Valparaiso University
EN-14: Participation in Public Policy
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
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Reporter |
Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the municipal/local level?:
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the municipal/local level:
The Sustainability Initiative at Valparaiso University is advocating a single-use plastics reduction and a more advanced recycling drive that spans both campus and community outlets. Its drive to increase its solar sources have impacted the local City of Valparaiso government, which is installing solar on 6 of its municipal buildings. Additionally, local NFP "Project Neighbors" has adopted a new policy of installing solar on every new housing structure it builds - with the assistance of VU faculty on its governing board and many VU students participating in the installation efforts.
Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the state/provincial/regional level?:
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the state/provincial/regional level:
VU is currently working with DriveClean Indiana to aid in its desire to electrify its campus fleet and install EV charging stations. Through the local nonprofit INvest, VU is helping to identify cleaner air and water standards regionally.
Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the national level?:
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the national level:
VU's international Journal of Values-Based Leadership - published twice a year - regularly highlights clean energy needs and practices through many of its articles, editorials, and interviews. Additionally, research is being conducted concerning the use of compost collected at regional businesses and ultimately diverted to the national airline industry. Additionally, faculty research is completing a national roadmap, indicating the best locales in the US for the most applicable installations of renewable energy. A full report on hydroelectricity, in particular, is expected to be submitted to the DOT by the end of summer, 2023. In addition, VU's MBA program was named the "5th Greenest" in the country by the Princeton Review.
Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the international level?:
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the international level:
VU's international Journal of Values-Based Leadership - published twice a year - regularly highlights clean energy needs and practices through many of its articles, editorials, and interviews. Additionally, research is being conducted concerning the use of compost collected at regional businesses and ultimately diverted to the national airline industry. Additionally, faculty research is completing a national roadmap, indicating the best locales in the US for the most applicable installations of renewable energy. A full report on hydroelectricity, in particular, is expected to be submitted to the DOT by the end of summer, 2023.
A brief description of other political positions the institution has taken during the previous three years (if applicable):
While not necessarily assuming a political position on an institutional basis, in May of 2022, an interview was conducted with Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur in part regarding the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and how VU might be able to partner (https://scholar.valpo.edu/jvbl/vol15/iss2/10/)
A brief description of political donations the institution made during the previous three years (if applicable):
Website URL where information about the institution’s sustainability advocacy efforts 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.