wells College Strategic Plan (adopted by Wells College Board of Trustees, October 10, 2015) Use campus resources to benefit the region and increase the College’s visibility Leverage academic centers to generate revenue, partnership and outreach: b. Center for Sustainability and the Environment Metric: Increase local and regional partnerships and outreach efforts related to sustainability Accountability: Center for Sustainability Timeline: on-going
+ Date Revised: March 15, 2016

None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Public Engagement plan(s):
see notations of accountable parties listed above for each objective and strategy

None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Air and Climate:
From Wells College Climate Action Plan (adopted by Board of Trustees, May 11, 2011) Reduce emissions from all three scopes by 5% by Phase V (2050 Metric: Achieve 2% reduction in emissions by Phase II (2020) Accountability: Facilities Operations, Center for Sustainability, Sustainability Advisory Committee Timeline: by 2020
+ Date Revised: March 15, 2016

None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Air and Climate plan(s):
From Wells College Climate Action Plan (adopted by Board of Trustees, May 11, 2011) Reduce emissions from all three scopes by 5% by Phase V (2050 Metric: Achieve 2% reduction in emissions by Phase II (2020) Accountability: Facilities Operations, Center for Sustainability, Sustainability Advisory Committee Timeline: by 2020
+ Date Revised: March 15, 2016

None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Air and Climate plan(s):
see notations of accountable parties listed above for each objective and strategy

None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Buildings:
From 2015-17 Wells College Strategic Plan (adopted by Wells College Board of Trustees, October 10, 2015) 1. Improve and maintain the Condition and Appearance of Campus Develop an overarching facilities plan Align plan with climate action plan, curricular initiatives and sustainable practice Metric: develop facilities master plan that aligns with climate action plan and sustainability plan Accountability: Facilities Operations, Center for Sustainability and the Environment, Sustainability Advisory Committee Timeline: October 2015 and ongoing
+ Date Revised: March 15, 2016

None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Buildings plan(s):
From 2015-17 Wells College Strategic Plan (adopted by Wells College Board of Trustees, October10, 2015) 1. Improve and maintain the Condition and Appearance of Campus Develop an overarching facilities plan Align plan with climate action plan, curricular initiatives and sustainable practice Metric: develop facilities master plan that aligns with climate action plan and sustainability plan Accountability: Facilities Operations, Center for Sustainability and the Environment, Sustainability Advisory Committee Timeline: October 2015 and ongoing
+ Date Revised: March 15, 2016

None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Buildings plan(s):
see notations of accountable parties listed above for each objective and strategy

None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Dining Services/Food:
From Wells College Climate Action Plan (adopted by the Board of Trustees, May 11, 2011) 623. 3D Recycling/Food Services pg. 29 Buy organic, sustainably-grown foods Buy locally grown, seasonal food and products when available Metric: increase annual spend on sustainable foods (organic, locally grown) Responsible: Wells Dining, Sustainability Advisory Committee Timeline: starting 2011 and ongoing
+ Date Revised: March 15, 2016

None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Dining Services/Food plan(s):
From Wells College Climate Action Plan (adopted by the Board of Trustees, May 11, 2011) 623. 3D Recycling/Food Services pg. 29 Buy organic, sustainably-grown foods Buy locally grown, seasonal food and products when available Metric: increase annual spend on sustainable foods (organic, locally grown) Responsible: Wells Dining, Sustainability Advisory Committee Timeline: starting 2011 and ongoing
+ Date Revised: March 15, 2016

None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Dining Services/Food plan(s):
see notations of accountable parties listed above for each objective and strategy

None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Energy:
(From Wells College Climate action Plan, adopted by the Board of Trustees, May 11, 2011) Increase the amount of electricity generated from renewable sources (pg 35) Metric: increase percentage of electricity generated from renewable sources to 45% by end of Phase II (2020) Responsible: Director of Facilities Services and Operations, Sustainability Advisory Committee (formerly Presidents Climate Commitment committee), Chief Financial Officer Timeline: Before 2020 (Phase II) Generating 5% of our electricity needs on campus by 2050 (pg 35) Metric: increase percent of on-site electricity generation to 5% (note: currently exploring possibilities to generate up to 75%+ of electricity through solar PPA) Responsible: Director of Facilities Services and Operations, Sustainability Advisory Committee (formerly Presidents Climate Commitment committee), Chief Financial Officer Timeline: before 2050
+ Date Revised: March 15, 2016

