| Overall Rating | Silver |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 64.57 |
| Liaison | Sherri Mason |
| Submission Date | June 14, 2023 |
Penn State Erie, The Behrend College
PRE-2: Points of Distinction
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
N/A |
Sherri
Mason Director of Sustainability School of Science |
Name of the institution’s featured sustainability program, initiative, or accomplishment:
A brief description of the institution’s featured program, initiative, or accomplishment:
Our campus encompasses the Wintergreen Gorge hiking trail system along its western boarder. The miles of trails within the gorge were originally established by the Behrend family as horseback riding trails, leading to significant erosion issues over time. We are in the process of restoring the space with a specific focus on stemming erosion issues and creating sustainable trails. Additionally, our campus is a recognized Arboretum, and includes a number of growing spaces and edible landscaping throughout the acreage. This variety of green spaces create a campus ambience that is as lovely visually as it is comforting to the mind and soul, giving students continually respite from the intellectual demands of the classroom.
Which of the following impact areas does the featured program, initiative, or accomplishment most closely relate to?:
Grounds
Wellbeing & Work
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:
The World Wide Teach-In is an event create by Bard College as part their Solve Climate by 2030 project. The project aims to create Climate and Justice dialogues at over 1,000 schools, universities, and communities across the globe.
In 2022, Penn State Behrend joined this Global Movement to become the local site for this event. Each year the event draws in over a hundred unique Behrend students, as well as faculty, staff and community, into interdisciplinary discussions around topics of climate change and environmental justice, making it one of the most prominent and popular events on campus.
Which impact areas does the second program/initiative/accomplishment most closely relate to?:
Public Engagement
Air & Climate
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:
For over a decade, a collaborative effort between the Athletics Department and the Office of Sustainability has prevented thousands of pounds of items destined for the trash to be salvaged and resold, with all profits going to the United Way to aid their campaign to crush poverty. This event started as a means to reduce move-out waste, but has grown to include donations from faculty and staff, as well as the greater Erie Community.
To engage the campus community, donation bins are placed throughout the residence halls with prominent signage, email blasts are sent out throughout the Spring semester reminding people of the event and how/when/where to donate items, posts are made to social media, and local media is engaged throughout the process.
Which impact areas does the third program/initiative/accomplishment most closely relate to?:
Public Engagement
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.