Overall Rating Silver - expired
Overall Score 47.65
Liaison Jennifer Sanchez
Submission Date March 2, 2018
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.1

California State University, Bakersfield
PA-2: Sustainability Planning

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 3.25 / 4.00 Jennifer Sanchez
Sustainability Coordinator
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:

CSUB's Strategic Plan includes Strategic Goal 5 - Develop a campus culture with a sense of community and a commitment to organizational excellence. Objective 5.4 is "Promote practices across the campus that evidence a commitment to environmental sustainability."


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)? :
Yes

A copy of the sustainability plan:
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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)? :
No

A copy of the climate action plan:
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The website URL where the climate action plan is publicly available:
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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)? :
Yes

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

CSUB's Final Environmental Impact Report from 2007 https://csub.edu/documents/FEIR.pdf


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:

CSU Sustainability Policy
University Sustainability
1. The CSU will seek to further integrate sustainability into the academic curriculum working
within the normal campus consultative process. (14-New)
2. The CSU will develop employee and student workforce skills in the green jobs industry,
promote the development of sustainable products and services, and foster economic
development. (14-New)


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

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Research 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 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:

CSU Sustainability Policy
University Sustainability
3. The CSU will pursue sustainable practices in all areas of the university, including:
a. business operations such as procurement; information technology; student services;
food services; facilities operations; design and construction; and
b. self-funded entities such as student housing, student unions, parking, children’s
centers, and auxiliary operations. (14-New)


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:

Strategic Goal 3.3 - Collaborate with community partners to enhance the quality of life in the region, including health status, and cultural and youth enrichment.

Success Metric 3.3a - Number and type of service learning/academic internship contracts established with community based organizaitions.

Success Metric 3.3b - Number of service-learning/academic Internship courses

Success Metric 3.3c - Participant numbers for direct service (independent of a CSUB class)


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:

CSU Sustainability Policy
Objective 5.4: Promote practices across the campus that evidence a commitment to enviromental sustainability

Success Metric
5.4a
ACUPCC climate commitment via annual greenhouse gas emissions inventory vs. baseline

Language below is from CSUB Strategic Plan Report, found at: https://www.csub.edu/strategicplan/_files/Strategic%20Plan_Report_2015-16_MostRecent.pdf

"CSUB campus has been engaged in number actions that will lead to the reductions in GHG emission in the future. These endeavors place the campus on a path towards meeting the four AUPCC commitments made by CSUB: (i) green buildings; (ii) energy star appliance procurement; (iii) green power production or purchasing; (iv) waste minimization.  The net GHG emissions on the CSUB campus totaled 10,709 MT eCO2. The largest contributor to net emissions was purchased electricity, followed by commuting emissions."

CSU Sustainability Policy (2014)
Climate Action Plan
1. The CSU will strive to reduce systemwide facility greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to 1990
levels, or below, by 2020 consistent with AB 32, California’s Global Warming Solutions Act
of 2006 (HSC §38550). Emissions will include both state and auxiliary organization
purchases of electricity and natural gas; fleet, marine vessel usage; and other emissions the
university or self-support entity has direct control over. The Chancellor’s Office staff will
provide the baseline 1990 facility emission levels (for purchased electricity and natural gas)
for the campuses that existed at that time and assist campuses added to the CSU after 1990 to
determine their appropriate baseline. (14-New)
2. The CSU will strive to reduce facility GHG emissions to 80 percent below 1990 levels by
2040. Campus tracking and reporting of their GHG inventory will be grounded in the
American College and University President’s Climate Commitment guidelines or equivalent,
with consideration to campus requested improvements. Metrics will include GHG emissions
per FTE. (14-New)
3. The CSU will encourage and promote the use of alternative transportation and/or alternative
fuels to reduce GHG emissions related to university associated transportation, including
commuter and business travel. (14-New)


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:

CSU Sustainability Policy
Sustainable Building Practices
1. All future CSU new construction, remodeling, renovation, and repair projects will be
designed with consideration of optimum energy utilization, low life cycle operating costs,
compliance with all applicable energy codes (enhanced Title 24 energy codes) and
regulations. In the areas of specialized construction that are not regulated through the current
energy codes, such as historical buildings, museums, and auditoriums, the CSU will ensure
that these facilities are designed to consider energy efficiency. Energy efficient and
sustainable design features in the project plans and specifications will be considered in
balance with the academic program needs of the project within the available project budget.
(78-Adopt; 88-Revise; 01-Revise; 04-Revise; 14-Revise)
2. Capital Planning, Design and Construction in the Chancellor’s Office shall monitor building
sustainability/energy performance and maintain information on design best practices to
support the energy efficiency goals and guidelines of this policy. The sustainability
performance shall be based on Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
principles with consideration to the physical diversity and microclimates within the CSU. (05-New; 14-Revise)
3. The CSU shall design and build all new buildings and major renovations to meet or exceed
the minimum requirements equivalent to LEED “Silver.” Each campus shall strive to achieve
a higher standard equivalent to LEED “Gold” or “Platinum” within project budget
constraints. Each campus may pursue external certification through the LEED process. (05-New; 14-Revise)


