| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 63.61 |
| Liaison | Greg Kozak |
| Submission Date | March 3, 2017 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Northwestern University
EN-14: Participation in Public Policy
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 2.00 |
Stephanie
Folk Sustainability Communications Manager sustainNU |
Does the institution advocate for national, state/provincial, or local public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability?:
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability, including the issues, legislation, and ordinances for or against which the institution has advocated:
Critical environmental issues--clean air and water, cleanup of hazardous waste sites, safe drinking water, energy policy, and climate change--drive the work of Northwestern University School of Law Bluhm Legal Clinic's Environmental Advocacy Center (EAC). The EAC takes on cases and environmental projects that offer unparalleled opportunities for students to practice lawyering and advocacy, and contribute uniquely to environmental problem-solving. By partnering with the Environmental Law and Policy Center of the Midwest, the region's premier environmental advocacy and legal organization, EAC extends its impact as well as opportunities for students.
A brief description of other political positions the institution has taken during the previous three years:
Energy Efficiency and Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions
The EAC represents Elevate Energy, an award-winning, Illinois-based non-profit, that promotes energy efficiency for all—with an emphasis on expanding energy efficiency programs in low-income communities. Energy efficiency programs significantly reduce energy costs-–and help protect the environment – but energy efficiency programs can unintentionally leave out low-income communities from the cost savings. For example, rebates for purchases of “Energy Star” appliances require people to purchase expensive new appliances to get the benefit. Elevate Energy works to ensure that low-income communities can benefit from other types of energy efficiency programs like installation of more efficient windows.
As part of EAC’s work with Elevate Energy, EAC students have conducted research on complex energy issues and prepared a comparative analysis of energy efficiency programs in neighboring states to look for ways to provide greater access to energy efficiency programs in Illinois. Students presented comprehensive memoranda and delivered oral presentations setting out their analysis and suggesting specific policy proposals. In a second matter, EAC students are doing research and working on policy proposals related to Illinois’ implementation of energy efficiency programs in the context of the U.S. EPA’s Clean Power Plan, which is aimed at reducing harmful emissions of gases that contribute to global warming.
A brief description of political donations the institution made during the previous three years (if applicable):
The website URL where information about the institution’s advocacy efforts is available:
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.