Overall Rating Silver - expired
Overall Score 52.56
Liaison Juanita Van Norman
Submission Date May 21, 2015
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.0

University of Manitoba
PA-2: Sustainability Planning

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 4.00 / 4.00 Ian Hall
Director
OFFICE OF SUSTAINABILITY
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

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 Yes Yes
Investment Yes Yes
Other Yes Yes

A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Curriculum:

The University’s sustainability plan (“Sustainability at the University of Manitoba: A Strategic Vision For Action” – 2012) includes strategies to advance sustainability in the area of curriculum.
As well, sustainable development is at the core of the University’s mission and is explicitly referenced as a University value.
Sustainability in teaching is referenced in the overall University strategic plan (Taking our Place: University of Manitoba Strategic Plan 2015-2020).

+ Date Revised: July 8, 2015

The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Curriculum plan(s):

Develop “Sustainability” designation for co-curricular record on transcript.
Integrate sustainability education at annual faculty and staff orientation.

+ Date Revised: July 8, 2015

Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Curriculum plan(s):

Various faculties, departments, units and schools. Office of Sustainability, Sustainability Committee.


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Research (or other scholarship):

The University’s sustainability plan (“Sustainability at the University of Manitoba: A Strategic Vision For Action” – 2012) includes strategies to advance sustainability in the area of research.
As well, sustainable development is at the core of the University’s mission and is explicitly referenced as a University value.
Sustainability in teaching is referenced in the overall University strategic plan (“Taking our Place: University of Manitoba Strategic Plan 2015-2020”).
The University’s Strategic Research Plan (adopted in 2015) fully integrates sustainability and includes focus areas such as safe, healthy, just and sustainable food systems, sustainable water management systems and arctic system science and climate change.

+ Date Revised: July 8, 2015

The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Research plan(s):

Address University of Manitoba and local sustainability issues through research. Request VP Research’s office to help lead sustainability research activities.Hold workshop to identify issues and pair with expertise.

+ Date Revised: July 8, 2015

Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Research plan(s):

Various faculties, departments, units and schools. Office of Sustainability, Sustainability Committee.


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Campus Engagement around sustainability:

The University’s sustainability plan (“Sustainability at the University of Manitoba: A Strategic Vision For Action” – 2012) includes strategies to advance sustainability in the area of engagement (p. 17).
Engagement is referenced in the overall University strategic plan (“Taking our Place: University of Manitoba Strategic Plan 2015-2020”) – it is integrated throughout, but specifically planned for in strategic priority 4 – “building community”.

+ Date Revised: July 8, 2015

The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Campus Engagement plan:

Establish a comprehensive information clearinghouse on sustainability.
A Marketing Communications Office that threads sustainability through community events, promotional, marketing and news channels.
Engage the Winnipeg community through outreach events.

+ Date Revised: July 8, 2015

Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Campus Engagement plan(s):

Marketing and Communications Office, Office of Sustainability.


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Public Engagement around sustainability:

The University’s sustainability plan (“Sustainability at the University of Manitoba: A Strategic Vision For Action” – 2012) includes strategies to advance sustainability in the area of public engagement (p. 17).
Engagement is referenced in the overall University strategic plan (“Taking our Place: University of Manitoba Strategic Plan 2015-2020”) – it is integrated throughout, but specifically planned for in strategic priority 4 – “building community”, which includes an external (community connection) dimension.

+ Date Revised: July 8, 2015

The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Public Engagement plan(s):

Number and quality of interactions with all levels of government.
Demonstrated improvement in relationships with all levels of government.


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Public Engagement plan(s):

External Relations/Community Engagement Office, Marketing and Communications Office, Office of Sustainability


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Air and Climate:

The University’s sustainability plan (“Sustainability at the University of Manitoba: A Strategic Vision For Action” – 2012) includes strategies to advance sustainability in the area of air and climate (p. 21).

+ Date Revised: July 8, 2015

The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Air and Climate plan(s):

Percentage reduction in kms travelled as a result of videoconferencing/ blended learning
opportunities. Early stages of a TDM plan. Level of knowledge and participation by
campus community through feedback.


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Air and Climate plan(s):

Parking Services, Office of Sustainability, Physical Plant


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Buildings:

The University’s sustainability plan (“Sustainability at the University of Manitoba: A Strategic Vision For Action” – 2012) includes strategies to advance sustainability in the area of buildings (p. 28).

+ Date Revised: July 8, 2015

The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Buildings plan(s):

Use sustainable design, construction/renovation, operation and maintenance principles and practices to cost-effectively minimize the use of energy, expand the use of renewable energy, conserve water and reduce the generation of waste water in new and existing buildings.

