| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 65.89 |
| Liaison | Marian Brown |
| Submission Date | Dec. 13, 2017 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Wells College
PA-2: Sustainability Planning
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
4.00 / 4.00 |
Marian
Brown Director Center for Sustainability and the Environment |
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:
The Wells College Vision Statement and Strategic Plan for 2015-2017, adopted October 24, 2015
Includes these sustainability-related goals/objectives/action items:
1. Focus on Academic Programs
Strategy: Curriculum development
Action Step #5 Integration of campus values into the curriculum (e.g. sustainability)
Strategy: Faculty Support
Action Step #1 Improve and diversity faculty recruitment and retention
2. Improve and Maintain the Condition and Appearance of Campus
Strategy: Develop an overarching facilities plan
Action step #7: Align plan with climate action plan; curricular initiatives and sustainable practice
5. Develop Additional Revenue Streams and Strengthen Regional Economic Activity
Strategy: Use campus resources to benefit the region and increase the College's visibility
Action step #1: Leverage academic centers to generate revenue, partnership and outreach.
b. Center for Sustainability and the Environment
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:
AC-1 Academic Courses
Goal: Enhance student learning about sustainability from a variety of perspectives
Objective 1: Increase # of sustainability-themed and sustainability-related courses
Strategy: Provide resources and support to faculty to incorporate more sustainability content
Timeframe: already begun; on-going
Accountable parties: Center for Sustainability and the Environment; Library;
Strategy: Develop and deliver Finger Lakes Project sustainability curriculum development workshop; incent Wells faculty participation
Timeframe: May 2016 then periodically from then on
Accountable parties: Center for Sustainability and the Environment; participating faculty
Objective 2: Increase enrollment in above courses
Strategy: Work with Registrar to develop method to identify sustainability-related courses in on-line course catalog
Timeframe: Spring 2016
Accountable parties: Center for Sustainability and the Environment; Registrar; Provost’s Office
Strategy: Promote sustainability-related courses during course enrollment periods
Timeframe: already begun; on-going
Accountable parties: Center for Sustainability and the Environment; respective faculty
AC-3 – Undergraduate Program
Goal: Increase student enrollment in sustainability undergraduate program
Objective: Increase the number of declared Sustainability majors, Sustainability minors, Food System minors
Strategy: Participate in all on-campus Admission recruitment events
Timeframe: already begun; on-going
Accountable parties: Center for Sustainability and the Environment; respective faculty
Strategy: Work with Admissions to promote the Sustainability program to students in targeted schools (secondary and community colleges)
Timeframe: already begun; on-going
Accountable parties: Center for Sustainability and the Environment; respective faculty; Admissions
AC-6 – Sustainability Literacy Assessment
Goal: Enhance overall student learning of key sustainability concepts
Objective: Institute pre- and post-testing in all required courses in Sus major and minor, using the same instrument, tracking changes in testing performance between different years and different cohort groups (science, business, social science)
Strategy: Report assessment findings to faculty and work to increase sustainability knowledge content in courses in required courses
Timeframe: implement in Fall 2016
Accountable parties: Center for Sustainability and the Environment; relevant faculty
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:
AC-10 - Support for Research
Goal: Enhance faculty research related to sustainability
Objective: Increase the number of faculty conducting sustainability-related research
Strategy: Solicit internal and external resources for research development
Timeline: already begun and on-going
Accountable parties: Center for Sustainability and the Environment; Office of Advancement; Office of the Provost
Strategy: Solicit internal and external resources for funding for presentation of research at relevant conferences/meetings
Timeline: already begun and on-going
Accountable parties: Center for Sustainability and the Environment; Office of Advancement; Office of the Provost
AC-11 – Access to Research
Goal: Make research products of Wells faculty and students freely available for reference
Objective: Increase the number of student research projects/products available in the Library archives
Strategy: Remind faculty and students making related thesis and internship presentations to submit their work
Timeline: already begun and on-going
Accountable parties: Center for Sustainability and the Environment; relevant faculty and students; Library
Objective: Make faculty research available in an online repository
Strategy: Work with Library staff to develop/subscribe to online, searchable research repository
Timeline: Spring 2016
Accountable parties: Center for Sustainability and the Environment; Library
