| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 67.01 |
| Liaison | Connie Norton |
| Submission Date | Oct. 29, 2014 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Simon Fraser University
PA-2: Sustainability Planning
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.83 / 4.00 |
Candace
Le Roy Sustainability Coordinator Facilities Services |
Does the institution have current and formal plans to advance sustainability in the following areas? Do the plans include measurable objectives?:
| Current and Formal Plans (Yes or No) | Measurable Objectives (Yes or No) | |
| Curriculum | Yes | No |
| Research (or other scholarship) | Yes | No |
| Campus Engagement | Yes | No |
| Public Engagement | Yes | No |
| Air and Climate | Yes | Yes |
| Buildings | Yes | No |
| Dining Services/Food | Yes | No |
| Energy |
Yes
Date Revised: Jan. 9, 2015
|
Yes
Date Revised: Jan. 9, 2015
|
| Grounds | Yes | No |
| Purchasing | Yes | No |
| Transportation | Yes | No |
| Waste | Yes | Yes |
| Water | Yes | No |
| Diversity and Affordability | No | No |
| Health, Wellbeing and Work | No | No |
| Investment | Yes | No |
| Other | --- | --- |
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Curriculum:
SFU’s Sustainability Strategic Plan uses both the University’s Strategic Vision and the AASHE STARS reporting system as a foundation in identifying and working towards university sustainability. The plan includes operational, research, curriculum and engagement goals, outcomes and strategies. SFU’s Sustainability Strategic Plan speaks to the university’s Strategic Vision element of ‘Engaging Students: To equip SFU students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences that prepare them for life in an ever-changing and challenging world.” SFU’s Sustainability Strategic Plan also supports the advancement of sustainability in curriculum through the goal on ‘Engaging Students’: “To provide a supportive learning environment and diverse learning opportunities that enable all students to gain the knowledge, critical capacities, research skills and civic understanding required to become engaged global citizens and leaders in the transition to sustainable communities worldwide”. The plan can be found online at: http://www.sfu.ca/content/dam/sfu/sustainability/Documents/SFU Sustainability Plan Revised July 2-2013.pdf
In addition to the SFU Sustainability Strategic Plan, the five-year Academic plans for the Faculty of Applied Sciences, the Beedie School of Business and the Faculty of Environment include the advancement sustainability in curriculum. These academic plans are prepared by the Faculty Deans and support the Vision/Mission of the University and are intended to guide the operation and development of the academic units.
These plans can be found here:
Faculty of Applied Sciences: http://www.sfu.ca/content/dam/sfu/vpacademic/files/academic_planning/FAS_2013-2018.pdf
Beedie School of Business: http://www.sfu.ca/content/dam/sfu/vpacademic/files/academic_planning/Beedie_2013-2018.pdf
Faculty of Environment: http://www.sfu.ca/content/dam/sfu/vpacademic/files/academic_planning/FENV_2013-2018.pdf
Date Revised: Jan. 9, 2015
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Curriculum plan(s):
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Curriculum plan(s):
Office of the Vice President Academic
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Research (or other scholarship):
SFU’s Sustainability Strategic Plan uses both the University’s Strategic Vision and the AASHE STARS reporting system as a foundation in identifying and working towards university sustainability. The plan includes operational, research, curriculum and engagement goals, outcomes and strategies. SFU’s Sustainability Strategic Plan supports the advancement of sustainability in research through the goal on ‘Engaging Research’: SFU will promote the development of research initiatives at SFU that strengthen our understanding of the complexities of, and interconnections among, ecological, economic and social sustainability and developing and applying ecologically responsible research practices. T he plan can be found online at: http://www.sfu.ca/content/dam/sfu/sustainability/Documents/SFU Sustainability Plan Revised July 2-2013.pdf
