Overall Rating Gold - expired
Overall Score 70.82
Liaison Rochelle Owen
Submission Date Jan. 7, 2015
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.0

Dalhousie University
PA-2: Sustainability Planning

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 4.00 / 4.00
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Does the institution have current and formal plans to advance sustainability in the following areas? Do the plans include measurable objectives?:
Current and Formal Plans (Yes or No) Measurable Objectives (Yes or No)
Curriculum Yes No
Research (or other scholarship) Yes No
Campus Engagement Yes Yes
Public Engagement Yes No
Air and Climate Yes Yes
Buildings Yes Yes
Dining Services/Food Yes No
Energy Yes Yes
Grounds Yes Yes
Purchasing Yes No
Transportation Yes Yes
Waste Yes Yes
Water Yes Yes
Diversity and Affordability Yes No
Health, Wellbeing and Work Yes Yes
Investment No No
Other --- ---

A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Curriculum:

University sustainability plan
In the University Sustainability Plan, Curriculum has been identified as a key area, with a goal of increasing sustainability related learning outcomes in academic programs. Public progress reports (every three years) are posted with progress made on each of the Sustainability goals.

The College of Sustainability’s ongoing planning process includes integrating faculties by offering an ESS major and minor that integrates with degree programs. Seven Faculties are currently connected to College programs. All students are able to participate in Student Sustainability Leadership Certificate program. Further progress is being made on graduate program connections. A recent journal article outlines the College of Sustainability planning process.

http://www.dal.ca/content/dam/dalhousie/pdf/sustainability/Dalhousie_University_Sustainability_Plan_June_2010%20%28389%20KB%29.pdf


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Curriculum plan(s):

College of Sustainability has goals, objectives, and strategies and tracking as outlined University Sustainability Plan

http://www.dal.ca/content/dam/dalhousie/pdf/sustainability/Dalhousie_University_Sustainability_Plan_June_2010%20%28389%20KB%29.pdf


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Curriculum plan(s):

Office of Sustainability, College of Sustainability


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Research (or other scholarship):

Dalhousie University Strategic Research Plan
The University Strategic Research Plan has a number of key strategic and emerging research areas including – Sustainable Agro‐Ecosystems, Energy and the Environment, Oceans Studies, Environmentally Sustainable Materials and Clean Manufacturing, and Social Justice and Governance

http://www.dal.ca/content/dam/dalhousie/pdf/university_secretariat/Senate%20Docs/SRP%20-%20Final%20-April%209%202013%20-%20for%20Senate%20website.pdf

University Strategic Directions
Priority research areas identified in the University Strategic Directions include Clean Technology and Oceans Studies

http://www.dal.ca/about-dal/leadership-and-vision/dalforward/strategic-direction.html


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Research plan(s):

Plan is provided with key areas of focus and themes


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Research plan(s):

Dalhousie Board of Governors, Dalhousie Senate, Dalhousie Research Services


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Campus Engagement around sustainability:

University sustainability plan
The University Sustainability Plan has goals, strategies and measures regarding campus engagement through knowledge, skills and behavioral actions. Progress is measured as outlined in the Sustainability Plan Progress Report. Ongoing programs in place are listed on the Office of Sustainability website. Other groups on campus are also involved in delivery of campus engagement including many faculty related programs, College of Sustainability, the DSU Sustainability office, and student societies focusing on sustainability issues.

http://www.dal.ca/content/dam/dalhousie/pdf/sustainability/Dalhousie_University_Sustainability_Plan_June_2010%20%28389%20KB%29.pdf


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Campus Engagement plan:

The University Sustainability Plan has goals, strategies and measures regarding campus engagement through knowledge, skills and behavioral actions.
http://www.dal.ca/content/dam/dalhousie/pdf/sustainability/Dalhousie_University_Sustainability_Plan_June_2010%20%28389%20KB%29.pdf

Progress is measured as outlined in the Sustainability Plan Progress Report
http://www.dal.ca/content/dam/dalhousie/pdf/sustainability/Sustainability%20Progress%20Report%202014-1.pdf


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Campus Engagement plan(s):

Office of Sustainability, College of Sustainability


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Public Engagement around sustainability:

University Sustainability Plan

The College of Sustainability has a number of annual objectives and targets regarding the delivery of public engagement programs including the delivery of community-based internships and partnerships and public lectures.

http://www.dal.ca/content/dam/dalhousie/pdf/sustainability/Dalhousie_University_Sustainability_Plan_June_2010%20%28389%20KB%29.pdf


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Public Engagement plan(s):
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Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Public Engagement plan(s):

Office of Sustainability, College of Sustainability


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Air and Climate:

Climate Change Plan
In the University Climate Change Plan, goals, objectives, strategies, targets, and timelines are identified for mitigation, adaptation, and increasing knowledge.

http://www.dal.ca/content/dam/dalhousie/pdf/sustainability/Climate_Change_Plan%20%283.0%20MB%29.pdf

University Sustainability plan
In the University Sustainability Plan goals, strategies, targets and timelines are outlined for reducing GHGs and associated air emissions
http://www.dal.ca/content/dam/dalhousie/pdf/sustainability/Dalhousie_University_Sustainability_Plan_June_2010%20%28389%20KB%29.pdf


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Air and Climate plan(s):

Key goals of the plan include: reducing greenhouse gases, adapting to a changing
climate, and increasing climate change knowledge through key action strategies: campus energy systems, green buildings, sustainable transport, knowledge and behavior, natural environment, carbon offsets and sinks.

