| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 72.46 |
| Liaison | Paul Mathisen |
| Submission Date | May 22, 2020 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
PA-2: Sustainability Planning
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
4.00 / 4.00 |
Paul
Mathisen Dir. of Sustainability & Assoc. Prof Civil & Environmental Engineering |
Does the institution have a published strategic plan or equivalent guiding document that includes sustainability at a high level? :
A brief description of how the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document addresses sustainability:
WPI has a broad institutional strategic plan where it is stated that the principles of sustainability, including ecological stewardship, social justice, and economic security, will guide the approach to achieving the goals of the strategic plan in academics, research, campus operations, and community engagement. (See Page 15 of the strategic plan) In this strategic plan, sustainability is recognized as a cross-cutting enabler that impacts all areas of the strategic plan, and the WPI's sustainability plan is recognized as the tool that provides the specific goals and associated measurable objectives.
For each of the goals in the sustainability plan, this plan includes a set of objectives, tasks, timelines, and leads/offices responsible for advancing the goals. WPI's current sustainabliity plan can be found using the following link: https://www.wpi.edu/sites/default/files/docs/Offices/Sustainability/WPI_Sustainability_Plan.pdf. This plan is being currently being updated for the next five years and the plan will be completed in October of 2020.
A copy of the strategic plan:
The website URL where the strategic plan is publicly available:
Does the institution have a published sustainability plan (apart from what is reported above)? :
A copy of the sustainability plan:
The website URL where the sustainability plan is publicly available:
Does the institution have a published climate action plan (apart from what is reported above)? :
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)? :
A list of other published plans that address sustainability, including public website URLs (if available):
Project Inclusion; Project Inclusion, at WPI, is a three-year initiative dedicated to helping the University set standards and expectations for a campus environment that is accepting and welcoming to all.://www.wpi.edu/about/diversity-inclusion/project-inclusion
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Curriculum?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Curriculum and the published plans in which each objective is included:
All measurable sustainability objectives are published in the sustainability plan at the link above. The objectives for academics can be found on pages 6 and 7 of this plan and are included as follows: 1) Increased visibility and financial support for the global project centers by FY14 and ongoing; measured by amount of funds received for global project center and monitoring of project centers' press and awards; 2) Achieving social justice and meet basic human needs in sustainable global development through integration with academic programs by FY15 and ongoing; measured by number of courses, projects, and research activities that address social justice and human needs; 3) The role of sustainability is explicit in WPI's Statement of Values for Undergraduate Education and Learning Outcomes by FY14/15, measured by the existence of the statement; 4) Track the activities that address social justice and basic human needs in sustainable global development by FY15 and ongoing, measured by the number of courses, projects, and research activities with a component of human issues; 5) Track and coordinate sustainability content of IQPs, MQPs, GPS, and Humanities and Arts requirements, by FY14/FY15 and ongoing, measured by the current and past data available on sustainability content; 6) Formalize and highlight the significance of sustainability issues in the Great Problems Seminars, with consideration to the completion of the GPS by all students, by FY14 and ongoing, measured by the evaluation of the status of GPS as a project to focus on sustainability issues and the establishment of a marketing campaign to publicize sustainability and GPS; 7) Define the role of sustainability in the disciplines for all undergraduate and graduate academic majors, by FY14/FY15 and ongoing, measured by the establishment of this definition; 8) Assist students in incorporating sustainability into their majors, by FY14/FY15 and ongoing, measured by the advising staff being trained to advise on sustainability; 9) Create a major energy project center with substantial external collaborators, FY14, measured by the establishment of a major energy project center and the number of collaborators; 10) Establish a project center dedicated to supporting student projects that address on-campus sustainability, FY14, measured by the establishment of this project center and the number of student projects that address on-campus sustainability; 11) Define and document the sustainability component of each student's education, FY14/FY15 and ongoing, measured by the development of the definition and the availability of current and past data on sustainability in students' education; 12) Track and report faculty expertise and interests in sustainability, FY14/FY15 and ongoing, measured by the establishment of a tracking mechanism and the availability of current and past data on faculty expertise and interests in sustainability.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Research?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Research and the published plans in which each objective is included:
All measurable sustainability objectives are published in the sustainability plan at the link above. The objectives for research can be found on pages 10 and 11 of this plan and are included as follows:: 1) WPI is recognized for its contributions in one or more areas of sustainability research, by FY14 and ongoing, measured by the tracking of awards and publications; 2) All of WPI's sustainability-related research work is visible and accessible via the web, by FY14 and ongoing, measured by the operational status of web pages and the online publication of annual reports listing relevant publications, grants, and graduate degrees; 3) Appoint a coordinator for sustainability related research, FY14, measured by the appointment of a coordinator; 4) Identify and establish one or more major center(s) in area(s) of WPI's current strengths in sustainability, measured by the establishment of a center and the establishment of collaborators/partnerships/funding; 5) Establish a lecture series to address sustainability-related topics, by FY14 and ongoing, measured by the establishment of a sustainability-related lecture series, the number of sustainability-related lectures held, and the number of lecture series participants; 6) Initiate a series of sustainability conferences in areas of WPI's research strength, by FY15 and ongoing, measured by the establishment of a sustainability conference series, the number of conferences held, and the number of conference participants; and 7) Organize a sustainability category for GRAD, by FY14 and ongoing, measured by the establishment of a sustainability category in GRAD.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Campus Engagement?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Campus Engagement and the published plans in which each objective is included:
All measurable sustainability objectives are published in the sustainability plan at the link above. The objectives for campus engagement can be found on page 12 and 13 of this plan and are included as follows:: 1) At least 50% of the campus community is engaged in sustainability efforts, by FY15 and ongoing, measured by the percentage of WPI campus engaged and the participation in programs and events; 2) Sustainability-related project centers involve both the WPI campus and local communities, by FY15 and ongoing, measured by the reporting of project centers on community engagement and sustainability efforts, and the tracking of community involvement; 3) Implement a sustainability training and education program for students/faculty/staff (i.e., new staff, faculty, and student orientation program), by FY16 and ongoing, measured by the establishment of a training and education program and the number of participants in sustainability training and education programs; 4) Incorporate sustainability targets into key student/staff/faculty roles, by FY16 and ongoing, measured by the creation of said targets; 5) Development a mechanism for engaging all constituents in sustainability planning activities on campus and beyond, by FY15 and ongoing, measured by the creation of a website and the number of visits to the website; 6) Develop award/recognition program to support on-campus and off-campus sustainability efforts, by AY14 and ongoing measured by the number of awards given and the number of nominations/applications for awards received; 7) develop a transportation plan for the WPI community to decrease reliance on single-occupancy vehicles, by AY14 and ongoing, measured by the development of a plan, a reduction in single occupancy vehicle miles travelled, and an increase in carpooling, public transportation use, and walking and cycling.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Public Engagement?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Public Engagement and the published plans in which each objective is included:
All measurable sustainability objectives are published in the sustainability plan at the link above. The objectives for community engagement are included in the Plan's info on Community Engagement, and can be found on page 10 of this plan. These are included as follows:.1) Sustainability-related project centers involve both the WPI campus and local communities, by FY15 and ongoing, measured by reporting by the project centers on community engagement measures and sustainability efforts and tracking community involvement; 2) WPI's expertise is available via projects and other mechanisms to assist community, governments, and non-profit groups, by FY15 and ongoing, measured by the creation of a website where expertise is accessible, measured by the creation of a website and the number of visits to the website; 3) Development a mechanism for engaging all constituents in sustainability planning activities on campus and beyond, by FY15 and ongoing; 4) Develop award/recognition program to support on-campus and off-campus sustainability efforts, by AY14 and ongoing, measured by the number of awards given and then number of nominations and applications for awards received; 5) Develop a transportation plan for the WPI community to decrease reliance on single-occupancy vehicles, by AY14 and ongoing, measured by the development of a plan, the reduction in single occupancy vehicle miles travelled, and an increase in carpooling, public transportation use, walking and cycling.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Air & Climate?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Air & Climate and the published plans in which each objective is included:
All measurable sustainability objectives are published in the sustainability plan at the link above. The objectives for air and climate are included in the "campus operations and facilities" goals, and can be found on page 8 and 9 of this plan. Relevant objectives are included as follows: 1) measure GHG emissions and report Scope 1 and 2 emissions annually, by FY14 and ongoing, measured by the creation of a measurement and reporting mechanism, and 2) establish a methodology and timeline for reducing GHG emissions, by FY14/FY15, measured by a the creation of a GHG reductionplan and the establishment of a method and timeline
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Buildings?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Buildings and the published plans in which each objective is included:
All measurable sustainability objectives are published in the sustainability plan at the link above. The objectives for buildings are included in the "campus operations and facilities" goals, and can be found on page 8 and 9 of this plan. Relevant objectives are included as follows: 1) In addition to new construction, all major building renovations on campus are LEED certifiable, by FY15 and ongoing, measured by the number of new buildings that are LEED certifiable; 2) Define building usage and assess building schedules to efficiently manage heating and cooling, by FY14/FY15, measured by the creation and implementation of policies and schedules.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Energy?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Energy and the published plans in which each objective is included:
All measurable sustainability objectives are published in the sustainability plan at the link above. The objectives for energy are included in the "campus operations and facilities" goals, and can be found on page 8 and 9 of this plan. Relevant objectives are included as follows: 1) reduce utility consumption by 25% over 5 years, by FY18, measured by the consumption of electricity, heating per capita, and waster consumption per capita; 2) invest in energy programs (focus on deferred maintenance with support from utility incentives), by FY15 and ongoing, measured by the amount of funds invested in energy programs on an annual basis; 3) Monitor energy use real-time with submetering, by FY16 and ongoing, measured by the creation of energy use monitoring real-time with submetering; 4) Define building usage and assess building schedules to efficiently manage heating and cooling, by FY14/FY15, measured by the creation and implementation of policies and schedules; 5) Increase sustainability in computing by using sustainable principles in the purchasing and operation of data centers, and through community education and awareness programs, by FY15 and ongoing, measured by the energy savings associated with computer use, the number of participants in sustainable computing programs, and computer recycling.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Food & Dining?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Food & Dining and the published plans in which each objective is included:
All measurable sustainability objectives are published in the sustainability plan at the link above. The objectives for food and dining are included in the "campus operations and facilities" goals, and can be found on page 8 and 9 of this plan. Relevant objectives are included as follows: 1) Develop and implement purchasing guidelines to select products manufactured, packaged, and distributed in sustainable manners, by FY15, measured by the development and publication of guidelines and the amount of funds spent on green products compared to amount spent on non-green products; 2) Eliminate disposable/single-use plastic water bottles from the campus by FY15, measured by the number of single-use plastic water bottles bought/sold on campus
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Grounds?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Grounds and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Sustainability objectives addressing grounds will be included in WPI's new sustainability plan, which will be completed/posted in November
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Purchasing?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Purchasing and the published plans in which each objective is included:
All measurable sustainability objectives are published in the sustainability plan at the link above. The objectives for purchasing are included in the "campus operations and facilities" goals, and can be found on page 8 and 9 of this plan. Relevant objectives are included as follows: 1) Develop and implement purchasing guidelines to select products manufactured, packaged, and distributed in sustainable manners, and/or are made from recycled goods, by FY15, measured by the development and publication of guidelines and the amount of funds spent on green products compared to amount spent on non-green products; 2) to increase sustainability in computing by using sustainable principles in the purchasing and operation of data centers, and through community education and awareness programs, by FY15 and ongoing, measured by the energy savings associated with computer use, the number of participants in sustainable computing programs, and computer recycling.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Transportation?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Transportation and the published plans in which each objective is included:
All measurable sustainability objectives are published in the sustainability plan at the link above. The objectives for transporatation are included in the "community engagement" goals, and can be found on page 12 and 13 of this plan. Relevant objectives are included as follows: 1) Develop a transportation plan for the WPI community to decrease the reliance on single-occupancy vehicles, by AY14/ongoing, measured by the development of the transportation plan, reduction in single occupancy vehicle miles driven, and increase in carpooling, public transportation usage, and walking and cycling
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Waste?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Waste and the published plans in which each objective is included:
All measurable sustainability objectives are published in the sustainability plan at the link above. The objectives for waste are included in the "campus operations and facilities" goals, and can be found on page 8 and 9 of this plan. Relevant objectives are included as follows: 1) evaluate how recycling and trash pick-up is managed, including disposal contractors and research opportunities, by FY14, measured by the creation of a comprehensive waste/recycling audit (with suggested solutions); 2) Improve campus recycling infrastructure by purchasing and installing user-friendly recycling containers and adding solar compactors to campus outdoor trash receptacles, by FY15, measured by the number of recycling containers purchased and installed, and the number of solar compactors added to campus outside trash receptacles (compared to number of outside trash receptacles total); 3) Develop a marketing campaign to tell the story of recycling at WPI, by FY15, measured by the development and implementation of the marketing campaign, the campus culture and knowledge of recycling, and the pounds or tons of recycling/year/person; 4) Eliminate disposable/single-use plastic water bottles from the campus, by FY15; 5) Install water bottle filling stations on campus, by FY15, measured by the number of disposable/single-use plastic water bottles bought/sold on campus
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Water?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Water and the published plans in which each objective is included:
All measurable sustainability objectives are published in the sustainability plan at the link above. The objectives for water are included in the "campus operations and facilities" goals, and can be found on page 8 and 9 of this plan. Relevant objectives are included as follows: 1) Utility consumption is reduced by 25% over 5 years, by FY18. Water consumption is included with this measure, quantified in terms of a decrease in water consumption per capita. This is listed on Page 9 of the current Sustainability Plan. A recent student project addressed water demand on campus and has provided additional guidelines for water conservation.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Diversity & Affordability?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Diversity & Affordability and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Diversity and Affordability are addressed in WPI's Strategic Plan "Perhaps the single largest enabler of innovative thinking for WPI is creating an inclusive, diverse community that values difference in thought, cultural background, and perspective. As such we will https://www.dropbox.com/forgotredouble our efforts to recruit and retain students, faculty, and staff of diverse backgrounds. In addition, we will institute programs to help ensure that WPI is a place that appreciates difference, and work to sustain an environment where all members of our community are empowered to perform at their best, measured by the campus climate survey."