Strategy: Work with relevant faculty to make their research products available in the research repository
Timeline: Spring 2016 and ongoing thereafter
Accountable parties: Center for Sustainability and the Environment; relevant faculty; Library
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:
EN-6 Employee Educators Program
Goal: Enhance employee engagement in campus sustainability efforts
Objective: Increase employee adoption of sustainable practices
Strategy: Develop and implement Green Office certification program
Timeline: Fall 2016 and ongoing thereafter
Accountable parties: Center for Sustainability and the Environment; interested employees
EN-8 Staff Professional Development
Goal: Enhance employee knowledge about sustainable practices
Objective: Increase number of employees educated about sustainable practices
Strategy: Develop and offer annual sustainability training programs for all staff
Timeline: Fall 2016 and ongoing thereafter
Accountable parties: Center for Sustainability and the Environment; Staff Forum; all employees
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:
EN-12 Community Service
Goal: Increase the amount of community service performed by the Wells campus community
Objective: Increase the number of students engaged in community service activities and the number of hours of community service hours performed by students
Strategy: Devise method(s) and systems for students to report community service hours
Timeline: Spring 2016 and ongoing thereafter
Accountable parties: Student Leadership and Involvement, Athletics, involved students
Objective: Increase the number of employees engaged in community service activities
Strategy: Develop supportive policies to support release time for employee community service
Timeline: Spring 2016
Accountable parties: Human Resources
EN-15 Trademark Licensing
Goal: Increase the amount of “sweat-shop-free” clothing and soft goods sold on campus or purchased for campus use
Strategy: Develop a student internship project in collaboration with the Sullivan Center for Business & Entrepreneurship to study the costs/benefits of participation in the Workers Rights Consortium and/or Fair Labor Association and of participating in WRCs Designated Suppliers Program. The internship would explore costs of possible “sweat-shop-free” products for the Campus Store, Athletics, Student Activities, and any other departments purchasing soft goods for campus use. The internship would research supportive policies/procedures for purchasing certified products.
Timeline: Fall 2016
Accountable parties: Center for Sustainability and the Environment; Sullivan Center for Business and Entrepreneurship; interested student intern; faculty sponsor.
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:
OP-1 Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Goal: Increase emissions reductions to exceed original Climate Action Plan interim target (10% by 2020 relative to 2009 baseline)
Strategy: Adopt a policy to allow voluntary purchase of offsets for employee and student travel
Timeline: Summer 2016
Accountable parties: Center for Sustainability and the Environment; Sustainability Advisory Committee; Cabinet
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:
OP -4 Building Design and Construction
Goal: Enhance high-performance sustainable design standards for new buildings and major renovations in order to reduce energy and water resource use
Strategy: Adopt a policy requiring an acceptable LEED standard for construction/renovation
Timeline: Summer 2016
Accountable parties: Center for Sustainability and the Environment; Sustainability Advisory Committee; Cabinet
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:
OP-8 Building Energy Consumption
Goal: Minimize the negative environmental impacts from heating, lighting and powering campus facilities
Objective: Reduce building electricity consumption
Strategy: Increase the percentage of spaces on campus using LED lighting
Timeline: Fall 2016
Accountable parties: Facilities Maintenance; Chief Financial Officer
Strategy: Increase the percentage of spaces on campus utilizing occupancy/vacancy sensors
Timeline: Fall 2016
Accountable parties: Facilities Maintenance; Chief Financial Officer
Strategy: Adopt an Energy Star certification standard for aquisition of any applicable equipment
Timeline: Fall 2016
Accountable parties: Center for Sustainability and the Environment; Sustainability Advisory Committee
Strategy: Implement a new vending contract requiring energy efficient equipment and utilization of all feasible energy conservation methods
Timeline: Summer 2016
Accountable parties: Center for Sustainability and the Environment; Chief Financial Officer; vending contractor
OP-9 Clean and Renewable Energy
Goal: Minimize the negative environmental impacts from purchased electricity from non-renewable sources
Objective: Increase the amount of purchased electricity derived from renewal sources
Strategy: Investigate establishing a contract for electricity generated from solar power through a Power Purchase Agreement.
Timeline: Fall 2016
Accountable parties: Center for Sustainability and the Environment; Office of Facilities Operations & Services; Chief Financial Officer.
