| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 46.90 |
| Liaison | Hannes Gerhardt |
| Submission Date | March 30, 2018 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
University of West Georgia
PA-2: Sustainability Planning
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
4.00 / 4.00 |
Hannes
Gerhardt Sustainability Director Department of Geosciences |
Does the institution have a published strategic plan or equivalent guiding document that includes sustainability at a high level? :
A brief description of how the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document addresses sustainability:
At UWG sustainability is one of our core values:
The value of SUSTAINABILITY is evident in our obligation to maintaining ecological balance in our planning and operations that make possible for future generations the same or better quality of opportunities for success available to present employees and students.
In 2014, we formally identified sustainability as a key initiative that impacts all four imperatives in our strategic plan. Goal B in Operational Success states:
Create a built environment that is sustainable and relevant to the educational and personal needs of students; the aspirations of faculty and staff; and the economic, social, and cultural needs of the community.
Action 1: On an ongoing scheduled basis, assess the condition and suitability of campus facilities, technology, space utilization, and campus infrastructure, making sustainability a priority in all new construction, technology investments, and building modification projects.
Action 2: Partner with business and economic development organizations in activities that benefit UWG, its partner organizations, and sustainable economic and cultural development.
Action 3: With individuals, foundations, and other service agencies, identify and develop partnerships and activities that improve our communities.
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)? :
A copy of the sustainability plan:
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)? :
A copy of the climate action plan:
The website URL where the climate action plan is publicly available:
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)? :
A list of other published plans that address sustainability, including public website URLs (if available):
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Curriculum?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Curriculum and the published plans in which each objective is included:
An increase in sustainability courses taught, and sustainability learning objectives present in programs.
This is detailed in the Sustainability Plan.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Research?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Research and the published plans in which each objective is included:
An increase in sustainability research among students.
Achieving an open access policy.
This is detailed in the Sustainability Plan.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Campus Engagement?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Campus Engagement and the published plans in which each objective is included:
An increase in outreach in employee and student orientations.
Expanding student educator opportunities.
This is detailed in the Sustainability Plan.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Public Engagement?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Public Engagement and the published plans in which each objective is included:
UWG Strategic Plan, Imperative #3, Goal B, Objective 2:
Objective: Partner with business and economic development orgs. in activities that benefit UWG, its partner organizations and sustainable economic and cultural development.
KPI Measurements: Include # of Educational partnership activities, # of students completing in articulated degrees programs, # of students participating in educational partnership activities, number of co-curricular events open to the public, employee and student volunteer hours.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Air & Climate?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Air & Climate and the published plans in which each objective is included:
A reduction in UWG’s carbon footprint normalized for space and population.
This is detailed in the Sustainability Plan.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Buildings?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Buildings and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Certifying more buildings under the Georgia Peach program and developing clear guidelines for new and renovated buildings.
This is detailed in the Sustainability Plan.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Energy?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Energy and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Establishing reduced energy usage via newly formulated Energy/Water Management Plan.
This is detailed in the Sustainability Plan.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Food & Dining?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Food & Dining and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The creation of a sustainability policy and the creation of sustainability events.
The creation of sustainability signage.
This is detailed in the Sustainability Plan.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Grounds?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Grounds and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Sustainability language to be included in the new Master Plan.
Achieving an organic program for part of the campus.
This is detailed in the Sustainability Plan.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Purchasing?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Purchasing and the published plans in which each objective is included:
More recycled paper will be purchased.
EPEAT certifed products will be preferred and counted.
This is detailed in the Sustainability Plan.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Transportation?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Transportation and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Increasing bike users and decreasing commuters. A survey will be conducted to assess progress.
This is detailed in the Sustainability Plan.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Waste?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Waste and the published plans in which each objective is included:
A post consumer waste program will be instituted.
Recycling will be increased.
Students will have access to e-recycling.
This is detailed in the Sustainability Plan.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Water?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Water and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Water use per campus user will decrease.
This is detailed in the Sustainability Plan.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Diversity & Affordability?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Diversity & Affordability and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Faculty and staff hires will be actively recruited from minority groups.
This is detailed in the Sustainability Plan.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Investment & Finance?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Investment & Finance and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The University's portfolio will be diversified to include sustainability driven investments.
This is detailed in the Sustainability Plan.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Wellbeing & Work?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Wellbeing & Work and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The plan includes the objective of creating well being counseling and referral programs for faculty and staff.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address other areas (e.g. arts and culture or technology)?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address other areas and the published plans in which each objective is included:
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)? :
The formal statement in support of sustainability:
Guided by its shared values and inspired by its vision, the University of West Georgia will actively fulfill its mission in a manner that is sustainable in terms of social, financial, and
environmental challenges, risks, and opportunities. This approach is consistent with the conventional meaning of sustainable business practice, and takes on additional meaning when applied to the values, vision, and mission of UWG.
The institution’s definition of sustainability (e.g. as included in a published statement or plan):
The value of sustainability is evident in our obligation to maintaining ecological balance in our planning and operations that make possible for future generations the same or better quality of opportunities for success available to present employees and students.h
Is the institution an endorser or signatory of the following?:
| Yes or No | |
| The Earth Charter | --- |
| The Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI) | --- |
| ISCN-GULF Sustainable Campus Charter | --- |
| Second Nature’s Carbon Commitment (formerly known as the ACUPCC), Resilience Commitment, and/or integrated Climate Commitment | --- |
| The Talloires Declaration (TD) | --- |
| UN Global Compact | --- |
| Other multi-dimensional sustainability commitments (please specify below) | --- |
A brief description of the institution’s formal sustainability commitments, including the specific initiatives selected above:
The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
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.