Overall Rating Gold - expired
Overall Score 68.23
Liaison Merry Rankin
Submission Date Sept. 1, 2016
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.1

Iowa State University
PA-2: Sustainability Planning

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 3.00 / 4.00 Merry Rankin
ISU Director of Sustainability
Facilities Planning & Management
"---" 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:

Iowa State University's strategic plan includes the following: Iowa State will lead in developing more sustainable ways to produce and deliver safe and nutritious food, water, materials, and energy. In addition, the plan describes ISU’s goal to integrate the protection of plant, animal, and human health and care for our environment. The strategic plan also lays out previous environmental accomplishments, including the establishment of a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory, five U.S. Department of Agriculture research laboratories, the nation's finest genomic-based agricultural breeding, health, and biotechnology programs, and world-renowned plant science and bioeconomy institutes.


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):

The goal of the Master Plan is to accommodate the projected growth within the established physical fabric of the campus in a way that reinforces and improves existing patterns of land use, circulation, parking and open space while making wise use of limited land resources.


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:

1. Increase efforts to recruit high school students, as well as professional and graduate students, who are seeking an education in sustainability at an institution that practices sustainability.
2. Increase the sustainability experiences for freshmen through first-year seminars, core general education requirements, or living/learning communities.
3. Make sustainability a part of all orientation programs on campus.
4. Form curriculum workshops to engage and assist faculty and teaching assistants in integrating sustainability into general education and, as appropriate, undergraduate and graduate programs.
5. Continue to participate in national efforts to understand and promote sustainability education, such as the National Teach-in Day for Climate Change and Sustainability, the workshop on sustainability education sponsored by the Association for Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, and the Consortium on the place of sustainability in Global Learning Leadership sponsored by the Association of American Colleges and Universities.
6. Increase the curricular offerings in sustainability to undergraduates through majors, minors, certificates, internships, service learning, and living/learning communities.
7. Continue to support incorporating sustainability in the curriculum and in faculty research.
8. Encourage departments to offer interdisciplinary courses related to sustainability.
9. Offer courses that address specific issues related to sustainability, including encouraging students to be knowledgeable and responsible citizens and preparing students to pursue sustainable practices in their professions. Topics that can be addressed are environmental restoration and preservation, LEED construction practices, efficient operation and control of mechanical and power systems, alternative power sources, and sustainability incorporated in the design of human environments.
10. Sponsor Town Hall meetings on campus to discuss curricular efforts related to sustainability.
11.Create sustainability enhancements for graduate and professional degree students through certificates, internships, or research partnered with green industry, government agencies, or non-government organizations.
12.Increase opportunities for sustainability education through stand-along certificates for returning students, certificates through distance education, or cooperative agreements with community colleges.

http://www.iowaregents.edu/media/cms/0309-item15-pdfF17C461C.pdf


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

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

1. Expand external funding of sustainability research.
2. Assist in the implementation of sustainable practices by firms and government agencies, including the identification of cost-effective environmentally-friendly processes that are economically sustainable to generate a normal rate of profit.
3. Develop new methods of analysis for evaluating the sustainability of alternative natural and built environments within different economic systems.
4. Develop and transfer new technologies that conserve energy, matter, and, in particular, water, air, minerals, and other natural resources.
5. Sustain and create industries that drive the world’s economic engines to improve the quality of life.
6. Continue to develop and grow programs that are directed at sustainability for the nation and the developing world.

http://www.iowaregents.edu/media/cms/0309-item15-pdfF17C461C.pdf


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

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

1. Continue to work with other educational leaders at all levels and leaders in the private sector to develop a statewide science and technology plan to reposition Iowa for workforce development and to capitalize on the unique strengths of each of the three public universities.
2. Sponsor seminars for industries in wind energy, biofuels, solar and other renewable energies, biobased energy, and other biobased products.
3. Work with students and businesses to exploit opportunities made available by the promotion of sustainability.
4. Conduct an ongoing series of high profile workshops on sustainability, available to the public, including major international conferences on renewable energy and water resources.
5. Exploit the creative resources of the Internet to share the vision, knowledge, and practices and to invite engagement in these challenging issues of the 21st century.
6. Provide public education to increase energy and resource conservation and the recycling and reuse of material.
7. Develop public education to reduce soil erosion and overuse of chemicals and fertilizers in agriculture, and to increase energy efficiency on farms.

http://www.iowaregents.edu/media/cms/0309-item15-pdfF17C461C.pdf


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:

1. Metering: By July 1, 2013, 90 percent of the utilities (steam, condensate, electricity, potable water and chilled water) systems shall be metered at the point of consumption to measure effectively use and waste in the system.

