Overall Rating Gold - expired
Overall Score 69.45
Liaison Yumiko Jakobcic
Submission Date March 3, 2017
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.0

Grand Valley State University
PA-2: Sustainability Planning

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 4.00 / 4.00 Yumiko Jakobcic
Campus Sustainability Coordinator
Office of Sustainability Practices
"---" 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 Yes
Research (or other scholarship) Yes Yes
Campus Engagement Yes Yes
Public Engagement Yes Yes
Air and Climate Yes Yes
Buildings Yes Yes
Dining Services/Food Yes Yes
Energy Yes Yes
Grounds Yes Yes
Purchasing Yes Yes
Transportation Yes Yes
Waste Yes Yes
Water Yes Yes
Diversity and Affordability Yes Yes
Health, Wellbeing and Work Yes Yes
Investment Yes Yes
Other No No

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

By 2021, students will have the opportunity to take more sustainability related courses. This goal has been included in the GVSU Strategic Plan under the topic of sustainability (http://www.gvsu.edu/spaa/).


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

During the 2016-2021 strategic planning timeframe, GVSU will increase the number of sustainability related courses to 250 from a baseline of 200 in 2015.

During the 2016-2021 strategic planning timeframe, GVSU will increase the number of programs with at least one sustainability related learning outcome to 25 from a baseline of 12 in 2015.


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

Education for Sustainable Development workgroup members on the Campus Sustainability Advisory Council


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

The Campus Sustainability Advisory Council's work group on Education for Sustainable Development has put forth the goal of increasing the number of faculty engaging in sustainability research to 100. This goal is included in the university's Sustainability Strategic Plan, and it ties in to the university's goal of having at least 90% of undergraduate students participate in two or more other high-impact learning experiences prior to graduation.


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

There are currently 93 faculty members engaging in sustainability research, and the objective is to increase from 93 to 100 faculty members from 2016-2021. The Education for Sustainable Development work group reaches out to departments individually to raise awareness about sustainability-related opportunities.


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

Faculty and administrators, including the Provost's office


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

The Campus Sustainability Advisory Council's work group on Student Life has put forth the goal of resourcing and rewarding engagement through awards for outstanding initiatives, in an effort to provide incentives for increased campus engagement (3 awards will be given the first year and will hopefully increase from there). This goal is included in the university's Sustainability Strategic Plan, and it also ties in to the university's goal of having at least 90% of undergraduate students participate in two or more other high-impact learning experiences prior to graduation.

GVSU will continue to develop and support service learning, co-curricular activities and other experiential learning opportunities relating to sustainability including peer-to-peer education programs and work at the Sustainable Agriculture Project.


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

The objective is to provide three awards for sustainability-related efforts on campus by 2021. The hope is to raise awareness by providing more incentives.


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

Office of Sustainability Practices, Housing, and Student Life


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

Achieving public engagement around sustainability requires a campus where faculty, staff, and students have the knowledge, skills, values, and motivation to act on issues of public and personal concern in ways that make a difference in our communities. Our strategy is to work toward action and coherence through our Civic Action Plan, to use the results of our data collection and assessment to improve our community partnerships, and to further align the efforts of those committed to public engagement around sustainability. Internally, we will continue to provide resources and supports for public engagement and to recognize and reward efforts. A formal goal of resourcing and rewarding engagement through awards for outstanding initiatives, in an effort to provide incentives for increased engagement, is listed in the Sustainability Strategic Plan and links to the University Strategic Plan.


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

GVSU's mission states that the university will educate students to shape their lives, their professions, and their societies. The university’s strategic plan for 2016 – 2021 includes the following outcomes and objectives related to public and community engagement:
INSTITUTIONAL OUTCOME C Grand Valley has mutually beneficial relationships, partnerships, collaborations, and connections with local, state, national, and world communities.