None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Energy plan(s):
(From Wells College Climate action Plan, adopted by the Board of Trustees, May 11, 2011) Increase the amount of electricity generated from renewable sources (pg 35) Metric: increase percentage of electricity generated from renewable sources to 45% by end of Phase II (2020) Responsible: Director of Facilities Services and Operations, Sustainability Advisory Committee (formerly Presidents Climate Commitment committee), Chief Financial Officer Timeline: Before 2020 (Phase II) Generating 5% of our electricity needs on campus by 2050 (pg 35) Metric: increase percent of on-site electricity generation to 5% (note: currently exploring possibilities to generate up to 75%+ of electricity through solar PPA) Responsible: Director of Facilities Services and Operations, Sustainability Advisory Committee (formerly Presidents Climate Commitment committee), Chief Financial Officer Timeline: before 2050
+ Date Revised: March 15, 2016

None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Energy plan(s):
see notations of accountable parties listed above for each objective and strategy

None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Grounds:
OP-10 Landscape Management Goal: To reduce the negative environmental impacts of traditional landscape practices

None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Grounds plan(s):
(From Wells College Climate action Plan, adopted by the Board of Trustees, May 11, 2011) Scope 1 emissions – direct emissions from mobile sources (Pg 25) Create no-mow/low-mow areas Metric: increase the percentage of minimally-maintained acreage on campus Responsibility: Facilities Grounds, Sustainability Advisory Committee Timeline: Before 2020 (Phase II)
+ Date Revised: March 15, 2016
+ Date Revised: March 15, 2016

None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Grounds plan(s):
see notations of accountable parties listed above for each objective and strategy

None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Purchasing:
(From Wells College Climate action Plan, adopted by the Board of Trustees, May 11, 2011) Equipment replacement – Update purchasing procedures to include specifications for energy efficiency (Energy Star or other) pg 26 Metric: Develop procurement policy that includes specifications for more sustainable product purchasing (e.g. Energy Star, energy efficiency standards) Responsibility: Sustainability Advisory Committee Timeline: Before 2020 (Phase II) Purchase energy efficient electronics and appliances, including Energy Star products and energy efficient fluorescent light bulbs. (Note: more recent upgrades have transitioned to even higher –efficiency LED lamps). Pg 28 Metric: Metric: Develop procurement policy that includes specifications for more sustainable product purchasing (e.g. Energy Star, energy efficiency standards) Who: Facilities Operations, Sustainability Advisory Committee Timeline: Before 2020 (Phase II)
+ Date Revised: March 15, 2016

None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Purchasing plan(s):
(From Wells College Climate action Plan, adopted by the Board of Trustees, May 11, 2011) Equipment replacement – Update purchasing procedures to include specifications for energy efficiency (Energy Star or other) pg 26 Metric: Develop procurement policy that includes specifications for more sustainable product purchasing (e.g. Energy Star, energy efficiency standards) Responsibility: Sustainability Advisory Committee Timeline: Before 2020 (Phase II) Purchase energy efficient electronics and appliances, including Energy Star products and energy efficient fluorescent light bulbs. (Note: more recent upgrades have transitioned to even higher –efficiency LED lamps). Pg 28 Metric: Metric: Develop procurement policy that includes specifications for more sustainable product purchasing (e.g. Energy Star, energy efficiency standards) Who: Facilities Operations, Sustainability Advisory Committee Timeline: Before 2020 (Phase II)
+ Date Revised: March 15, 2016

None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Purchasing plan(s):
see notations of accountable parties listed above for each objective and strategy

