| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 65.57 |
| Liaison | Derek Nichols |
| Submission Date | Sept. 16, 2015 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
University at Buffalo
PA-2: Sustainability Planning
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
4.00 / 4.00 |
Ryan
McPherson Chief Sustainability Officer Office of Sustainability |
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 | Yes |
| Research (or other scholarship) | Yes | Yes |
| Campus Engagement | Yes | Yes |
| Public Engagement | Yes | Yes |
| Air and Climate | Yes | Yes |
| Buildings | Yes | Yes |
| Dining Services/Food | Yes | Yes |
| Energy | Yes | Yes |
| Grounds | Yes | Yes |
| Purchasing | Yes | Yes |
| Transportation | Yes | Yes |
| Waste | Yes | Yes |
| Water | Yes | Yes |
| Diversity and Affordability | Yes | Yes |
| Health, Wellbeing and Work | No | No |
| Investment | No | No |
| Other | No | No |
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Curriculum:
There are two main institutional plans that directly advance sustainability at UB through the curriculum:
1. Realizing UB 2020 (Achieving Academic Excellence)--with the five key themes and Communities of Excellence addressing sustainability (Humanity, Justice, Innovation, Environment and Health).
2. The UB Climate Action Plan: Section 4.1 specifically outlines a plan for the role of research and teaching to address climate mitigation and adaptation.
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Curriculum plan(s):
Please see pages 4-1 through 4-9 of the UB Climate Action Plan for a matrix that delineates numerous measurable objectives: http://www.buffalo.edu/content/www/ub2020/transforming_operations/transforming_initiatives/environmental_stewardship_committee/_jcr_content/par/download/file.res/UB_Climate_Action_Plan.pdf
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Curriculum plan(s):
Dr. Andrew Stott, Dean of Undergraduate Education (Dean Stott also chairs the Teaching subcommittee of the Stewardship committee)
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Research (or other scholarship):
There are two main institutional plans that directly advance sustainability at UB through the curriculum:
1. Realizing UB 2020 (Achieving Academic Excellence)--with the five key themes and Communities of Excellence addressing sustainability (Humanity, Justice, Innovation, Environment and Health).
2. The UB Climate Action Plan: Section 4.1 specifically outlines a plan for the role of research and teaching to address climate mitigation and adaptation.
3. The Communities of Excellence Strategic plan which include Research and Education in eNergy Environment and Water (RENEW), Global Health Equity and Sustainable Manufacturing and Advanced Robotic Technologies (SMART) (http://www.buffalo.edu/renew.html)
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Research plan(s):
Please see pages 1-5 and 9-11 in chapter 4 of the UB Climate Action Plan for a matrix that delineates numerous measurable objectives: http://www.buffalo.edu/content/www/ub2020/transforming_operations/transforming_initiatives/environmental_stewardship_committee/_jcr_content/par/download/file.res/UB_Climate_Action_Plan.pdf
In addition numerous other measurable objectives are available at: http://www.buffalo.edu/renew.html
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Research plan(s):
Dr. Amit Goyal, Director of UB RENEW Institue (Dr. Goyal also chairs the the Research Subcommittee of the Stewardship Committee)
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Campus Engagement around sustainability:
Section 4.4 of the of the UB Climate Action Plan (pages 12-15) provide the framework for the university's sustainability engagement work. In addition numerous other plans and strategies can be found through internal documents with the UB Sustainability Office and throughout the Sustainability portal: www.buffalo.edu/sustainability
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Campus Engagement plan:
Section 4.4 of the of the UB Climate Action Plan (pages 12-15) provides several measurable objectives for the university's sustainability engagement work. In addition numerous other measurements and goals can be found through internal documents with theUB Sustainability Office and throughout the engagement section on UB Sustainability portal: http://www.buffalo.edu/sustainability/engagement.html
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Campus Engagement plan(s):
Ryan McPherson, Chief Sustainability Officer
Dominic Licata, Chair of the Professional Staff Senate and Chair of the Engagement Subcommittee for the Stewardship Committee
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Public Engagement around sustainability:
Section 4.3 of the of the UB Climate Action Plan provides the framework for the university's sustainability engagement work. In addition, page 34-36 of Building UB--the Comprehensive Physical plan outline engagement plans. Finally, numerous other plans and strategies can be found through internal documents with the UB Sustainability Office and throughout the engagement section on UB Sustainability portal: http://www.buffalo.edu/sustainability/engagement.html
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Public Engagement plan(s):
Section 4.3 of the of the UB Climate Action Plan (pages 12-15) provides several measurable objectives for the university's sustainability engagement work. In addition numerous other measurements and goals can be found through internal documents with the UB Sustainability Office and throughout the engagement section on UB Sustainability portal: http://www.buffalo.edu/sustainability/engagement.html.