UNIVERSITY OBJECTIVES
OBJECTIVE 1.A.1 At least 90% of undergraduate students participate in two or more other high-impact learning experiences prior to graduation, in addition to supplemental writing skills, general education courses, and capstone courses.
OBJECTIVE 1.C.2 At least 10% of academic courses incorporate community-based learning experiences.
OBJECTIVE 2.A.1 25% or more of faculty completes training in developing and implementing high-impact student learning experiences.
OBJECTIVE 2.C.1 At least 70% of faculty members participate in one or more external professional relationships.
OBJECTIVE 3.C.1 At least 30% of undergraduate students complete a signature project that integrates their learning and addresses a question or problem important to the student and society.
OBJECTIVE 3.C.2 The university has a systematic approach for documenting and reporting all student and faculty civic engagement activities and community partnerships.
OBJECTIVE 4.C.3 At least 80% of faculty, staff, and students believe GVSU is committed to community engagement.


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

Office for Community Engagement


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

GVSU's President has signed the ACUPCC and the Talloires Declaration. The University will continue to update its climate and institutional data, and its climate inventory and GHG emissions.


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

GVSU seeks to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. To date, 200+ energy efficiency projects have been successfully completed over the past decade, generating ~$2 million in annual cost savings.


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

Facilities Planning, Facilities Services, and the Office of Sustainability Practices


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

The University will construct additional academic space and residential spaces. These spaces will meet minimum LEED Silver certified and includes additional academic space at both the Allendale and Pew Campuses. This is included in the official Planning & Design Standards (http://www.gvsu.edu/cms4/asset/83D77566-0FCE-1482-0E85CB93ACE30B91/2017_pd_standards_-_complete.pdf).


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

By 2021, an additional 250,000-300,000 net square feet will be constructed based on minimum LEED Silver standards. This goal has been included in the GVSU Strategic Plan under the topic of sustainability (http://www.gvsu.edu/spaa/).


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

Facilities Planning


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

Due to the success of the Zero-Waste initiative for football games, campus dining will be working with facilities services, student life, athletics and the Office of Sustainability Practices on expanding zero-waste efforts to encompass additional sporting events. Produce from the university's student-run Sustainable Agriculture Project will be served at Engrained.


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

GVSU seeks to reach Sustainable Seafood certification by 2018. This goal has been included in the GVSU Strategic Plan under the topic of sustainability (http://www.gvsu.edu/spaa/).


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

Campus Dining


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

The University will continue to look for ways of reducing energy consumption and promote energy conservation and efficiency through education, procedures, new building designs, projects, recommissioning, equipment retrofits, system modifications and technological advances. This goal has been included in the GVSU Strategic Plan under the topic of sustainability (http://www.gvsu.edu/spaa/) and in the official Planning & Design Standards (http://www.gvsu.edu/cms4/asset/83D77566-0FCE-1482-0E85CB93ACE30B91/2017_pd_standards_-_complete.pdf).


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

GVSU continues to participate in the ACUPCC and AASHE reporting mechanisms which cover some of the objectives and timeframes. The University monitors energy usage on a daily basis and compares yearly consumption for benchmarking purposes. We continue to look at renewable energy in the form of wind, solar, biomass, and photovoltaics.


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

Facilities Services


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

GVSU has committed to preserving a well-established reputation as a leader in sustainability efforts and model for best practices by establishing a process to evaluate campus sustainability efforts and establishing aggressive goals to promote social responsibility, encourage environmental stewardship, and create efficiencies and value for the work we perform.


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

By 2021, this reputation will be well established through annual environmental assessments. This goal has been included in the GVSU Strategic Plan under the topic of sustainability (http://www.gvsu.edu/spaa/). GVSU was also the first public university in Michigan to be certified by the Michigan Turfgrass Environmental Stewardship Program (MTESP) and adheres to those standards.


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

Facilities Services and the Office of Sustainability Practices


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

Continue to work on our surplus store, community partnerships, and sustainable purchasing.