None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Transportation:
(From Wells College Climate action Plan, adopted by the Board of Trustees, May 11, 2011) Scope 1 Emissions – Direct emissions from mobile sources Create an institutional policy requiring energy efficient vehicles Metric: Develop a sustainable transportation plan that incorporates specifications for fleet replacements that feature best-in-class fuel-efficiency Who: Sustainability Advisory Committee Timeline: By 2020 (Phase II)
+ Date Revised: March 15, 2016

None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Transportation plan(s):
(From Wells College Climate action Plan, adopted by the Board of Trustees, May 11, 2011) Scope 1 Emissions – Direct emissions from mobile sources Create an institutional policy requiring energy efficient vehicles Metric: Develop a sustainable transportation plan that incorporates specifications for fleet replacements that feature best-in-class fuel-efficiency Who: Sustainability Advisory Committee Timeline: By 2020 (Phase II)
+ Date Revised: March 15, 2016

None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Transportation plan(s):
see notations of accountable parties listed above for each objective and strategy

None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Waste:
(From Wells College Climate action Plan, adopted by the Board of Trustees, May 11, 2011) 6.3.3.D Recycling Recycle all recyclable materials; Increase volume of recyclable materials diverted from landfill waste Metric: Increase percentage of recyclable materials diverted from landfill waste Accountability: Facilities Operations, Information Technology, Sustainability Advisory Committee Timeline: By 2020 (Phase II
+ Date Revised: March 15, 2016

None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Waste plan(s):
(From Wells College Climate action Plan, adopted by the Board of Trustees, May 11, 2011) 6.3.3.D Recycling Recycle all recyclable materials; Increase volume of recyclable materials diverted from landfill waste Metric: Increase percentage of recyclable materials diverted from landfill waste Accountability: Facilities Operations, Information Technology, Sustainability Advisory Committee Timeline: By 2020 (Phase II
+ Date Revised: March 15, 2016

None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Waste plan(s):
see notations of accountable parties listed above for each objective and strategy

None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Water:
(From Wells College Climate action Plan, adopted by the Board of Trustees, May 11, 2011) 6.3.3.B Water Conservation Accept low-flow showerheads and faucets Metric: Increase number of low-flow fixtures in use on campus Accountability: Facilities Operations Timeline: By 2020 (Phase II
+ Date Revised: March 15, 2016

None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Water plan(s):
(From Wells College Climate action Plan, adopted by the Board of Trustees, May 11, 2011) 6.3.3.B Water Conservation Accept low-flow showerheads and faucets Metric: Increase number of low-flow fixtures in use on campus Accountability: Facilities Operations Timeline: By 2020 (Phase II
+ Date Revised: March 15, 2016

None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Water plan(s):
see notations of accountable parties listed above for each objective and strategy

None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Diversity and Affordability:
From 2015-17 Wells College Strategic Plan (adopted by Wells College Board of Trustees, October10, 2015) Focus on Academic Programs Faculty support 1. Improve and diversify faculty recruitment and retention Metric: increase number of faculty who self-report as from an underrepresented population Responsibility: Office of the Provost, Human Resources Timeline: Begun 2015 and ongoing
+ Date Revised: March 15, 2016

None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Diversity and Affordability plan(s):
PA-7 Support for Future Faculty Diversity Goal: To further enhance understanding of diversity within the Wells College community Objective: To increase the percentage of faculty self-reporting as from an underrepresented group Strategy: Develop and seek external funding support for a faculty fellowship program to support promising scholars committed to diversity in the academy in order to better prepare them for tenure track appointments within liberal arts institutions. Fellows will deliver courses related to their doctoral studies that additionally embed diversity considerations. Timeline: Fall 2016 and thereafter Accountable parties: Office of the Provost; Office of Advancement

None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Diversity and Affordability plan(s):
see notation of accountable parties listed above for each objective and strategy

None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Health, Wellbeing and Work:
From 2015-17 Wells College Strategic Plan (adopted by Wells College Board of Trustees, October10, 2015) 1. Focus on Academic Programs a. Faculty support i. Address faculty equity and workload issues Metric: increase employee satisfaction as measured through employee survey Accountability: Office of the Provost, Human Resources Timeline: before 2017 2. Improve and maintain the condition and appearance of campus b. Develop an overarching facilities plan Evaluate and align structure and staffing to meet identified needs Metric: increase employee satisfaction among Facilities staff as measured through employee survey Accountability: Facilities Operations, Human Resources Timeline: before 2017
+ Date Revised: March 15, 2016