http://www.iowaregents.edu/media/cms/0309-item15-pdfF17C461C.pdf


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:

1. LEED Certification: All major projects (new buildings and major capital
renovations) initiated after April 1, 2009 shall meet or exceed the U.S. Green
Building Council's guidelines for silver level LEED certification.
2. Design Professional Services Selection: For all major capital projects1 initiated
after April 1, 2009, preference shall be given to design professionals with LEED
certification experience.
3. ASHRAE Energy Standards: All new building and major capital renovation
projects that alter mechanical and electrical systems shall exceed the current
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating & Air Conditioning Engineers
(ASHRAE) 90.1 requirements, which provides minimum requirements for energy
efficient design of buildings.
4. Energy Efficient Lighting and Lighting Systems: The design of new lighting
and lighting control systems shall comply with the latest version of the American
Society of Heating, Refrigerating & Air Conditioning Engineers/Illumination
Engineering Society of North America (ASHRAE/IESNA) 90.1, Energy-Efficient
Design of New Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential. The Lighting quality and
light uniformity shall comply with Illuminating Engineering Society of North
America (IESNA) Standard, Current Edition.

http://www.iowaregents.edu/media/cms/0309-item15-pdfF17C461C.pdf


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:

1. By July1,2013, the combined energy portfolio of the Regent institutions shall include at least 10% from renewable sources.
2. By 2025, the Regent institutions shall meet the Culver/Judge Energy Legislation Initiative for a renewable standard of 25% (http://www.governor.iowa.gov/news/2008/01/15_1.php)
3. The Regent institutions shall establish individual goals to enable the collective success toward the use of renewable energy. As part of this, the institutions will also develop and act on individual plans for energy reduction, energy efficiency and energy conservation goals.
4. The Regent institutions shall achieve reductions in Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions consistent with the strategies developed by the Iowa Climate Change Advisory Council created under Iowa Code § 455B.851 in 2007.

http://www.iowaregents.edu/media/cms/0309-item15-pdfF17C461C.pdf


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

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Food & Dining 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 Grounds?:
Yes

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

1. Irrigation Water Consumption: Regents institutions will adopt best
management practices for minimizing irrigation and for the use of graywater for
this purpose.
2. Organic Campus: Regents institutions will use Organic Materials Review
Institute (OMRI) listed pesticides and fertilizers on campus when feasible and
practicable.

http://www.iowaregents.edu/media/cms/0309-item15-pdfF17C461C.pdf


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:

1. Energy Efficiency: Institutions shall specify U.S. EPA Energy Star 2 equivalent or better ratings on applicable energy consuming products when available and practicable. When Energy Star labels are not available, all purchasing units shall choose products that are energy efficient.
2. Source Reduction
o Institutions shall purchase products with a minimum of 30% Post Consumer Waste (PCW) recycled content for paper products, or, at the minimum, EPA standard for other products, or bio-based materials, when available and practicable.
o Institutions shall encourage vendor packaging that is reusable, contains a minimum of hazardous and non-recyclable materials, and meets or exceeds the recycled material content levels in the U.S. EPA Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines for Paperboard and Packaging.
o Reduce the use of disposable products. Specify and purchase products that are reusable or refillable wherever feasible and practical
o By July 1, 2012, the Regent institutions’ combined purchases with recycled content will increase by 10% over the base year of FY 2010.
3. Buy Local: Institutions shall encourage purchase of locally grown and produced products, defined as within Iowa or a 500 mile radius of the institution, to minimize the environmental costs associated with shipping.
4. Green Goods and Services: Institutions shall encourage the use of green- certified products and services such as, but not limited to, Green Seal, Egologo, EPEAT (Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool), FSC, etc.
5. E-procurement:
o Institutions shall strive to achieve paperless processes by reducing the use of paper, toner, storage files and space
o By January 1, 2010, institutions shall require all bidders for goods and services (excluding construction) to: submit bids/proposals electronically or, at a minimum, on recycled paper, double-sided and without extra materials not requested; reduce packaging or minimize the negative impact of packaging; consider the environmental and social impact costs over the lifetime of a product or services in evaluation criteria.

http://www.iowaregents.edu/media/cms/0309-item15-pdfF17C461C.pdf


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:

1. Emissions: Regent institutions shall reduce the emissions related to the campus fleet through:
o Increasing E85 and biodiesel alternate fuels while increasing the percentage of Flex Fuel, hybrid and electric vehicles in each fleet.
o Increasing the number of passenger miles traveled (number of passengers times the miles traveled) in university fleet vehicles, relative to total fleet mileage.
o Reducing the number of vehicles used for transportation of employees and guests to/from airports.
o Initiating discussions with Risk Management personnel to resolve Worker’s Compensation issues to allow Regents’ fleet vehicles to transport other state, county, municipal, and governmental staff and officials on coordinated travel.
o Increasing efforts to reduce vehicle idling.
2. Alternative Transportation: Regent institutions shall strive to reduce the number of single occupant vehicles coming to campus through:
o Creating new or expanding programs or partnerships with municipalities and local bus, van pool and ride share systems to provide alternatives to commuting alone
o Increasing parking system controls or incentives to encourage alternatives and achieve reductions in the number of single passenger commuter vehicles.
o Expanding the use of teleconferences, video conferencing, and interactive webinars with geographically distant individuals
o Coordinating travel of employees attending the same event.
o Encouraging walking and biking by enhancing safe walking paths, bike lanes, and other bicycle programs such as bike storage.
o Exploring work alternatives and alternative scheduling that meets the needs of the institution.

http://www.iowaregents.edu/media/cms/0309-item15-pdfF17C461C.pdf


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:

1. Recycling: Encourage and promote programs that reuse, repurpose or recycle
surplus items such as lamps/light bulbs, toxic waste, batteries, paper, bottles,
and other products where feasible and practicable.
2. Conserving: Select the duplex setting as the default for printers and copiers,
and use recycled toner whenever possible.
3. Materials:
o Recycle electronic waste in a responsible manner.
o Encourage institutions to continue to identify strategies and programs to
mitigate waste.

http://www.iowaregents.edu/media/cms/0309-item15-pdfF17C461C.pdf


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:

Stormwater Management: Regents institutions will adopt best management practices for stormwater on campus.

http://www.iowaregents.edu/media/cms/0309-item15-pdfF17C461C.pdf


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:

1. Enhance efforts to recruit, hire, train and retain diverse employees
- Report on annual efforts and resulting changes in the number of diverse
employees
2. Action: Enhance efforts to recruit, retain and graduate a diverse student body
-Metric: Report on annual efforts and resulting changes in the number of diverse students
3. Supervisors will acknowledge and include employee’s efforts related to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the annual performance evaluation process
-Metric: Senior administrators report on annual progress

http://www.iowaregents.edu/media/cms/0309-item15-pdfF17C461C.pdf


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:

Regent Institutions Sustainability Plan

The Plan is to provide a vision for long term comprehensive sustainability. The premise
of the plan rests on:

♦ Leadership -Sustainability has been underway on the Regent campuses for a
number of years and has become more visible with the appointment on each
university campus of a presidential-level council to develop best practices in
sustainability, and the creation of an Energy and/or Sustainability
Coordinator/Director position. This Sustainability Plan builds on those
stewardship initiatives.

♦ Flexibility - the Sustainability Plan is meant to be a framework for each Regent
institution to use in developing a campus plan that recognizes the uniqueness of
each. This Plan will be refined as needed for Regent institutions to stay leaders
in education, research, and action.

♦ Measurement - the Sustainability Plan is intended to further the development of
a campus assessment and benchmarking framework. Its purpose is to continue
the work underway on all Regent campuses. Regent institutions will monitor
AASHE sustainability rating systems; the Governor’s Office of Energy
Independence and the Iowa Climate Change Advisory Council; as well as other
sustainability standards. An annual update/progress report will be presented to
the Board of Regents.

The Sustainability Plan is a dynamic document intended to provide an
overarching vision. The development and utilization of emerging technology will be
incorporated as it balances with economic, social and environmental goals. The Plan
does not attempt to encompass every aspect of sustainability, but selects specific goals
in areas in which the Regent institutions can achieve real and measurable progress. It is
also recognized that as programs grow or develop absolute consumption could increase
while meeting efficiency and improved per unit measures. Each institution will develop
methodologies for implementing, measuring and educating to that vision.

Eight functional areas have been identified:
o Planning and Development
o Purchasing
o Energy and Climate
o Materials and Recycling
o Transportation
o Water and Landscape
o Sustainability in the Curriculum
o Sustainability in Research and Outreach


The institution’s definition of sustainability (e.g. as included in a published statement or plan):

As noted in the Board of Regents Sustainability Plan -

Sustainability has been defined as “development that meets the needs of the present
without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” (United
Nations Bruntland Commission, 1987). Regent institutions intend to
apply campus sustainability broadly – in the general operations of each institution, in the
curriculum and experiences of students and employees, in effectively partnering with
industry and government, and in technology transfer.


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) ---

A brief description of the institution’s formal sustainability commitments, including the specific initiatives selected above:
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The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
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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.