Overall Rating Silver - expired
Overall Score 57.05
Liaison Herbert Sinnock
Submission Date July 12, 2018
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.1

Sheridan College (Ontario)
PA-2: Sustainability Planning

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 2.00 / 4.00 Michelle McCollum
Associate Vice President
Capital Development and Facilities 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:

The Strategic Plan mentions Sheridan's demonstration of Sheridan’s commitment to sustainability, including waste reduction.


A copy of the strategic plan:
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)? :
No

A list of other published plans that address sustainability, including public website URLs (if available):
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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:

Sheridan’s Integrated Energy Climate and Master Plan (IECMP) defines Sheridan’s plan to advance sustainability in the curriculum as follows:
The energy systems and energy management processes will be a “living laboratory” for a full range of sustainability, energy, and climate academic and professional development programs. These will be consistently recognized as among the best few in their class in the world. (3.8.7 IECMP)


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

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

N/A


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

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

Sheridan College will have a pervading, visible and unquestioned commitment to excellence in energy and climate performance. Faculty, staff and students will be well informed and engaged.

To ensure these investments deliver their full potential for years to come, the Plan also underlines the importance of engaging the entire college population - students, staff and faculty – in energy and climate management on a continuing basis. (3.8.4 IECMP)


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

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

N/A


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:

By 2030, the College will emit at least 50% less energy-related greenhouse gas emissions from both on-site stationary sources (Scope 1) and purchased electricity (Scope 2).
(3.7.2 IECMP)


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:

- The IECMP also outlines plans for growth and defines policies, principles and guidelines that improve energy efficiency to current and future building systems, monitoring and control.
- The Davis A-Wing is a demonstration of Sheridan's commitment to sustainability in all its facets. To be consistent with the Integrated Energy and Climate Master Plan, the new building, which opened in 2017, met the environmental and functional performance requirements of LEED Gold standards for its overall siting, design, and construction and energy performance that exceed LEED Gold
- Operation of A-Wing launched with a documented and fully implemented the waste program that achieves 80% diversion of waste headed for landfill when compared to the 2010 Sheridan baseline for the relocated programs and functions of the STC building in Oakville. This program will include 100% separation and on-site processing of organics and better than 90% recycle or reuse of material from academic programs.
- As new campuses and major buildings are added, these will exceed LEED Gold Standards, aligning instead with German A-rated levels of achieving a total energy performance target of less than 100 ekWh/m2/year.


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:

- By 2030, the source energy use of the College will be at least 50% less than the Base Case. Source energy includes all energy used on the College, plus the additional energy used to generate and distribute electricity purchased from the grid.(3.8.1 IECMP)
- The energy systems of Sheridan College will be a platform to evaluate and demonstrate new efficient, low-carbon technologies and energy waste management technologies. (3.8.6 IECMP)
- The institution recognized the importance of looking at energy more strategically, and authorized the development of an Integrated Energy & Climate Master Plan (IECMP or Plan) looking forward to 2030. Sheridan’s Integrated Energy & Climate Master Plan was developed over 16 months by a Team which included operational staff, faculty members and students, mentored by a partner with global reach and expertise.
- Opportunities to significantly reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions directly correlate to the College’s ability not only to contain costs, but also to maximize taxpayer dollars, whether they are provincial operating funds or federal grants and contracts supporting its applied research efforts.(3.1 IECMP)
- The A-Wing building at the Davis Campus entails the construction of an integrated central heating and cooling plant. This plant provides heat to all of Davis campus. It employs pressurized heated water to feed all the buildings on campus and allow better control of heating of individual buildings.
As new campuses and major buildings are added, these will exceed LEED Gold Standards, aligning instead with German A-rated levels of achieving a total energy performance target of less than 100 ekWh/m2/year.


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:

N/A


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

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

N/A


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

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

N/A


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

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

N/A


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:

The Zero Waste Sheridan Plan will help guide the College to becoming a Zero Waste campus by 2020. Zero Waste bins (landfill, organics, and single stream recycling) have now been rolled out to all 4 locations. Since the Zero Waste plan and targets are part of Mission Zero, the details are included in the IECMP.
Zero Waste Sheridan has the following targets:
- Reduce its waste to landfill by 50% in 2014 and 75% by 2015 (against 2013 figures)
- Capture 20 tons of material for reuse in the school and in the community in 2014 and 30 tons in 2015
- Achieve a waste diversion rate of 65% by 2014 and 85% by 2015
- Separate and process 100% of its organics by 2014 (on-site by the end of 2016)
- Reduce its paper usage by 10 million sheets by 2014
- Eliminate 500 tons of carbon emissions annually by 2014 and 750 tons by 2015
- Introduce the Zero Waste program to all Sheridan campuses

To date, we have accomplished a reduction of over 10 million sheets of paper and have increased Sheridan’s diversion rate to 55%.

http://missionzero.sheridancollege.ca/waste/zero-waste-sheridan/
http://missionzero.sheridancollege.ca/waste/e-waste-recycling/


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

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

Although water consumption and conservation is not directly addressed by the IECMP, water use will be indirectly affected by more efficient heating and cooling of buildings.