SFU’s Strategic Research Plan and Sustainability Strategic Plan work in concert to advance sustainability research. SFU’s Strategic Research Plan outlines the strategic objectives of the university with respect to research, including integrative strategic research themes to identify existing and potential synergies amongst research strengths, encouraging and supporting cross-disciplinary initiatives and supporting the desire to have a thematic approach to research. The Strategic Research plan identifies several sustainability-related research themes, including Economic Organization, Public Policy, and Global Community and Environment, Resources, and Conservation. Details of the plan can be found here: http://www.sfu.ca/content/dam/sfu/vpresearch/pdfs/docs/SRP2010_15.pdf
Date Revised: Jan. 9, 2015
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Research plan(s):
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Research plan(s):
Office of the Vice President Research
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Campus Engagement around sustainability:
SFU’s Sustainability Strategic Plan uses both the University’s Strategic Vision and the AASHE STARS reporting system as a foundation in identifying and working towards university sustainability. The plan includes operational, research, curriculum and engagement goals, outcomes and strategies. SFU’s Strategic Sustainability Plan highlights not only curriculum related engagement, but also engagement of the campus community (staff, students, faculty) through daily work practices. The plan highlights the intent to enhance staff comprehension of basic sustainability concepts, practices and programs, as well as staff participation in advancing sustainability at SFU. The plan can be found online at: http://www.sfu.ca/content/dam/sfu/sustainability/Documents/SFU Sustainability Plan Revised July 2-2013.pdf
SFU’s Strategic Vision in and of itself supports both campus and public engagement, through the vision “To be the leading engaged university defined by its dynamic integration of innovative education, cutting-edge research, and far-reaching community engagement.” The Strategic Vision is supported by SFU’s Community Engagement Strategy, which includes the core value of sustainability. The Plan can be found here:
http://www.sfu.ca/content/dam/sfu/engage/SFU%20Community%20Engagement%20Strategy%20Mar2013.pdf
Date Revised: Jan. 9, 2015
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Campus Engagement plan:
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Campus Engagement plan(s):
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Public Engagement around sustainability:
As mentioned above, SFU’s Strategic Vision in and of itself supports both campus and public engagement, through the vision “To be the leading engaged university defined by its dynamic integration of innovative education, cutting-edge research, and far-reaching community engagement.” The Strategic Vision is supported by SFU’s Community Engagement Strategy, which includes the core value of sustainability. The Plan can be found here: http://www.sfu.ca/content/dam/sfu/engage/SFU%20Community%20Engagement%20Strategy%20Mar2013.pdf
More specifically, SFU’s Strategic Sustainability Plan focuses on “Developing partnerships and maximize the capacities of SFU’s three campuses in ways that enhance the ecological, social and economic well-being of communities locally and globally. In this regard, SFU will demonstrate its leadership and commitment to the underlying principles of human rights and sustainable development”. SFU’s Sustainability Strategic Plan uses both the University’s Strategic Vision and the AASHE STARS reporting system as a foundation in identifying and working towards university sustainability. The plan includes operational, research, curriculum and engagement goals, outcomes and strategies. The plan can be found online at: http://www.sfu.ca/content/dam/sfu/sustainability/Documents/SFU Sustainability Plan Revised July 2-2013.pdf
Beyond the Sustainability Strategic Plan, SFU enacts these commitments through multiple free public events on all three of the University’s Campus through the SFU continuing studies program, the annual President’s Dream Colloquium (one colloquium in for 2015 being: Obedience and Disobedience: Taking Action on Climate Change: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/events/dreamcolloquium/DreamColloquium-ClimateChange.html ) , and the annual SFU Public Square Community Summit event, convening diverse audiences on relevant public topics such as isolation, the future of BC’s economy and innovation. In addition, SFU’s VanCity Community Engagement Office “supports public programming on social, environmental, academic and artistic themes through talks, workshops, events and community partnerships. The office provides community educational opportunities, artist talks and cultural events at SFU's Goldcorp Centre for the Arts and in the community.”