Some of these examples include a 7 year strategy to develop the Western New York Environmental Alliance (www.growwny.org) and the Western New York Sustainable Business Roundtable) (http://www.wnysustainablebusiness.org/)
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Public Engagement plan(s):
Ryan McPherson, Chief Sustainability Officer
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Air and Climate:
Section 3.1 to 3.5 (pages 1-32 in chapter 3) of the of the UB Climate Action Plan provides the framework for the university's plan to advance sustainability in Air and Climate. Pleas see: http://www.buffalo.edu/content/www/ub2020/transforming_operations/transforming_initiatives/environmental_stewardship_committee/_jcr_content/par/download/file.res/UB_Climate_Action_Plan.pdf
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Air and Climate plan(s):
Section 3.1 of the of the UB Climate Action Plan (pages 5-9 in chapter 3) provides several measurable objectives for the university's air and climate work. In addition other measurable objectives are identified on pages 35-37 of Building UB--the Comprehensive Physical Plan
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Air and Climate plan(s):
Dean Robert Shibley, Co-Chair of the Stewardship Committee, Campus Architect & Dean of the School of Architecture and Planning
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Buildings:
There are two main institutional plans that work to advance sustainability in buildings:
1. The UB Climate Action Plan and specifically all of section 3.2 (pages 3-4 to 3-15
2. Building UB--The Comprehensive Physical Plan--pages 35 through 37.
Both of these documents focus on increasing efficiency in existing buildings, implementing high performance design, establishing LEED Gold as a floor for new construction and many other infinitives.
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Buildings plan(s):
The Climate Action Plan lists out a detailed matrix on pages 3-5 through 3-10 of 13 initiatives and the measurable outcomes associated with them.
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Buildings plan(s):
Kevin Thompson, Director of Facilities Planning and Design
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Dining Services/Food:
UB Campus Dining & Shop has their own strategic plan to advance sustainability throughout their dining service programs which includes the following specific initiatives:
- The redesign of two Residential Dining Centers to include revamped dish return areas to capture all post-consumer food waste
- The opening of an organic juice bar operation
- Working directly with produce farms to design menus based on local harvest dates
-The launch of four (4) Better Choice Vending Machines which will feature only New York State products
Additional information can be located at:
myubcard.com/sustain
myubcard.com/about/aboutus##
https://myubcard.com/sites/myubcard/files/docs/Healthy%20Eating%20Guide.pdf
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Dining Services/Food plan(s):
Numerous measurable objectives are listed in their plan including:
- An additional 10% increase in locally sourced foods for the 2015-16 academic year
- An increase of 50% in captured food waste from the Residential Dining Centers
- Working with local produce distributors, secure organic produce for new unit in the Center for the Arts
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Dining Services/Food plan(s):
Mr. Jeff Brady, Executive Director
UB Campus Dining & Shops
146 Fargo Quad
Buffalo, NY 14261
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Energy:
There are three main institutional plans to advance sustainability in energy:
1. The UB Climate Action Plan CAP and specifically section 3.2.5 through 3.2.11
2. Implementation of Governor Cuomo's Executive Order 88 (Build Smart NY) which calls for a 20% reduction in energy by 2020
3. Building UB--the Comprehensive Physical Plan which calls for UB to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2030 (page 37)
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Energy plan(s):
Numerous measurable objectives are listed in the UB Climate Action Plan in section 3.2.10 and 3.2.11. In addition, a detailed plan for implementation of Executive Order 88 (with specific anual objectives) is on file with the State University of New York.
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Energy plan(s):
Tonga Pham, Associate Vice President for Facilities
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Grounds:
Building UB--the Comprehensive Physical Plan which calls for UB to revitalize campus landscapes through simplification strategies, creating self-sustaining campus ecosystems, managing storm water, improving campus soils, harnessing sustainable sources for irrigation, rationalizing campus hardscapes and reduce salt application (see pages 37 and 74-77).
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Grounds plan(s):
Over 15 measurable outcomes are listed in the Building UB--the comprehensive physical plan on pages 75-77.
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Grounds plan(s):
John Hayes, Assistant Director, Buildings & Grounds, Facilities Campus Operations
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Purchasing:
Section 3.4 of of the UB Climate Action Plan specifically addresses materials and a campus-wide materiel use reduction policy and programs. See page 3-26
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Purchasing plan(s):
The UB Climate Action Plan has a matrix of measurable objectives listed out on pages 3-27 through 3-28.
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Purchasing plan(s):
Dan Vivian, Assistant Vice President for Procurement Services
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Transportation:
There are two main institutional plans to advance sustainability in transportation:
1. The UB Climate Action Plan CAP and specifically section 3.3
2. Building UB--the Comprehensive Physical Plan which calls for UB to broaden transportation options by (page 60-67):
-Creating walkable, bike-friendly campuses
-Providing transit connections
-Improving the fit between cars and campuses
-Promoting sustainable transportation alternatives
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Transportation plan(s):
A matrix of measurable transportation objectives is located on pages 3-16 through 3-20 in the UB Climate Action Plan.