Dalhousie aims to reduce GHGs 15% by 2013; 20% by 2016 and 50% by 2020 below the 2008-2009 baseline year scope 1 and 2 emissions. A Long-term objective of carbon neutrality, is highlighted for 2050.

http://www.dal.ca/content/dam/dalhousie/pdf/sustainability/Climate_Change_Plan%20%283.0%20MB%29.pdf


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Air and Climate plan(s):

Office of Sustainability


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Buildings:

University sustainability plan
In the University Sustainability Plan, goals and targets are highlighted for the achievement of green building certification. In addition the Sustainability Building Policy provides additional direction.
http://www.dal.ca/content/dam/dalhousie/pdf/sustainability/Dalhousie_University_Sustainability_Plan_June_2010%20%28389%20KB%29.pdf

Campus master plan
The Campus Master Plan outlined key goals concerning energy and green building.
http://www.dal.ca/dept/facilities/campus-development/about-master-plan.html

University strategic directions
The University Strategic Directions document highlights a strategic priority as ``enhancing our infrastructure with a multi-year capital plan that promotes environmentally sustainable development.
http://www.dal.ca/about-dal/leadership-and-vision/dalforward/strategic-direction.html


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Buildings plan(s):

Meet green building standards for new and existing buildings. Time frames and strategies are detailed in the plans. See more below:

http://www.dal.ca/content/dam/dalhousie/pdf/sustainability/Dalhousie_University_Sustainability_Plan_June_2010%20%28389%20KB%29.pdf


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Buildings plan(s):

Office of Sustainability, Facilities Management


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Dining Services/Food:

University Sustainability plan

In the University Sustainability Plan, Sustainability food offerings is identified as a particular goal. Currently tracking happens for a number of sustainability objectives such as food purchasing and operations. Specific Dalhousie targets are under-development.

http://www.dal.ca/content/dam/dalhousie/pdf/sustainability/Dalhousie_University_Sustainability_Plan_June_2010%20%28389%20KB%29.pdf


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Dining Services/Food plan(s):
---

Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Dining Services/Food plan(s):

Office of Sustainability, Dalhousie Food Services


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Energy:

University sustainability plan
In the University Sustainability Plan, goals, strategies, targets and timelines are identified for energy areas such as energy efficiency and renewable energy

http://www.dal.ca/content/dam/dalhousie/pdf/sustainability/Dalhousie_University_Sustainability_Plan_June_2010%20%28389%20KB%29.pdf

Campus energy master plan
A Campus Energy Master Plan including energy and water goals, objectives, strategies, and priorities. This Plan included ASHRAE Level two building audits of campus properties. Goal areas identified included Utility monitoring; Central energy distribution systems; Renewable energy systems; Sustainable facilities planning; and Energy and water efficiency retrofits.

http://www.dal.ca/content/dam/dalhousie/pdf/sustainability/Executive%20Summary%20-%20Campus%20Energy%20Master%20Plan%20Final.pdf


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Energy plan(s):

The Campus Energy Master Plan outlines strategies and measures in each of these areas: Existing and future plans; Energy security issues; Utility monitoring; Central energy distribution systems; Renewable energy systems; Sustainable facilities planning; and Energy efficiency retrofits, along with a decision and implementation matrix to assist the university with prioritization and budgeting.

See more details here:
http://www.dal.ca/content/dam/dalhousie/pdf/sustainability/Executive%20Summary%20-%20Campus%20Energy%20Master%20Plan%20Final.pdf


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Energy plan(s):

Office of Sustainability


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Grounds:

Natural environment plan
The Dalhousie Natural Environment Plan has a number of values, goals, objectives, actions and targets that highlight aspects such as establishing canopy cover rates, implementing a native species planting program, and using vegetation to mitigate storm-water.

http://www.dal.ca/content/dam/dalhousie/pdf/sustainability/NatEnviroPlan_April2014_merged.pdf


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Grounds plan(s):

The Dalhousie Natural Environment Plan has a number of values, goals, objectives, actions and targets that highlight aspects such as establishing canopy cover rates, implementing a native species planting program, and using vegetation to mitigate storm-water.

http://www.dal.ca/content/dam/dalhousie/pdf/sustainability/NatEnviroPlan_April2014_merged.pdf


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Grounds plan(s):

Office of sustainability, Facilities Management


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Purchasing:

University sustainability plan
Under the University Sustainability Plan goals and objectives and targets are outlined for decreasing product use and related emissions and toxins. Strategies mention include life cycle costing.

http://www.dal.ca/content/dam/dalhousie/pdf/sustainability/Dalhousie_University_Sustainability_Plan_June_2010%20%28389%20KB%29.pdf


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Purchasing plan(s):
---

Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Purchasing plan(s):

Office of Sustainability


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Transportation:

University sustainability plan
The University Sustainability Plan outlines a transport demand management (TDM) goal, target and measures toward switching modal %. Dalhousie also has a specific TDM plan and Cycling Master Plan with specific goals, objectives, programs and timelines for reaching modal targets.

