Overall Rating Bronze - expired
Overall Score 38.03
Liaison Bradley Flamm
Submission Date March 1, 2019
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

Published Plans That Address Sustainability 

Strategic Plan

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:
https://www.wcupa.edu/StrategicPlanning/

Sustainability Plan 

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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Climate Action Plan 

Does the institution have a published climate action plan (apart from what is reported above)? :
Yes

A copy of the climate action plan:
WCU_Climate_Action_Plan_2013.pdf

The website URL where the climate action plan is publicly available:
https://www.wcupa.edu/Sustainability/carbonneutralityplan.aspx

Other Published Plans 

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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Measurable Sustainability Objectives 

Curriculum

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

Research 

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

Campus Engagement 

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

Public Engagement 

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

Air & Climate 

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

Buildings 

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

Energy 

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

Food & Dining 

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

Grounds 

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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Purchasing 

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

Transportation 

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

Waste 

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

Water 

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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Diversity & Affordability 

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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Investment & Finance 

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

Wellbeing & Work 

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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Other Impact Areas 

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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Optional Fields 

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:
https://www.wcupa.edu/Sustainability/carbonneutralityplan.aspx

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.

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.