In addition, the Comprehensive Physical plan includes these measurable objectives in sustainable transportation (see page 67):
-Providing monetary incentives to employees
-Provide limited free parking passes
-Guarantee a ride home
-Price parking by proximity
-Unbundle student parking fees
-Restrict resident student parking on campus to residential lots
-Prohibit resident freshman parking on cmapus
-Lend free bikes
-Support a car sharing program on campus
-Develop UB Rideshare networking tools
Create UB park and ride lots for carpools or van pools
Reserve preferential parking for carpools and van pools
Support telecommuting and flexible work schedules
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Transportation plan(s):
Maria Wallace, Director of Parking & Transportation Services
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Waste:
Section 3.4 of of the UB Climate Action Plan specifically addresses materials and a campus-wide materiel use reduction policy and programs. See page 3-26
In addition, in 2014 the University commissioned a special task force that crated the Moving Towards Waste--A Roadmap of Strategic Recommendations for Reducing UB's Waste Footprint
And Moving Towards Zero Waste
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Waste plan(s):
The UB Climate Action Plan has a matrix of measurable objectives listed out on pages 3-27 through 3-28.
In addition, the Moving Towards Waste---A Roadmap of Strategic Recommendations for Reducing UB's Waste Footprint lists out 15 key recommendations with specific metrics and timelines for implementation.
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Waste plan(s):
Don Erb, Director of Facilities Integration, UB Sustainability
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Water:
Building UB--the Comprehensive Physical Plan which calls for UB to take a host of sustainble water practices and policies including (page 76)
-installing porous pavements
-Creating more green roofs
-Increasing detention basins and retention ponds
-Constructing more tree trenches
-make more biswales and rain gardens.
In addition, the plan calls for an aggressive push to harness sustainable sources for irrigation thus lessening our reliance on the Great Lakes system
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Water plan(s):
A host of measurable objectives are listed in Building UB--the Comprehensive Physical plan on page 76
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Water plan(s):
Tonga Pham, Associate Vice President for Facilities
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Diversity and Affordability:
The University at Buffalo has long history of working to increase diversity and access with its students, faculty and staff. In August of 2014, President Obama chose the University at Buffalo to unveil his bold new plan to make higher education affordable for all in the early fall of 2014: See more at: http://www.buffalo.edu/home/feature_story/obama-speech.html
The core tenants of diversity and access are annunciation throughout the University's strategic plan Realizing UB 2020--Achieving Academic Excellence (see page 10 and 17)
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Diversity and Affordability plan(s):
Numerous measurable objectives are located throughout Realizing UB 2020--Achieving Academic Excellence (please see PA8 for more detail).
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Diversity and Affordability plan(s):
John Gottardy, Director of Financial Aid
Terri Miller, Vice Provost for Equity & Inclusion
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:
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Investment plan(s):
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Investment plan(s):
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:
At the University at Buffalo (UB), we work every day to create a more sustainable campus and community through our research, teaching, operations and our interaction with the community. And we've been doing it for over three decades.
As a public research institution, our model of sustainability focuses on finding solutions to global challenges through research, educating individuals about these challenges in our curriculum and interactions, setting the bar high for sustainability in our own operations, and sharing our experiences and learning from the external community.
UB is a sustainability leader in higher education. Our commitment spans 30 years—from the origins of the environmental movement at Love Canal to the innovative operational measures we take that continue to save the university millions of dollars a year and reduce UB’s environmental footprint on the future.
While we are proud of the road we’ve traveled, we want to build on our history of environmental stewardship and recognize that sustainability is not a goal to achieve, but rather a strategy for creating a better future. As we evolve our model of sustainability we’re focused on embedding a culture of sustainable thinking and practice deep into all aspects of day-to-day activities and long-term ambitions.
As an institution of higher education, we are greatly appreciative of the opportunity we have to demonstrate ongoing sustainability leadership through our mission of educating the next generation, finding new solutions through our research and partnering with our community and our region. We strive to evolve and adapt, all the while sharing our stories of success and challenges in an effort to encourage others as they endeavor on their own sustainability journey’s. We believe sustainability is inherently collaborative and are inspired by the efforts of others both locally and globally as we collectively work toward creating a better future through 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 main strategic plan--Realizing UB 2020: Achieving Academic Excellence places a premium on sustainability by organizing its academic strategy into five key themes: humanity, justice, innovation, health and the environment. These themes when taken together provide the foundation upon which sustainability is based.
In addition, Building UB--the Physical Plan embeds sustainability as one of the six key guiding principles ("establish UB as a leader in environmental stewardship and sustainable development and design").
The website URL where information about the institution’s sustainability planning 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.