Overall Rating Bronze - expired
Overall Score 36.91
Liaison Bradley Flamm
Submission Date March 30, 2018
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.1

West Chester University of Pennsylvania
PA-2: Sustainability Planning

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 3.00 / 4.00 Bradley Flamm
Director of Sustainability
Office of the President
"---" 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:

WCU has adopted a broad definition of sustainability which emphasizes the importance of appropriate growth and development and integrates environmental, social and economic opportunities. Thus, the University aspires to leadership in nurturing a culture that views sustainability as integral to education and research, operations and design, fiscal management, campus health and safety, and institutional vitality and effectiveness over the long term.

Sustainability Goal 1: Promote sustainability through training, curricula, co-curricular programming, research, and outreach.\

Sustainability Goal 2: Develop and Manage Financial and Physical Resources Sustainably.

Sustainability Goal 3: Develop Enrollment to sustain Long-Term Institutional Viability and Quality.

Sustainability Goal 4: Preserve, promote and cultivate the health, safety and vitality of the University over the long-term.


A copy of the strategic plan:
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The website URL where the strategic plan is publicly available:
Does the institution have a published sustainability plan (apart from what is reported above)? :
No

A copy of the sustainability plan:
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The website URL where the sustainability plan is publicly available:
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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)? :
No

A list of other published plans that address sustainability, including public website URLs (if available):
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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:

From the WCU Climate Action Plan:

1. Curriculum
Objective 1.1 – Incorporate Sustainability into General Education
Objective 1.2 – Create Sustainability Majors, Minors, and Certificate Programs
Objective 1.3 – Adopt Sustainability and Climate Change Learning Outcomes
Objective 1.4 – Develop Opportunities for Experiential Sustainability Learning


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:

From the WCU Climate Action Plan:

3. Research
Objective 3.1 – Increase Incentives for Sustainability Research/Creative Activity
Objective 3.2 – Create a Center for Sustainability Studies & Research


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:

From the WCU Climate Action Plan:

2. Co-Curricular Education and Training
Objective 2.1 – Establish a Student Sustainability Educators Program (Eco-Reps)
Objective 2.2 – Establish an Earth Ally Program
Objective 2.3 – Incorporate Sustainability into New Student Orientation
Objective 2.4 – Produce Campus-Wide Sustainability Events
Objective 2.5 – Develop Campus Sustainability Tours
Objective 2.6 – Create a Model Sustainable Room in a Residence Hall
Objective 2.7 – Create Sustainability Themed Housing
Objective 2.8 – Establish a ‘Sustainability’ House


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:

From the WCU Climate Action Plan:

4. Public Engagement
Objective 4.1 – Increase Formal Sustainability Partnerships
Objective 4.2 – Increase Sustainability-Related Student Internships
Objective 4.3 – Increase Sustainability-Related Service Learning & Volunteering
Objective 4.4 – Increase Sustainability Collaborations with Colleges/Universities
Objective 4.5 – Increase Sustainability-Focused Adult/Continuing Ed Courses


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:

From the WCU Climate Action Plan:

1. Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions – those most directly under the University’s control – have declined steadily since FY 2007.
2. Emissions reductions from FY 2007 to FY 2010 were collateral to efforts to reduce the University’s expenditures on energy. Institutional initiatives during this time period were a steady transition toward efficient geothermal heating and cooling and a decrease in the use of the on-campus coal fired steam plant for heating. The University also benefited from a guaranteed energy saving agreement (GESA) that was 80% completed by the end of FY 2007 and which brought about savings in electrical usage.
3. Reductions in energy consumption and GHG emissions were large enough to offset increased student enrollment and increased building space. The new student recreation center, completed in Fall 2012, incorporates solar panels, green roofs, and is linked to the geothermal heating and cooling system. It remains to be seen what effect completion of this 72,575 square foot building will have on emissions and normalized emissions trends.
4. Reduced on-campus emissions were important but the purchase of RECs also increased during the same time period (roughly 7% of electrical consumption in FY 2005 to 23% in FY 2010). The effect of RECs on net emissions is not included in Figures 6, 8, and 9.
5. After the emissions reduction benefits of the transition to geothermal exchange are complete around 2016, the bulk of WCU’s Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions will be in Scope 2 – electrical consumption. Efforts to further reduce emissions will have to concentrate on conservation, efficiency, on-campus generation, and offset purchases


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:

From the WCU Climate Action Plan:

1. Energy & Building Policies, Planning, and Financing
Objective 1.1 – Develop/Implement a Campus Energy Policy & Strategy
Objective 1.2 – Develop/Implement a Green Building Policy
Objective 1.3 – Formalize an Integrative Planning Process
Objective 1.4 – Internalize a Price for Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Objective 1.5 – Establish a Green Revolving Fund


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:

From the WCU Climate Action Plan:

2. Reduce Consumption & Improve Energy Efficiency
Objective 2.1 – Transition to Lower Emission Fuel Sources for Heating & Cooling
Objective 2.2 – Install Web-Based Utility Dashboards in Campus Buildings
Objective 2.3 – Implement an Energy Use Fee/Rebate for Student Housing
Objective 2.4 – Implement Energy Savings Retrofits for Residence Halls
Objective 2.5 – Install Solar Hot Water Heating for Appropriate Buildings
Objective 2.6 – Install LED lighting in Parking Lots and Selected Indoor Spaces
Objective 2.7 – Continue to Implement Green Information Technology Initiatives

3. Produce Renewable Energy
Objective 3.1 – Install Small-Scale Photovoltaics on Campus
Objective 3.2 – Install Large-Scale Photovoltaic Array(s) on Campus