Transportation demand management plan:
http://www.dal.ca/content/dam/dalhousie/pdf/sustainability/2012Dalhousie%20Transportation%20Demand%20Management%20Report%20Final%20November.pdf

Institutional cycling master plan:
http://www.dal.ca/content/dam/dalhousie/pdf/sustainability/BikewaysPlan_20July2012.pdf


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Transportation plan(s):

The goal of the university sustainability plan is to increase sustainable transportation options. Increased travel (commuting and business) through sustainable modes was set as a target and time frames of TDM Plan (2009-2012), 5% (of drive alone) (2013-2016) and 15% (of drive alone)(2017-2020) were set.

Commuter Options program such as incentives and education: for transit, carpooling, active transport, travel avoidance, green fleet, idle‐less are some of the strategies. Find more details below:

http://www.dal.ca/content/dam/dalhousie/pdf/sustainability/Dalhousie_University_Sustainability_Plan_June_2010%20%28389%20KB%29.pdf


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Transportation plan(s):

Office of Sustainability


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Waste:

University sustainability plan, waste management plan

The University Sustainability Plan includes targets, goals, objectives, timelines, and strategies for waste management that are also outlined in the Waste Management Plan. These include diversion targets from the landfill and kg per person reduction targets.

http://www.dal.ca/content/dam/dalhousie/pdf/sustainability/Dalhousie_University_Sustainability_Plan_June_2010%20%28389%20KB%29.pdf


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Waste plan(s):

Objectives, strategies and time frames are outlined in the university sustainability plan

http://www.dal.ca/content/dam/dalhousie/pdf/sustainability/Dalhousie_University_Sustainability_Plan_June_2010%20%28389%20KB%29.pdf


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Waste plan(s):

Office of Sustainability


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Water:

University sustainability plan, campus energy master plan

The University Sustainability Plan outlines specific goals, strategies, targets and timelines for reducing water consumption per person. The Campus Energy Master Plan identifies a number of water efficiency measures.
http://www.dal.ca/content/dam/dalhousie/pdf/sustainability/Dalhousie_University_Sustainability_Plan_June_2010%20%28389%20KB%29.pdf

http://www.dal.ca/content/dam/dalhousie/pdf/sustainability/Executive%20Summary%20-%20Campus%20Energy%20Master%20Plan%20Final.pdf


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Water plan(s):
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Water plan(s):

Office of Sustainability, Facilities Management


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Diversity and Affordability:

There are a number of Diversity and affordability goals and programs as articulated in the services of the Human Rights and Equity Office


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Diversity and Affordability plan(s):
---

Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Diversity and Affordability plan(s):

Human Rights and Equity Office


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Health, Wellbeing and Work:

Dalhousie Organizational Healthy Strategy

The University has an employee wellness strategy and a student strategy with a number of programs and services. The Healthy strategy identifies, goals, action and targets

http://www.dal.ca/dept/hr/employee-resources/employee-organizational-development/organizational-health.html


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Health, Wellbeing and Work plan(s):

Goals, and strategies are detailed in the Dalhousie organizational Health Strategy. Find more below:

http://www.dal.ca/content/dam/dalhousie/pdf/hr/Healthy-Dal/Org_Health_Strategic_Plan.pdf


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Health, Wellbeing and Work plan(s):

Human Resources, Office of Sustainability


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Investment:

The Investment Committee of the Board has recently produced a report on fossil fuel divestment.


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Investment plan(s):
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Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Investment plan(s):
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A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in other areas:
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The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the other plan(s):
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Accountable parties, offices or departments for the other plan(s):
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The institution’s definition of sustainability:

The process of sustainability is a pathway of continual improvement where actions protect and enhance human and natural resources needed by future generations to enjoy a quality of life equal to or greater than our own.


Does the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document include sustainability at a high level?:
No

A brief description of how the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document addresses sustainability:

Dalhousie's new Strategic Plan - 2014-2018 highlights sustainability as a particular goal "enhance our infrastructure with a multi-year capital plan that promotes environmentally sustainable development". Embedded in other goals and strategic directions are key sustainability focus research objectives and serving our local community.

http://www.dal.ca/about-dal/leadership-and-vision/dalforward/strategic-direction.html


The website URL where information about the institution’s sustainability planning is available:
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.