+ Date Revised: July 8, 2015

Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Buildings plan(s):

Physical Plant, Office of Sustainability


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Dining Services/Food:

The University’s sustainability plan (“Sustainability at the University of Manitoba: A Strategic Vision For Action” – 2012) includes strategies to advance sustainability in the area of food (p. 38).

+ Date Revised: July 8, 2015

The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Dining Services/Food plan(s):

Educate campus community members on sustainable food options.
Increase culturally diverse, sustainable, and fair-trade food offerings from University of Manitoba Dining Services vendors.
Creation of a food charter.
Coordination of farm tours and corresponding participation.

+ Date Revised: July 8, 2015

Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Dining Services/Food plan(s):

UM Dining Services, Office of Sustainability.


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Energy:

The University’s sustainability plan (“Sustainability at the University of Manitoba: A Strategic Vision For Action” – 2012) includes strategies to advance sustainability in the area of energy (p. 48).

+ Date Revised: July 8, 2015

The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Energy plan(s):

Promote and educate the university community on current and future energy saving initiatives. Obtain 50% of energy from renewable sources.

+ Date Revised: July 8, 2015

Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Energy plan(s):

Physical Plant, Office of Sustainability


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Grounds:

The University’s sustainability plan (“Sustainability at the University of Manitoba: A Strategic Vision For Action” – 2012) includes strategies to advance sustainability in the area of grounds management (p. 28).

+ Date Revised: July 8, 2015

The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Grounds plan(s):

Implement an ecologically sustainable landscape and forest management strategy. Establish a University of Manitoba Red River Riparian Conservation Zone. More native plant and animal species on campus. More orchards and gardens. Demonstrated restoration of proposed zone.

+ Date Revised: July 8, 2015

Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Grounds plan(s):

Physical Plant, Campus Planning Office, Office of Sustainability


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Purchasing:

The University’s sustainability plan (“Sustainability at the University of Manitoba: A Strategic Vision For Action” – 2012) includes strategies to advance sustainability in the area of purchasing (p. 41).

+ Date Revised: July 8, 2015

The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Purchasing plan(s):

Create a sustainable purchasing framework with appropriate standards for inclusion in the RFx and tender processes and for Purchase Order notes. Research 3rd party certifications to identify those that fit the vision statement.

+ Date Revised: July 8, 2015

Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Purchasing plan(s):

Purchasing Services, Office of Sustainability.


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Transportation:

The University’s sustainability plan (“Sustainability at the University of Manitoba: A Strategic Vision For Action” – 2012) includes strategies to advance sustainability in the area of transportation (p. 24).
The Bannatyne Campus Master Plan (2014) includes sustainable transportation strategies.

+ Date Revised: July 8, 2015

The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Transportation plan(s):

Increase efficiency (e.g., energy, time, materials, space) of transportation systems on campus. Increase the number of faculty, students, and staff using sustainable transportation to commute to and
from campus.

+ Date Revised: July 8, 2015

Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Transportation plan(s):

Office of Sustainability


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Waste:

The University’s sustainability plan (“Sustainability at the University of Manitoba: A Strategic Vision For Action” – 2012) includes strategies to advance sustainability in the area of waste prevention and reduction (p. 33).

+ Date Revised: July 8, 2015

The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Waste plan(s):

Reduce organic waste going to landfill. Promote and expand the Re-shop. Promote waste prevention/recycling for residence. Completion of a demonstration site. Quantity of organic kitchen waste diverted from landfill. Quantity of yard and garden waste diverted from landfill.

+ Date Revised: July 8, 2015

Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Waste plan(s):

Physical Plant - Waste Prevention Office, Office of Sustainability.


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Water:

The University’s sustainability plan (“Sustainability at the University of Manitoba: A Strategic Vision For Action” – 2012) includes strategies to advance sustainability in the area of water (p. 44).
The University’s Strategic Research Plan (adopted in 2015) fully integrates sustainability and includes focus areas such as safe, healthy, just and sustainable food systems, sustainable water management systems and arctic system science and climate change.

+ Date Revised: July 8, 2015

The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Water plan(s):

Improve water infrastructure when and where appropriate. All new buildings include the most efficient water-conserving infrastructure.