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

By 2021, increase awareness throughout campus of the GVSU Surplus Store, develop a more robust eWaste and scrap metal program, reduce overall paper consumption, and increase use of recycled products such as paper and ink printer cartridges. This goal has been included in the GVSU Strategic Plan under the topic of sustainability (http://www.gvsu.edu/spaa/).


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

Procurement Services


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

The University is working with the Rapid and location communities to create Bus Rapid Transit between Allendale and Grand Rapids.


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

By 2021, reduce Scope 3 emissions and achieve capacity improvements on Route 50. This goal has been included in the GVSU Strategic Plan under the topic of sustainability (http://www.gvsu.edu/spaa/).


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

Pew Campus Operations


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

New and remodeled buildings are being designed with upgraded collection containers and improved signage.


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

By 2021, GVSU will successfully implement zero waste events such as home football games and community events such as Gazelle Sports Half Marathon, Lubbers Cup, etc. and maintain or improve its annual RecycleMania ranking. This goal has been included in the GVSU Strategic Plan under the topic of sustainability (http://www.gvsu.edu/spaa/).


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

Facilities Services, Campus Dining, and the Office of Sustainability Practices.


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

The University monitors the consumption of water by separately tracking usage in housing buildings, academic buildings, and irrigation. The University looks at new building designs, reuse of water, water capture, technological advances in irrigation, system designs and the use of services to support sustainabilty in water. We recently added VFDs to our irrigation pumps and reduced the scheduled run times of some of the irrigation zones.


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

The University monitors water usage on a daily basis and compares yearly consumption for benchmarking purposes. The University does not target a specific goal of reduction but strives to reduce water consumption in housing buildings, academic buildings, and irrigation through design, procedures, system modifications and education. The goal of reducing water consumption has been included in the GVSU Strategic Plan under the topic of sustainability (http://www.gvsu.edu/spaa/).


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

Facilities Services


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

Increase the amount of scholarship funds available to students.


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

By 2021, the number of externally funded undergraduate student scholarships increases by at least 50% from its 2015 level to at least 571 scholarships.


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

Office of Inclusion and Equity, Admissions, and Finance


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

GVSU has assembled a Wellness Taskforce composed of staff and faculty from various departments. Our mission is to increase collaboration and awareness among campus partners to identify wellness opportunities for GVSU students, faculty and staff, and act upon those opportunities to develop a campus culture that supports good health and well-being.


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

Our annual goals include updating and expanding the Allendale recreation center to meet NIRSA standards for space recommendations, expanding health and wellness space on Pew campus, becoming a smoke free campus and developing a sexual health education program. This goal has been included in the GVSU Strategic Plan under the topic of sustainability (http://www.gvsu.edu/spaa/).


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

Human Resources acts as the coordinator for the Wellness Taskforce, which is composed of staff and faculty from various departments including Sustainability, Movement Sciences, Campus Recreation, and Operations.


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

GVSU will continue to monitor its practices to reduce overall investment risk; effectively communicate its strategic budgeting priorities to students, faculty, staff and other stakeholders; and keep tuition rates in the middle of the range; increase financial aid awards relative to room and board costs. Information pertaining to investments and efficient use of funds can be found in the university strategic plan (http://www.gvsu.edu/spaa/).


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

GVSU maintains a transparent financial budgetary reporting and implementation process
that operates with integrity and includes faculty governance and leadership structures.


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

Financial Aid, Finance & Administration Office


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:

Sustainability is about meeting the needs of today without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.


Does the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document include sustainability at a high level?:
Yes

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

GVSU values the guiding principles of sustainability in helping to meet the current needs of our faculty, staff, and students without compromising the needs and resources of future generations. We are committed to working with our community partners to create a sustainable future for our university, our community, and our region. We will model applied sustainability best practices in our campus operations and administration, education for sustainable development, student involvement, and community engagement by promoting social responsibility, encouraging environmental stewardship, and creating efficiencies and value for the work we perform. We will provide our students with excellence in education for sustainable development by imbedding theory, systems-oriented thinking, and service learning into our curricular and extracurricular programs.


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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