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:

CSU Sustainability Policy
Energy Independence and Procurement
1. The CSU shall pursue energy procurement and production to reduce energy capacity
requirements from fossil fuels, and promote energy independence using available
economically feasible technology for on-site and/or renewable generation. The CSU shall
endeavor to increase its self-generated energy capacity from 44 to 80 megawatts (MW) by
2020. (05-New; 14-Revise)
2. The CSU will endeavor to exceed the State of California and California Public Utilities
Ed. Pol./CPB&G
Agenda Item 1
May 20-21, 2014
Page 3 of 6
Commission Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) sooner than the established goal of
procuring 33 percent of its electricity needs from renewable sources by 2020. (05-New; 14-Revise)
Energy Conservation and Utility Management
1. All CSU buildings and facilities, regardless of the source of funding for their operation, will
be operated in the most energy efficient manner without endangering public health and safety
and without diminishing the quality of education and the academic program. (78-Adopt; 88-Revise; 01-No Change; 04-No Change; 14-Revise)
2. All CSU campuses will continue to identify energy efficiency improvement measures to the
greatest extent possible, undertake steps to seek funding for their implementation and, upon
securing available funds, expeditiously implement the measures.
(78-Adopt; 88-Revise; 01-No Change; 04-No Change; 14-Revise)
3. The CSU will cooperate with federal, state, and local governments and other appropriate
organizations in accomplishing energy conservation and utilities management objectives
throughout the state; and inform students, faculty, staff and the general public of the need for
and methods of energy conservation and utilities management. (78-Adopt; 88-Revise; 01-No Change, 04-
No Change; 14-No Change)
4. Each CSU campus will designate an energy/utilities manager with the responsibility and the
authority for carrying out energy conservation and utilities management programs. The
Chancellor’s Office will have the responsibility to coordinate the individual campus
programs into a systemwide program. (78-Adopt; 88-Revise; 01-No Change; 04-No Change;
14-No Change)
5. The CSU will monitor monthly energy and utility usage on all campuses and the
Chancellor’s Office, and will prepare a systemwide annual report on energy utilization and
greenhouse gas emissions. The Chancellor’s Office will maintain a systemwide energy
database in which monthly campus data will be compiled to produce systemwide energy
reporting. Campuses will provide the Chancellor’s Office the necessary energy and utility
data, such as electricity and natural gas consumption; water and sewer usage; fuel consumed
by fleet vehicles, boats, and ships; waste disposal for the systemwide database in a timely
manner. (78-; 88- Adopt; 01-Revise; 04-No Change; 14-Revise)
6. Each CSU campus is encouraged to develop and maintain a campuswide integrated strategic
energy resource plan, which will include tactical recommendations in the areas of new
construction, deferred maintenance, facility renewal, energy projects, water conservation,
solid waste management, and an energy management plan. This plan will guide the overall
energy program at each campus. (78-Adopt; 88-Revise; 01-Revise; 04-Revise; 14-Revise)


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:

CSU Sustainability Policy
Sustainable Food Service
1. All campus food service organizations should track their sustainable food purchases. Such
tracking and reporting will be grounded in the Real Food Challenge guidelines, or equivalent,
with consideration to campus requested improvements. Campuses shall strive to increase
their sustainable food purchases to 20 percent of total food budget by 2020. (14-New)

2. Campuses and food service organizations shall collaborate to provide information and/or
training on sustainable food service operations to staff and patrons. (14-New)


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Grounds?:
Yes

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

CSU Sustainability Policy
Water Conservation
1. All CSU campuses will pursue water resource conservation to reduce water consumption by
10 percent by 2016, and 20 percent by 2020 including such steps to develop sustainable
landscaping, install controls to optimize irrigation water use, reduce water usage in restrooms
and showers, and promote the use of reclaimed/recycled water. In the event of a declaration
of drought, the CSU will cooperate with the state, city, and county governments to the
greatest extent possible to reduce water use. (78-; 88-Adopt; 01-No Change; 04-No Change; 14-Revise)


