| Overall Rating | Bronze |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 42.20 |
| Liaison | Tracy Harvey |
| Submission Date | Dec. 21, 2023 |
Loyola University Maryland
PRE-2: Points of Distinction
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
N/A |
Name of the institution’s featured sustainability program, initiative, or accomplishment:
A brief description of the institution’s featured program, initiative, or accomplishment:
In 2021 Loyola University Maryland joined the first cohort of Laudato Si’ universities, committing to responding to the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor through fostering ecological economics, adopting sustainable lifestyles, fostering ecological education, fostering ecological spirituality, and building community resilience & empowerment. This commitment brings together groups all across campus to advance efforts at the intersection of ecological and social justice.
To advance these goals, Loyola has put together a Laudato Si’ working group to develop a plan to implement, assess, and adjust these efforts over the next 7 years. Priority will be given to efforts that advance more than one goal at a time, demonstrating the concept of integral ecology. Integral Ecology refers to the integrated and holistic approach to political, social, economic, and environmental problems by recognizing that many of the issues we face are interconnected and need to be looked at as a whole, not just in part. The Laudato Si’ commitment not only builds upon our sustainability efforts, it connects this work with our mission and core values as Jesuit institution of higher education.
Which of the following impact areas does the featured program, initiative, or accomplishment most closely relate to?:
Campus Engagement
Public Engagement
Air & Climate
Energy
Food & Dining
Coordination & Planning
Website URL where more information about the accomplishment may be found:
STARS credit in which the featured program, initiative, or accomplishment is reported (if applicable):
A photograph or document associated with the featured program, initiative, or accomplishment:
Name of a second highlighted sustainability program/initiative/accomplishment:
A brief description of the second program/initiative/accomplishment:
Loyola has a strong tradition of nurturing and caring for the many mature and native trees on our beautiful campus. In 1999, after several visits to university arboreta, a plan was set in motion to establish an arboretum at Loyola. Assessments of existing tree condition were conducted, a tree care program was developed, and an inventory of our trees was initiated. Today, the 79 acre accredited Arboretum boasts an inventory of more than 2,200 trees representing 110 varieties. The Arboretum also features sustainable native habitat landscapes and reflection gardens, including the Peace Meadow and Conservation and Experiential Learning Garden.
The Loyola Arboretum is a Level II Arboretum recognized by Arbnet and among other professional public gardens in the Morton Register of Arboreta. It is also recognized as Tree Campus USA by the Arbor Day foundation and a PLANT community (People Loving and Nurturing Trees) at the highest level by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
Which impact areas does the second program/initiative/accomplishment most closely relate to?:
Grounds
Website URL where more information about the second program/initiative/accomplishment may be found:
STARS credit in which the second program/initiative/accomplishment is reported (if applicable):
A photograph or document associated with the second program/initiative/accomplishment:
Name of a third highlighted program/initiative/accomplishment:
A brief description of the third program/initiative/accomplishment:
As a Jesuit, Catholic institution of higher education, one that cares for our common home, the planet and its people, we are committed to responsible investing. Consideration of environmental, social and governance practices of the companies/managers the Portfolio invests in is consistent with the
Committee’s fiduciary duties given that such practices can have a material impact on the investments.
Business practices that include safe and supportive work environments, products that build economic strength, and activities that benefit the disadvantaged, including charitable giving, enhance the financial security and long‐term sustainability of companies in which the Portfolio invests. Poor business
practices related to human rights, the workplace and the environment can pose reputational, financial, Endowment Investment Policy Statement Page 9 of 13
operational and legal risks. Consistent with the University’s mission, core values, and strategic priorities, the Committee consider investments that are consistent with the transition toward a low‐carbon economy, equity and social justice and our high standards for investment rigor and diligence.
The Portfolio will seek to avoid direct investments in any fossil fuel companies; however, it is understood there may be some indirect fossil fuel exposure through commingled funds. In addition, the Investment Committee and Investment Consultant will consider investment opportunities in 1) managers with a demonstrated record in fostering environmental sustainability and 2) strategies that facilitate the energy transition to cleaner sources of energy.
The Investment Advisor shall monitor and assess the ESG (environmental, social, and governance) policies and efforts of existing and prospective managers within the portfolio. The Committee expects annual impact reports from all current managers that include a carbon footprint. Managers will be engaged and given a numerical score based on the extent to which they have ESG policies in place, and
whether or not those policies are being followed. The Fund will be scored in aggregate, and progress tracked over time.
Currently Loyola's endowment has 0% invested in direct fossil fuel funds and less than 3% invested in indirect funds.
Which impact areas does the third program/initiative/accomplishment most closely relate to?:
Website URL where more information about the third program/initiative/accomplishment may be found:
STARS credit in which the third program/initiative/accomplishment is reported (if applicable):
A photograph or document associated with the third program/initiative/accomplishment:
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.