| Overall Rating | Gold |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 80.87 |
| Liaison | Megan Butler |
| Submission Date | Jan. 26, 2024 |
Macalester College
PRE-2: Points of Distinction
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
N/A |
Megan
Butler Sustainability Director Sustainability |
Name of the institution’s featured sustainability program, initiative, or accomplishment:
A brief description of the institution’s featured program, initiative, or accomplishment:
MacNest is a program run in collaboration between the Sustainability Office and The Department of Entrepreneurship. This program is a grant-funded initiative focused on preparing students to address climate change. In collaboration with alumni Dr. Paul Rick ’64 and Dr. Margaret Rick ’64, 3-4 students per year will partner with organizations working toward just, equitable and regenerative solutions to the climate crisis. The internships offer valuable mentorship and apprenticeship opportunities; students will gain skills for resilience-building in the future.
Students are paid a $6,000 living stipend for the summer and receive 1 academic credit. They also participate in workshops to further their learning and experience. This program started in 2021 and has helped build valuable relationships with local community leaders addressing climate change through their organizations and non-profits.
Which of the following impact areas does the featured program, initiative, or accomplishment most closely relate to?:
Diversity & Affordability
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:
Macalester launched a bike share program through the library in 2010. Since its beginning the program has steadily grown and now has over 30 bikes for students to rent along with helmets and locks. In 2022 the Sustainability Office with a bike shop called Express Bike, which located 1.3 miles from the campus. Express Bike is a full-service bike shop specializing in refurbished bicycles and a nonprofit youth employment program - all rolled into one!
Employees at Express Bike are passionate about bringing diversity within the biking community. They have helped to educate and mentor students at Macalester about bike repairs. They have also helped the campus host a biking 101 event, which helped students who have never learned how to ride a bike begin to master the skill and build confidence.
Which impact areas does the second program/initiative/accomplishment most closely relate to?:
Public Engagement
Transportation
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:
The Sustainability Office at Macalester has been working in Collaboration with the Athletics Department to divert waste and address the amount Macalester apparel and campus "swag" being purchased by offices and departments.
Students and staff from the sustainability office set Macalester related items in front of their office during the Fall of 2022. Macalester branded mugs, clothing, stickers, office supplies, pillows, blankets, and decor were given away for free. The success of this "pop up" inspired the Sustainability Office students and staff to host a giveaway event at a Macalester basketball game. Students and staff set up tables with items near compost, trash, and recycling stations. They discussed with attendees at the game how to correctly sort waste and gave away free items. They successfully gave away over 90 lbs of items that had been priorly purchased and donated
Which impact areas does the third program/initiative/accomplishment most closely relate to?:
Purchasing
Waste
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.