Date Revised: Jan. 9, 2015
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Public Engagement plan(s):
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Public Engagement plan(s):
Office of the Vice President External Affairs
Office of the Vice President of Advancement, Alumni Relations and Engagement
Senior Sustainability Council
Sustainability Office
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Air and Climate:
SFU’s Sustainability Strategic Plan uses both the University’s Strategic Vision and the AASHE STARS reporting system as a foundation in identifying and working towards university sustainability. The plan includes operational, research, curriculum and engagement goals, outcomes and strategies. SFU’s Sustainability Strategic Plan advances sustainability in Air and Climate through the commitment to improve the environmental footprint of University operations through….reducing greenhouse gas … and reducing and diverting waste from landfills. Specifically, the plan outlines a greenhouse gas reduction target aligned with the BC Provincial Government reduction goals. The plan can be found online at: http://www.sfu.ca/content/dam/sfu/sustainability/Documents/SFU Sustainability Plan Revised July 2-2013.pdf
This commitment to advancing sustainability in Air and Climate is reinforced in the University’s Five Year Capital Plan. The Capital Plan outlines the University's priorities and plans for new facilities and the renewal of existing facilities and infrastructure, and can be found here: http://www.sfu.ca/fs/files/Campus_Planning/Capital_Plan/2014-2019_capital_plan__-_Combined_plan_June_12_(BOG_Approved).pdf
In addition to the Sustainability Strategic Plan SFU’s annual Carbon Neutral Action Reports to the BC Provincial government cover actions taken and actions planned to reduce university operational greenhouse gas emissions. These reports cover the annual operational greenhouse gas emissions inventory of the university and planning across the university for future greenhouse gas emission reductions. The most recent Carbon Neutral Action Report can be found here: http://www.sfu.ca/sustainability/publications/cnar.html
Date Revised: Jan. 9, 2015
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Air and Climate plan(s):
Meet or exceed the BC mandate to reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 18% below 2007 levels by 2016.
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Air and Climate plan(s):
Office of the Vice President of Finance and Administration: Facilities Services
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Buildings:
SFU’s Sustainability Strategic Plan uses both the University’s Strategic Vision and the AASHE STARS reporting system as a foundation in identifying and working towards university sustainability. The plan includes operational, research, curriculum and engagement goals, outcomes and strategies. SFU’s Sustainability Strategic Plan advances sustainability in the realm of Buildings, with strategies to reduce environmental, social and economic impacts of SFU’s built infrastructure and associated occupant behaviour within buildings. The plan can be found online at: http://www.sfu.ca/content/dam/sfu/sustainability/Documents/SFU Sustainability Plan Revised July 2-2013.pdf
This is reinforced through SFU’s Five Year Capital Plan, with Sustainability and Climate action as one of four strategic initiatives. The Capital Plan outlines the University's priorities and plans for new facilities and the renewal of existing facilities and infrastructure, and can be found here: http://www.sfu.ca/fs/files/Campus_Planning/Capital_Plan/2014-2019_capital_plan__-_Combined_plan_June_12_(BOG_Approved).pdf
In addition, the Capital Plan links building sustainability with student learning and research sustainability. SFU enacts these commitments to building sustainability in part through Burnaby Campus’s Sustainability and Green Building Standards and Energy Commitment. The Burnaby Campus Sustainability and Green Building Standards stipulate how new buildings and renovations are to support sustainability in buildings. The Energy Commitment articulates the university’s specific goals around building, energy and emissions, and outlines minimum standards for energy efficiency. http://www.sfu.ca/fs/Green-Services/Sustainable-Development/Green-Buildings.html
http://www.sfu.ca/fs/files/University_Standards_Procedures/Project_Guide/Appendices/Appendix_C_Energy_Standards.pdf
Date Revised: Jan. 9, 2015
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Buildings plan(s):
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Buildings plan(s):
Office of the Vice President of Finance and Administration-Facilities
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Dining Services/Food:
SFU’s Sustainability Strategic Plan uses both the University’s Strategic Vision and the AASHE STARS reporting system as a foundation in identifying and working towards university sustainability. The plan includes operational, research, curriculum and engagement goals, outcomes and strategies. In broad strokes, SFU’s Sustainability Strategic Plan commits to Leverage Institutional Strength through operational leadership. The Plan outlines the intent to developing and employing sustainability guidelines and procedures in key financial and administrative services operation including sourcing Fair Trade certified products for dining facilities. The plan can be found online at: http://www.sfu.ca/content/dam/sfu/sustainability/Documents/SFU Sustainability Plan Revised July 2-2013.pdf
