| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 72.46 |
| Liaison | Paul Mathisen |
| Submission Date | May 22, 2020 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
EN-4: Outreach Materials and Publications
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 2.00 |
Paul
Mathisen Dir. of Sustainability & Assoc. Prof Civil & Environmental Engineering |
"---"
indicates that no data was submitted for this field
Central Sustainability Website
Yes
A brief description of the central sustainability website (optional):
Our sustainability website provides information about the Office of Sustainability, sustainability initiatives (as well as updates on major initiatives such as the development of the new sustainability plan and the GRF), and calendar of events, as well as members of the Sustainability Advisory Committee, Student Sustainability Leaders, and Eco-Reps. Sustainability Policies, the Annual Sustainability Report, and the Sustainability Plan can also be found on the website.
The website URL for the central sustainability website:
Sustainability Newsletter
No
None
A brief description of the sustainability newsletter:
na
None
The website URL for the sustainability newsletter:
---
Social Media Platforms
Yes
A brief description of the social media platforms that focus on sustainability:
The Sustainability Office and all student groups use Techsync (an internal social media system) to spread information and increase student participation in their various activities. The Sustainability office also has both a Facebook account (https://www.facebook.com/sustainabilityWPI/timeline), Instagram (WPIGreen) and Twitter (@WPIGreen) account. The Student Green Team, Gompeis Gears Bikeshare, and SJSF (Students for a Just and Stable Future) also have Facebook sites.
The website URL of the primary social media platform focused on sustainability:
Student Newspaper Coverage
No
A brief description of the regular coverage of sustainability in the main student newspaper:
---
The website URL for regular coverage of sustainability in the main student newspaper:
---
Student Research Publication
Yes
A brief description of the vehicle to publish and disseminate student research on sustainability:
Student research projects related to sustainability are listed on the sustainability website and in E-Projects. Also, Gordon Library collects all student projects (IQPs, MQPs, etc.) in a searchable database called Summon.
None
The website URL for the vehicle to publish and disseminate student research on sustainability:
Green Building Signage
Yes
None
A brief description of building signage that highlights green building features :
Signs placed in East Hall and the Sports & Recreation Center provide a description of various green features and related facts about the building. For example, bamboo ceiling tiles and walls are highlighted on signage, as are the numerous water bottle filling stations, the solar panels that heat the pool water, and the mullions, sunscreens, and interior shades which reduce solar glare.
None
The website URL for building signage that highlights green building features :
Sustainable Food Systems Information
Yes
A brief description of the signage and/or brochures that include information about sustainable food systems:
Signage such as vegan, gluten free, plant forward, eat local, fair trade foods and beverages, and minimizing food waste is posted around dining halls
None
The website URL for food service area signage and/or brochures that include information about sustainable food systems:
Sustainable Grounds Signage
Yes
A brief description of the signage on the grounds about sustainable groundskeeping and/or landscaping strategies employed:
Signage on the grounds asked the community to "please save the grass for the goats, use the walkway" so that people would stay off the grass during the drought, allowing the grass a better chance to thrive. Signage in all buildings and residential halls explained the city's drought warning and asked the community to use water wisely.
The website URL for the signage on the grounds about sustainable groundskeeping and/or landscaping strategies employed:
---
Sustainable Walking Map or Tour
Yes
None
A brief description of the sustainability walking map or tour:
The signage for the Sports & Recreation Center and 10 Faraday includes a separate walking tour that specifically highlights sustainability features with maps. In 2019 WPI launched a new campus-wide self-guided walking tour.
None
The website URL of the sustainability walking map or tour:
Guide for Commuters
Yes
A brief description of the guide for commuters about how to use more sustainable methods of transportation:
A listing on the WPI website identifies numerous forms of alternative transportation
The website URL for the guide for commuters about how to use more sustainable methods of transportation:
Materials for Cyclists and Pedestrians
Yes
None
A brief description of the navigation and educational tools for bicyclists and pedestrians:
A student project and Green Team produced a webpage with "Worcester Biking Resources". The guide includes tips on bike laws, safety, securing, maintenance, and will soon include information about safe bike routes, routes that avoid hills, etc.
None
The website URL for navigation and educational tools for bicyclists and pedestrians:
Green Living Guide
Yes
None
A brief description of the guide for green living and incorporating sustainability into the residential experience:
WPI maintains a webpage with a list of dos/don'ts and tips about what items to bring to campus, changing habits/products in the living/dorm/bedroom area, in the kitchen, in the laundry room, and while doing schoolwork/paperwork. This also includes recycling tips and the policies of the school.
None
The website URL for the guide for green living and incorporating sustainability into the residential experience:
Other Outreach Materials
Yes
A brief description of these materials or publications:
the Office of Sustainability publishes an Annual WPI Sustainability Report that is made available to all members of the community via the Sustainability website. This publication describes the sustainability initiatives, program, academics, research, and groups/clubs on campus. It also provides measures for performance against sustainability plan.
The website URL for these materials or publications:
Optional Fields
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
WPI also published a greenhouse gas reduction plan in 2017, https://www.wpi.edu/news/greenhouse-gas-reduction-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.