In addition, in 2017, WPI commenced on Project Inclusion, a three-year initiative to help the university set standards and expectations for a campus environment that is accepting and welcoming to all. Under its guidelines, WPI establishes the definitions and sets goals around diversity, inclusion, and equity.
The plan/expectations and process for Project Inclusion can be found at the following links:
https://www.wpi.edu/sites/default/files/docs/About-WPI/Diversity-Inclusion/Project_Inclusion_Purpose_ExpectationsPDFV2.pdf.
https://www.wpi.edu/sites/default/files/docs/About-WPI/Diversity-Inclusion/Project_Inclusion_ProcessPDFV2.pdf
The process for measureable objectives is included in the document describing the process. Details are included in annual reports which are included on the web site for Project Inclusion: https://www.wpi.edu/about/diversity-inclusion/project-inclusion
As a result of these programs, WPI was recently named a recipient of the 2020 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award, which honors U.S. colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Investment & Finance?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Investment & Finance and the published plans in which each objective is included:
All measurable sustainability objectives are published in the sustainability plan at the link above. Objectives for investment and finance are included in the "campus operations and facilities" goals, and can be found on page 8 and 9 of this plan. The primary objectives related to investment in sustainability involves an objective to create a Green Revolving Fund. This fund was established in 2018 and was launched with $1.5 million to fund projects over a three year time period. Future time periods would be funded through savings generated by the plan, measured by continuous review of energy consumption of projects.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Wellbeing & Work?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Wellbeing & Work and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Measurable sustainability objectives are published in the sustainability plan at the link above. The objectives for well-being and work are included in the "campus operations and facilities" goals, and can be found on page 8 and 9 of this plan. A relevant objective is included as follows: Implement a sustainability training and education program for students/faculty/staff (i.e., new staff, faculty, and student orientation programs) by AY2016 ongoing, measured by the number of training and education programs established and the number of participants in sustainability training and education programs.
In addition, well-being and work are also included in WPI's "Project Inclusion" initiative which is described under the Diversity and Affordability Item above.Details are included in annual reports which are included on the web site for Project Inclusion: https://www.wpi.edu/about/diversity-inclusion/project-inclusion
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address other areas (e.g. arts and culture or technology)?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address other areas and the published plans in which each objective is included:
all measurable sustainability objectives are published in the sustainability plan link above."Goal: ""Through our research and scholarly activities WPI will make significant contributions to the technologies, the policies, and the attitudes that will help assure a sustainable world."" Measurable: ""Task: Identify and establish one
(or more) major center(s) in area(s) of WPI’s current strengths in sustainability""; Measurable: ""Task: Establish a lecture series to address sustainability-related topics """
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)? :
The formal statement in support of sustainability:
"The 2015 WPI Strategic Plan includes the statement: WPI demonstrates its commitment to the preservation of the planet and all its life through the incorporation of the principles of sustainability throughout the institution. These principles include ecological stewardship, social justice, and economic security. By implementing the principles of the WPI Plan for Sustainability, we will advance broad sustainability goals in academics, research, campus operations, and community outreach. Further, WPI will promote a culture of sustainability that incorporates the beliefs and behaviors supported by our technical strengths and by our heritage of the application of both theory and practice to the solution of global problems. Task: ""Task: Establish a lecture series to
address sustainability-related topics "
The institution’s definition of sustainability (e.g. as included in a published statement or plan):
"Sustainability at WPI encompasses three mutually complementary components:
Ecological Stewardship embodies the principle that human activities must respect the need to preserve our natural world.
Economic Security represents the understanding that all members of society deserve access to the means to support themselves and their families.
Social Justice represents our belief that respect for the dignity of every human being leads to the assurance of equitable rights and opportunities for everyone."
Is the institution an endorser or signatory of the following?:
| Yes or No | |
| The Earth Charter | No |
| The Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI) | No |
| ISCN-GULF Sustainable Campus Charter | No |
| Second Nature’s Carbon Commitment (formerly known as the ACUPCC), Resilience Commitment, and/or integrated Climate Commitment | No |
| 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:
WPI is committed to meeting the guidelines identified in the Sustainability Plan.
The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
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.