Date Revised: Jan. 9, 2015
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Dining Services/Food plan(s):
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Dining Services/Food plan(s):
Ancillary Services
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Energy:
SFU’s advances sustainability in Energy through its Energy Commitment. The Energy Commitment articulates the university’s specific goals around building, energy and emissions, and outlines minimum standards for energy efficiency: http://www.sfu.ca/fs/files/University_Standards_Procedures/Project_Guide/Appendices/Appendix_C_Energy_Standards.pdf
SFU’s Five Year Capital Plan furthers this commitment through its Sustainability and Climate Action as one of the key strategic initiative, with implementation through standards for major capital projects (design) and renovations and behavioral change programs (use). The Capital Plan outlines the University's priorities and plans for new facilities and the renewal of existing facilities and infrastructure, and can be found here: http://www.sfu.ca/fs/files/Campus_Planning/Capital_Plan/2014-2019_capital_plan__-_Combined_plan_June_12_(BOG_Approved).pdf
Date Revised: Jan. 9, 2015
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Energy plan(s):
SFU has an energy consumption goal of a minimum 2% reduction per year.
Date Revised: Jan. 9, 2015
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Energy plan(s):
SFU Facilities Services, SFU Sustainability Office
Date Revised: Jan. 9, 2015
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Grounds:
SFU’s Sustainability Strategic Plan uses both the University’s Strategic Vision and the AASHE STARS reporting system as a foundation in identifying and working towards university sustainability. The plan includes operational, research, curriculum and engagement goals, outcomes and strategies. SFU’s Strategic Sustainability Plan advances sustainability in grounds management through it’s commitments to ensure SFU’s grounds management contributes to enhanced biodiversity and food production and is free of toxic outputs. The plan can be found online at: http://www.sfu.ca/content/dam/sfu/sustainability/Documents/SFU Sustainability Plan Revised July 2-2013.pdf
Date Revised: Jan. 9, 2015
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Grounds plan(s):
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Grounds plan(s):
Office of the Vice President of Finance and Administration-Facilities
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Purchasing:
SFU’s Sustainability Strategic Plan uses both the University’s Strategic Vision and the AASHE STARS reporting system as a foundation in identifying and working towards university sustainability. The plan includes operational, research, curriculum and engagement goals, outcomes and strategies. Sustainable purchasing is advanced through SFU Strategic Sustainability Plan’s goal to leverage institutional strength, includes measures to move forward with respect to sustainable procurement practices through the development of sustainable procurement guidelines for purchasers in departments/units to place sustainability at the forefront of the University’s supply chain. The plan can be found online at: http://www.sfu.ca/content/dam/sfu/sustainability/Documents/SFU Sustainability Plan Revised July 2-2013.pdf
Date Revised: Jan. 9, 2015
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Purchasing plan(s):
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Purchasing plan(s):
Procurement Services
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Transportation:
SFU’s Sustainability Strategic Plan uses both the University’s Strategic Vision and the AASHE STARS reporting system as a foundation in identifying and working towards university sustainability. The plan includes operational, research, curriculum and engagement goals, outcomes and strategies. SFU’s Strategic Sustainability Plan advances transportation through the intent to ensure that SFU has ecologically, socially and economically sustainable transportation options for students, staff and faculty. The plan can be found online at: http://www.sfu.ca/content/dam/sfu/sustainability/Documents/SFU Sustainability Plan Revised July 2-2013.pdf
Date Revised: Jan. 9, 2015
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Transportation plan(s):
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Transportation plan(s):
Office of the Vice President of Finance and Administration-Facilities
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Waste:
SFU’s Sustainability Strategic Plan uses both the University’s Strategic Vision and the AASHE STARS reporting system as a foundation in identifying and working towards university sustainability. The plan includes operational, research, curriculum and engagement goals, outcomes and strategies. SFU has taken active approach to improving waste diversion and reduction to date. In SFU’s Strategic Sustainability Plan, the university commits to improving the environmental footprint of University operations through…reducing and diverting waste from landfills. The plan can be found online at: http://www.sfu.ca/content/dam/sfu/sustainability/Documents/SFU Sustainability Plan Revised July 2-2013.pdf
Details of the waste diversion and waste reduction processes can be found on SFU’s Zero Waste page: http://www.sfu.ca/sustainability/zerowaste.html
Date Revised: Jan. 9, 2015
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Waste plan(s):
Divert a minimum of 70% of waste from landfills by 2015
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Waste plan(s):
Office of the Vice President of Finance and Administration
Sustainability Office
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Water:
SFU’s Sustainability Strategic Plan uses both the University’s Strategic Vision and the AASHE STARS reporting system as a foundation in identifying and working towards university sustainability. The plan includes operational, research, curriculum and engagement goals, outcomes and strategies. Included in SFU’s Sustainability Plan to improve the environmental footprint of the university includes measures to advance water sustainability. Specifically, SFU covers Identifying and eliminating water pollution and waste on the Burnaby campus. The plan can be found online at: http://www.sfu.ca/content/dam/sfu/sustainability/Documents/SFU Sustainability Plan Revised July 2-2013.pdf
In addition, SFU has a site-specific Salt Management Plan for the Burnaby campus, including a specific section on Drainage and Stormwater management, to ensure the University’s roads are maintained in a safe manner while minimizing the negative impacts of road salts on the local environment, including the local Stoney Creek Watershed. This plan can be found here: http://www.sfu.ca/fs/files/Campus_Profile/Salt_Management/Salt_MGMT_Doc_Sept_2009.PDF
Date Revised: Jan. 9, 2015
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Water plan(s):
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Water plan(s):
Office of the Vice President of Finance and Administration-Facilities
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Diversity and Affordability:
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Diversity and Affordability plan(s):
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Diversity and Affordability plan(s):
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Health, Wellbeing and Work:
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Health, Wellbeing and Work plan(s):
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Health, Wellbeing and Work plan(s):
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Investment:
SFU’s Sustainability Strategic Plan uses both the University’s Strategic Vision and the AASHE STARS reporting system as a foundation in identifying and working towards university sustainability. The plan includes operational, research, curriculum and engagement goals, outcomes and strategies. SFU’s Sustainability Strategic Plan covers steps to advance the sustainability of the university’s investments. The Plan articulates that SFU will develop and employ sustainability guidelines and procedures in key financial and administrative services operations. The plan can be found online at: http://www.sfu.ca/content/dam/sfu/sustainability/Documents/SFU Sustainability Plan Revised July 2-2013.pdf
Date Revised: Jan. 9, 2015
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Investment plan(s):
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Investment plan(s):
Office of the VP Finance and Administration
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in other areas:
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the other plan(s):
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the other plan(s):
The institution’s definition of sustainability:
Does the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document include sustainability at a high level?:
A brief description of how the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document addresses sustainability:
The University's strategic vision guides SFU's actions and innovations. One of the key underlying principles of the strategic vision is Sustainability. Within the strategic vision, it is articulated that: SFU will pursue ecological, social and economic sustainability through its programs and operations. Through teaching and learning, research and community engagement, SFU will seek and share solutions. In its own operations, it will develop and model best practices, from minimizing its ecological footprint, to maximizing its social health and economic strength.
In addition, SFU is guided by several, rather than just one strategic planning document. The Sustainability Strategic Plan is one of these guiding documents.
http://www.sfu.ca/content/dam/sfu/sustainability/Documents/SFU%20Sustainability%20Plan%20draft-Revised%20July%202-2013.pdf
The website URL where information about the institution’s sustainability planning is available:
Date Revised: Jan. 9, 2015
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.