4. Buy Green Power
Objective 4.1 – Buy Green Power/Purchase Renewable Energy Credits (RECs)

5. Purchase & Develop Carbon Offsets
Objective 5.1 – Buy Carbon Offsets for Unavoidable Emissions
Objective 5.2 – Develop Carbon Offset Projects with Research and Educational Val


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:

From the WCU Climate Action Plan:

1. Dining Services Planning & Policies
Objective 1.1 – Establish a Sustainable Food Service Working Group
Objective 1.2 – Develop and Implement a Sustainable Food Production and Purchasing Policy

2. Sustainable Dining Education and Outreach
Objective 2.1 – Develop Outreach and Educational Instruments


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Grounds?:
No

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Grounds and the published plans in which each objective is included:
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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:

From the WCU Climate Action Plan:

1. Purchasing Policies & Planning
Objective 1.1 – Establish a Sustainable Purchasing Task Group
Objective 1.2 – Develop a Sustainable Purchasing Policy

2. Sustainable Purchasing Tracking, Reporting, and Promotion
Objective 2.1 – Track and Report Sustainable Purchasing Efforts
Objective 2.2 – Produce and Update a Campus Guide to Sustainable Purchasing
Objective 2.3 – Educate the Campus Community about Sustainable Purchasing


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:

From the WCU Climate Action Plan:

1. Transportation Planning & Financing
Objective 1.1 – Establish a Campus Transportation Committee
Objective 1.2 – Finance Transportation Initiatives with a Price on Carbon (Increased Parking Fees)

2. University Fleet
Objective 2.1 - Complete the Transition to Alternative Fuels

3. Commuting & Telecommuting
Objective 3.1 – Promote the e Rideshare Program
Objective 3.2 – Offer Discounts for Hybrid & High Fuel Efficiency (HFE) Vehicles
Objective 3.3 – Develop Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations on the Campus
Objective 3.4 – Expand the Subsidized SEPTA Bus Token Program
Objective 3.5 – Pilot an Alternative Work Week for Office Staff
Objective 3.6 – Develop a Telecommuting Policy & Pilot Program
Objective 3.7 – Investigate Alternative Course Scheduling

4. Bicycling
Objective 4.1 – Improve and Expand Bicycling Infrastructure
Objective 4.2 – Initiate a Bicycle Rental/Sharing Program
Objective 4.3 – Promote Walking and Biking among Faculty, Staff, and Students

5. Air Travel
Objective 5.1 – Reduce, Consolidate, and Offset Air Travel

6. Regional Transportation
Objective 6.1 – Expand access to SEPTA Rail Service via Shuttles to/from Campus
Objective 6.2 – Provide Public Transportation Passes for Students & Employees
Objective 6.3 – Work with TMACC & SEPTA to Optimize Bus/Train scheduling
Objective 6.4 – Work with SEPTA to (re)Open the Train Route to West Chester


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:

From the WCU Climate Action Plan:

1.Solid Waste Policies and Planning
Objective 1.1 – Establish a Campus Zero Waste Working Group
Objective 1.2 – Develop/Implement a Campus Zero Waste Policy & Strategy
Objective 1.3 – Require Construction/Demolition Waste Management Plans

2. Zero Waste Education
Objective 2.1—Add a Zero Waste Program to New Student Orientation
Objective 2.2—Include West Chester University’s Zero Waste Policy in all Syllabi

3. Reduce (and Refuse)
Objective 3.1 – Transition to Paperless Courses and Offices
Objective 3.2 – Ban Single-Use Water Bottles and Encourage Reusables

4. Reuse (and Repurpose)
Objective 4.1— Reuse, Donate, and Sell Move-Out Waste on and Off Campus
Objective 4.2— Reuse “Waste” Cooking Oil to Generate On-Site Electricity

5. Recycle
Objective 5.1—Formally Participate in the Annual RecycleMania Competition
Objective 5.2—Provide each Residence Hall Room with a Recycling Bin
Objective 5.3 – Donate, Reuse, and Recycle Electronic Materials

6. Compost
Objective 6.1 — Initiate Composting of Food Waste
Objective 6.2—Place Compost Bins throughout Campus and at Catered Events
Objective 6.3 — Investigate the Feasibility of On and Off-Site Composting
Objective 6.4 – Create Additional Composting Sites for Educational Purposes


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Water?:
No

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Water and the published plans in which each objective is included:
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Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Diversity & Affordability?:
No

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Diversity & Affordability and the published plans in which each objective is included:
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Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Investment & Finance?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Investment & Finance and the published plans in which each objective is included:

From the WCU Climate Action Plan:

1. Energy & Building Policies, Planning, and Financing
Objective 1.5 – Establish a Green Revolving Fund


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:
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Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address other areas (e.g. arts and culture or technology)?:
No

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address other areas and the published plans in which each objective is included:
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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)? :
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The formal statement in support of sustainability:
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The institution’s definition of sustainability (e.g. as included in a published statement or plan):
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Is the institution an endorser or signatory of the following?:
Yes or No
The Earth Charter No
The Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI) Yes
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 No
Other multi-dimensional sustainability commitments (please specify below) No

A brief description of the institution’s formal sustainability commitments, including the specific initiatives selected above:

West Chester University President Greg Weisenstein signed the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) in October 2010, pledging the University to a series of actions that will ultimately reduce net greenhouse gas emissions to zero. In doing so we joined more than 600 institutions in expressing our deep concern about global warming. More importantly, we accepted the challenge to provide leadership in our own community by “modeling ways to minimize global warming emissions, and by providing the knowledge and the educated graduates to achieve climate neutrality.”


The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:

All data gathered from West Chester University's published Strategic Plan and Climate Action Plan.


All data gathered from West Chester University's published Strategic Plan and Climate Action Plan.

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.