Valparaiso University
PA-2: Sustainability Planning
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
Reporter |
Does the institution have a published plan or plans that include measurable sustainability objectives that address sustainability in curriculum and/or research?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to academics and the plan(s) in which they are published:
Uplift Valpo
Does the institution have a published plan or plans that include measurable sustainability objectives that address student, employee, or community engagement for sustainability?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to engagement and the plan(s) in which they are published:
Community Service
Does the institution have a published plan or plans that include measurable sustainability objectives that address sustainability in operations?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to operations and the plan(s) in which they are published:
Campus operations will have a major influence on Valparaiso University in our sustainability plan. With over 50 buildings on campus, totaling 2.1 million square feet; Valparaiso University can standardize on efficient design construction standards, protect land and grounds, and operate maintenance with efficient practices, we can drastically improve our sustainability goals.
DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
Buildings are the largest primary source for our energy and water consumption. Building “green” can help decrease our energy use, carbon emissions, water consumption, and solid waste consumption. By standardizing construction practices that meet and exceed energy codes, Valparaiso University would be a leading example of sustainable design and construction.
Does the institution have a published plan or plans that include measurable sustainability objectives that address diversity, equity, and inclusion; sustainable investment/finance; or wellbeing?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to administration and the plan(s) in which they are published:
The second theme of the strategic plan is SERVE. Service is at the center of what we
do. We prepare students for lives of service—lives shaped by a sense of calling,
equipped for thoughtful reflection, engaged in the larger world, and responsive to its
deepest challenges (Valparaiso University Institute for Leadership and Service). To
accomplish this, we are committed to making students the center of why and how we
do what we do, meeting them where they are and developing their skills and
confidence to go out into their communities to leave their positive impact on the
world. This includes offering traditional and non-traditional students alternate paths
and support through the Valpo Success Initiative and its two-year access college, as
well as the summer Bloom program. Additionally, Valparaiso University plans to
continue the work approved in the "Action Agenda for Racial Equity and Inclusion”.
This will require the institution to better represent the society we serve, collaborate and
improve our relationship with the community where we reside, and tackle the challenge
of environmental sustainability.
Does the institution have a published strategic plan or equivalent guiding document that includes sustainability at a high level? :
The institution’s highest guiding document (upload):
Website URL where the institution’s highest guiding document is publicly available:
Which of the following best describes the inclusion of sustainability in the highest guiding document?:
The institution's sustainability plan (upload):
Website URL where the institution's sustainability plan is publicly available:
Does the institution have a formal statement in support of sustainability endorsed by its governing body?:
The formal statement in support of sustainability:
The institution’s definition of sustainability:
Is the institution an endorser or signatory of the following?:
| Yes or No | |
| The Earth Charter | No |
| The Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI) | --- |
| ISCN-GULF Sustainable Campus Charter | --- |
| Pan-Canadian Protocol for Sustainability | --- |
| SDG Accord | --- |
| Second Nature’s Carbon Commitment (formerly known as the ACUPCC), Resilience Commitment, and/or integrated Climate Commitment | Yes |
| The Talloires Declaration (TD) | --- |
| UN Global Compact | --- |
| Other multi-dimensional sustainability commitments (please specify below) | --- |
A brief description of the institution’s formal sustainability commitments, including the specific initiatives selected above:
Website URL where information about the institution’s sustainability planning efforts 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.