None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Health, Wellbeing and Work plan(s):
From 2015-17 Wells College Strategic Plan (adopted by Wells College Board of Trustees, October10, 2015) 1. Focus on Academic Programs a. Faculty support i. Address faculty equity and workload issues Metric: increase employee satisfaction as measured through employee survey Accountability: Office of the Provost, Human Resources Timeline: before 2017 2. Improve and maintain the condition and appearance of campus b. Develop an overarching facilities plan Evaluate and align structure and staffing to meet identified needs Metric: increase employee satisfaction among Facilities staff as measured through employee survey Accountability: Facilities Operations, Human Resources Timeline: before 2017
+ Date Revised: March 15, 2016

None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Health, Wellbeing and Work plan(s):
see notations of accountable parties listed above for each objective and strategy

None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Investment:
PA-13 Committee on Investor Responsibility Goal: The College employs an investment strategy that reflects the ethics of the Wells campus community and considers both financial return and social good. PA-14 Sustainable Investment Goal: The College employs an investment strategy that reflects the ethics of the Wells campus community and considers both financial return and social good. PA-15 Investment Disclosure Goal: The College’s sustainable investment policy and practices are transparent and the impacts communicated to the campus community.

None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Investment plan(s):
PA-13 Committee on Investor Responsibility Goal: The College employs an investment strategy that reflects the ethics of the Wells campus community and considers both financial return and social good. Objective: Adopt a sustainable investment policy Strategy: Establish a subcommittee of the Sustainability Advisory Committee to conduct research into sustainable investment policies and practices; develop and recommend a sustainable investment policy to the Board of Trustees for approval. Timeline: Fall 2016 Accountable parties: Center for Sustainability and the Environment; Sustainability Advisory Committee PA-14 Sustainable Investment Goal: The College employs an investment strategy that reflects the ethics of the Wells campus community and considers both financial return and social good. Objective: Increase the percentage of investments in the College’s endowment investment portfolio that meet the criteria for sustainable investments. Strategy: Develop criteria/screens for investment fund managers to follow to reduce College exposure to unsustainable investments; monitor adherence to policy and track financial performance. Timeline: Spring 2017 Accountable parties: Chief Financial Officer; investment fund managers PA-15 Investment Disclosure Goal: The College’s sustainable investment policy and practices are transparent and the impacts communicated to the campus community. Objective: Increase the amount of regular reporting on college investments to the college community. Strategy: Create a filing/reporting system by which college investment records are accessible to interested members of the campus community. Timeline: Spring 2017 Accountable parties: Chief Financial Officer; investment fund managers

None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Investment plan(s):
see notations of accountable parties listed above for each objective and strategy

None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in other areas:
no other plans

None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the other plan(s):
---

None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the other plan(s):
---

None
The institution’s definition of sustainability:
Sustainability is a decision-making framework for continuous improvement that mindfully considers the human, environmental, and economic impacts of choices.

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 Wells College Vision Statement and Strategic Plan for 2015-2017, adopted October 24, 2015 Includes these sustainability-related goals/objectives/action items: 1. Focus on Academic Programs Strategy: Curriculum development Action Step #5 Integration of campus values into the curriculum (e.g. sustainability) Strategy: Faculty Support Action Step #1 Improve and diversity faculty recruitment and retention 2. Improve and Maintain the Condition and Appearance of Campus Strategy: Develop an overarching facilities plan Action step #7: Align plan with climate action plan; curricular initiatives and sustainable practice 5. Develop Additional Revenue Streams and Strengthen Regional Economic Activity Strategy: Use campus resources to benefit the region and increase the College's visibility Action step #1: Leverage academic centers to generate revenue, partnership and outreach. b. Center for Sustainability and the Environment

None
The website URL where information about the institution’s sustainability planning is available:
---

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.