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:

CSU Sustainability Policy
Sustainable Procurement
1. Campuses will promote use of suppliers and/or vendors who reduce waste, re-purpose
recycled material, or support other environmentally friendly practices in the provision of
goods or services to the CSU under contract. This may include additional evaluation points in
solicitation evaluations for suppliers integrating sustainable practices. (14-New)
2. To move to zero waste, campus practices should: (1) encourage use of products that
minimize the volume of trash sent to landfill or incinerators; (2) participate in the CalRecycle
Buy-Recycled program or equivalent; and (3) increase recycled content purchases in all BuyRecycled
program product categories. (14-New)
3. Campuses shall continue to report on all recycled content product categories, consistent with
PCC § 12153-12217 and shall implement improved tracking and reporting procedures for
their recycled content purchases. (14-New)


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:

Climate Action Plan

3. The CSU will encourage and promote the use of alternative transportation and/or alternative fuels to reduce GHG emissions related to university associated transportation, including commuter and business travel. (14-New)


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:

CSUB Strategic Plan
Objective 5.4: Promote practices across the campus that evidence a commitment to enviromental sustainability

Success Metric
5.4b
Reduction of tonnage of campus waste.

5.4c
Increase of tonnage of campus recycling

Language below is from CSUB Strategic Plan Report, found at: https://www.csub.edu/strategicplan/_files/Strategic%20Plan_Report_2015-16_MostRecent.pdf

"As a charter signatory of the ACUPCC the university is committed to taking actions in waste minimization and recycling. The University’s Office of Facilities Management tracks and conducts comprehensive evaluation of the campus waste stream. The Office also keeps close contact with the waste hauler for the transfer of waste to the
landfill. As a result, the University was able to reduce the campus wastage tonnage almost 26% between AY 2011‐12 and AY 2014‐15.
Due to improved waste stream analysis, education, and better record keeping, CSUB was able to divert 16% more materials towards recycling or reuse from AY 2011‐12 to AY 2014‐2015; however, this percentage was far lower than the previous year. The campus‐wide recycling and waste reduction drives are part of the larger initiative aimed at lowering the campus carbon footprint.  Through the efforts of the Sustainability Committee, CSUB has initiated the development of a comprehensive plan to achieve climate neutrality and is committed to reporting progress on sustainability to the ACUPCC Reporting System."


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Water?:
Yes

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

CSU Sustainability Policy

Water Conservation
1. All CSU campuses will pursue water resource conservation to reduce water consumption by 10 percent by 2016, and 20 percent by 2020 including such steps to develop sustainable landscaping, install controls to optimize irrigation water use, reduce water usage in restrooms and showers, and promote the use of reclaimed/recycled water. In the event of a declaration
of drought, the CSU will cooperate with the state, city, and county governments to the
greatest extent possible to reduce water use. (78-; 88-Adopt; 01-No Change; 04-No Change; 14-Revise)


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Diversity & Affordability?:
Yes

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

CSUB Strategic Plan
Goal 1: Extend Faculty and Academic Excellence & Diversity
Objective 1.1: Recruit, develop, retain, and promote and excellent and diverse faculty.
Objective 1.3: Ensure that academic programs are excellent, offer diverse intellectual perspectives, and advance global awareness.

Goal 2: Enhance the Quality of the Student Experience
Objective 2.3: Enhance student opportunities for active learning and participation within the university, regional, and global communities.
Objective 2.4: Create a vibrant campus life which engages our diverse student body.

Goal 4: Develop an Excellent and Diverse Staff
Objective 4.1: Recruit and retain excellent and diverse staff, supervisors, and managers; provide ongoing training and opportunities for professional growth; and plan for succession

Goal 5: Develop a Campus Culture with a Sense of Community and a Commitment to Organizational Excellence
Objective 5.1: Promote a civil and collegial campus environment that values diversity and respect for differing views.
Objective 5.4 Promote practices across campus that evidence a commitment to environmental sustainability.


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

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Investment & Finance 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 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)? :
Yes

The formal statement in support of sustainability:
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) No
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:

In 2007, CSUB President Horace Mitchell pledged to curb emissions when he signed the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment. Since then, the university has been committed to reducing its carbon footprint, most notably by building all-new campus construction to the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED Silver standard or equivalent and only purchasing Energy-Star certified appliances.


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:
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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.