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:

Sheridan is committed to providing an inclusive working and learning environment in which diverse members can succeed.

Sheridan’s Strategic Plan indicates the following commitments to addressing diversity and affordability:
- We’ll reinvent services for students in structure and function to efficiently support a growing, diverse student population. Our goal is increased responsiveness
to students through efficient, flexible and high quality services
- We’ll continue the focus on international enrolment to help diversify the culture of our student population and global citizenship. Recognition of the cultural diversity
and international nature of our students and programs
- Our workplace provides a stimulating environment that encourages creativity and
innovation, values the diversity of individuals and ideas, and fosters ongoing individual professional development. Individually and in teams, the talent and contributions of all employees enables Sheridan to achieve results that contribute to the achievement of our strategic goals.


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:

N/A


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

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

In addition to the items above, the People Plan is Sheridan's plan to become the "Employer of Choice." As part of this initiative, the following benefits are being reviewed:
- Provide PD opportunities
- Arrange team building opportunities
- Maintain a higher ratio of full-time versus part-time staff within all employee groups
- Offer subsidized tuition to children and spouses of staff
- Allow staff option for shorter summer work shifts
- Provide opportunities to telecommute
- Provide updated staff lounges
- Puddle tables available to staff
- More televisions available
- Introduce “play” area for socializing
- Designated quiet space for staff
- Introduce wellness initiatives
- Offer free athletic memberships
- Encourage social opportunities – golf, baseball, etc.
- Day care at reduced cost to staff
- Lower rate parking
- More learning workshops at all campuses
- Provide BYOL (lunch) workshops
- Activities such as book clubs, group excursions, etc.
- Arts and crafts day or evening class in arts
- Volunteer Days paid to allow staff to give back
- Increase PD funding
- Provide staff with mentors, career planning, etc., to assist promotions
- Cash bonus incentives for staff who make academic accomplishments
- Subsidized meal plans at a cafeteria with health conscious options
- Employee referral bonus
- Matching RRSP contributions in addition to pension funds
- Provide health benefit options beyond retirement
- Offer staff coverage for fertility treatments
- Top up maternity leave of 100% for over 17 weeks

http://journey.sheridancollege.ca/?p=teamspage_people_plan


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:

N/A


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:

The Sheridan Sustainability policy outlines the following:
Sheridan is focused on preserving and enhancing natural and social capital to allow future generations to enjoy a quality of life that is equal to or greater than our own. As an academic institution, employer, investor and community partner, Sheridan strives to become the institutional model for how a 21st century organization practices sustainability - balancing economic, social and environmental priorities as a responsible corporate citizen.

Accordingly, this policy outlines the framework by which sustainable practice intersects the varied facets of Sheridan activity, with the aim of fostering an institutional culture defined by informed and responsible decision making that reflects the crucial balance between these economic, social and environmental priorities, by:
1. Affirming institutional commitment to operating within a “sustainable” model
2. Confirming The Natural Step principles as the science-based boundary conditions
3. Expressing the breadth of Sheridan operations involved
4. Confirming existing operational commitments


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

As outlined in the Sustainability Policy, Sheridan's definition of sustainability is as follows:
Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainable practice requires finding balance between economic, social and environmental priorities.

Sheridan College commits to the ongoing pursuit of alignment with these four sustainability Principles from the Natural Step:

In a sustainable society, nature is not subject to systematically increasing concentrations of substances extracted from the earth’s crust. This means substituting our use of certain minerals that are scarce in nature with others that are more abundant, using all mined materials efficiently, and systematically reducing our dependence on fossil fuels.

In a sustainable society, nature is not subject to systematically increasing concentrations of substances produced by society. This means systematically substituting certain persistent and unnatural compounds with ones that are normally abundant or break down more easily in nature, and using all substances produced by society efficiently.

In a sustainable society, nature is not subject to systematically increasing degradation by physical means. This means drawing resources only from well-managed eco-systems, systematically pursuing the most productive and efficient use of resources and land, and exercising caution in all kinds of modifications of nature, such as overharvesting and the introduction of invasive species.

In a sustainable society, people are not subject to conditions that systematically undermine their capacity to meet their needs. This means offering products and services and changing practices, suppliers, and business models to those who demonstrate, through their policies and practices that human rights are respected, income-making barriers are removed, safe and healthy work environments are provided, and living conditions allow local communities to meet the needs of citizens.


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) No

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.