+ Date Revised: July 8, 2015

Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Water plan(s):

Physical Plant, Office of Sustainability, Campus Planning Office


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Diversity and Affordability:

The University of Manitoba has a Diversity and Equity office, established in 2013, and officer to implement equity programs and policies for both students and employees. The University of Manitoba Workplace Diversity Strategy seeks to identify and eliminate potential and real employment barriers and ensure the inclusion of all community members. The University of Manitoba Strategic Plan declares a high degree of importance on the principle of Diversity and Affordability with the statement as one of their core values: “all who have the potential to succeed at our University should have access to it. We promote equity in access to our programs and employment and in the conduct of the University’s affairs.


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Diversity and Affordability plan(s):

The University of Manitoba has executed a Certificate of Commitment under the Government of Canada's Federal Contractors Program in which it has agreed to implement measures for the identification and removal of artificial barriers to the selection, hiring, promotion and training of designated groups, i.e. women, aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities, and visible minorities; and to take steps to improve the employment status of these designated groups by increasing their participation in all levels of employment.

Related policies: http://umanitoba.ca/admin/governance/governing_documents/staff/311.html
http://umanitoba.ca/admin/governance/governing_documents/community/230.html
http://umanitoba.ca/admin/governance/governing_documents/staff/887.html


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Diversity and Affordability plan(s):

Human Resources


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Health, Wellbeing and Work:

The University of Manitoba's Campus Mental Health Strategy, Success Through Wellness, is a call to action for all of us to view the promotion and support of mental health as our collective responsibility. The strategy focuses equally on students, staff and faculty members, examining all aspects of the university and identifying ways in which we can be a community that is committed, caring, healthy, responsive, supportive and resourceful.
http://umanitoba.ca/student/mentalhealth/index.html


The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Health, Wellbeing and Work plan(s):

Objectives are for UManitoba community to:
View mental health as everyone’s responsibility
Promote and adopt the guiding principles in the strategy  
Look for ways to participate and advance mental health on campus through supporting institutional, departmental, and individual changes  
Provide expertise where needed
Advocate for mental health in the workplace and the learning environment by identifying and addressing barriers to well‐being, and
Know the resources and refer community members who are struggling with mental health issues. 


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Health, Wellbeing and Work plan(s):

Staff Benefits and Human Resources, Student Life, Student Services


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Investment:

The University’s sustainability plan (“Sustainability at the University of Manitoba: A Strategic Vision For Action” – 2012) includes strategies to advance sustainability in the area of investments.

+ Date Revised: July 8, 2015

The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Investment plan(s):

Understand the extent to which funds are invested in sustainable commodities/companies. Encourage the Trust and Investment Committee to consider sustainable investment portfolios.

+ Date Revised: July 8, 2015

Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Investment plan(s):

Treasury Services, Board of Governors Investment Committee


A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in other areas:

Fostering Indigenous achievement is a strategic priority for the University of Manitoba.
http://umanitoba.ca/admin/indigenous_connect/index.html
Indigenous Achievement is referenced in the overall University strategic plan (“Taking our Place: University of Manitoba Strategic Plan 2015-2020”), integrated throughout but highlighted in strategic priority number three.

+ Date Revised: July 8, 2015

The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the other plan(s):

Build and expand an Indigenous presence and visibility at the University of Manitoba and the broader Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities that will result in improved access, recruitment, retention and completion for First Nations, Métis and Inuit learners.


Accountable parties, offices or departments for the other plan(s):

Indigenous Acheivement, all University units


The institution’s definition of sustainability:

University of Manitoba applies the definition of sustainable development used by the World Commission on Environment and Development as meeting ‘the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs’

The University of Manitoba simultaneously pursues ecological, social and economic sustainability. Our approach supports regeneration, participation and resource efficiency. We grow opportunities: our present actions ensure future generations can achieve levels of well-being that are at least as great as those achieved now.

The University of Manitoba’s mission reflects an abiding commitment to sustainability. It speaks to balance between social, cultural, and economic development (all of which is predicated on a sustainable natural environment – reflected in the University’s values) and to balancing the local, regional and global perspectives.
The very business of the University – creating, preserving and communicating knowledge for well-being – is integral to sustainable development. We build capacity so that students and their communities (and our larger community of Earth) can have big futures. Our work contributes to human development, and our values guide us to pursue this work in a way that manages the impacts we have on our planet.


Does the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document include sustainability at a high level?:
Yes

A brief description of how the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document addresses sustainability:

Sustainability is identified as a University value in the current strategic plan and has also been identified as such in past plans.
http://umanitoba.ca/admin/president/media/PRE-00-018-StrategicPlan-WebPdf_FNL.pdf

Sustainability is identified in the strategic plan as integral to academic and physical campus planning.


The website URL where information about the institution’s sustainability planning is available:
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.