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:
OP-6 Food and Beverage Purchasing
Goal: Reduce the negative environmental impact of food and beverages consumed on campus
Objective: Increase the percentage of sustainable foods and beverages purchased and served
Strategy: Work with the management of Wells Dining and the Grind Café to develop on-going systems to capture spending on sustainable products
Timeline: Spring 2016
Accountable parties: Center for Sustainability and the Environment; Wells Dining; Grind Café management team
Strategy: Develop a student internship project to study the costs/benefits of more sustainable food/beverage procurement and seek alternate sources of supply for more sustainable products.
Timeline: Fall 2016
Accountable parties: Center for Sustainability and the Environment; Wells Dining; Grind Café management team
OP-6 Low Impact Dining
Goal: Reduce the negative environmental impact of food and beverages consumed on campus
Objective: Increase percentage of low-impact animal products
Strategy: Work with Dining and the Grind Café to develop systems to capture expenditures of low-impact products (e.g. vegan foods, Marine Stewardship Council certified seafood, organic meats/dairy/eggs; humanely raised, pasture raised, grass-fed)
Timeline: Fall 2016
Accountable parties: Center for Sustainability and the Environment; Wells Dining; Grind Café management team
Strategy: Develop a student internship project to study the costs/benefits of low-impact animal or food products in food/beverage procurement and seek alternate sources of supply for such products.
Timeline: Fall 2016
Accountable parties: Center for Sustainability and the Environment; Wells Dining; Grind Café management team
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:
OP-10 Landscape Management
Goal: To reduce the negative environmental impacts of traditional landscape practices
Objective: Increase the amount of campus acreage managed under a sustainable landscape master plan.
Strategy: Develop, adopt and implement a sustainable landscape master plan
Timeline: Summer 2016 and ongoing thereafter
Accountable parties: Center for Sustainability and the Environment; Facilities Grounds
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:
OP-12 Electronics Purchasing
Goal: To reduce the negative environmental impact of electronics purchasing
Objective: Increase the percentage of EPEAT-certified electronics (computers, monitors, televisions, printers, thin clients, servers) acquired for campus use
Strategy: Adopt and implement an EPEAT procurement policy
Timeline: Spring 2016 and ongoing thereafter
Accountable parties: Information Technology
Strategy: Identify EPEAT-certified product replacements (especially printers, tablets, televisions)
Timeline: Spring 2016 and ongoing thereafter
Accountable parties: Center for Sustainability and the Environment; Information Technology
OP-13 Cleaning Products Purchasing
Goal: To reduce the negative environmental and human health impacts of janitorial cleaners and paper products
Objective: Increase the percentage of GreenSeal or EcoLogo certified janitorial cleaners and paper products purchased for use on campus
Strategy: Identify alternative cost-effective, effective cleaning products that are GreenSeal or EcoLogo certified
Timeline: Spring 2016 and ongoing thereafter
Accountable parties: Center for Sustainability and the Environment; Facilities Services
OP-14 Office Paper Purchasing
Goal: To reduce the negative environmental impacts of virgin office paper procurement
Objective: In increase the percentage of office papers purchased that contain a minimum of 30% post-consumer recycled content
Strategy: Work with Staples to include relevant paper products on the campus Sustainable Office Products list and promote that list to campus office supply purchasers
Accountable parties: Center for Sustainability and the Environment;
Strategy: Conduct cost/benefit analysis for switching the bulk office use paper purchase to 100% post-consumer recycled content paper
Timeline: Summer 2016
Accountable parties: Center for Sustainability and the Environment; Office of the Provost; Chief Financial Offier
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:
OP-18 Campus Fleet
Goal: To reduce the negative environmental impacts of a conventionally-fueled vehicle fleet
Objective: To increase the percentage of vehicles in the campus fleet that are sustainably powered
Strategy: Develop and adopt a sustainable fleet policy, identifying cost-effective, appropriate vehicles for future replacements
Timeline: Summer 2016
Accountable parties: Center for Sustainability and the Environment; Office of Facilities; Campus Safety
Strategy: Explore cost-effectiveness of conversion of current diesel vehicles to utilize biodiesel
Timeline: Summer 2016
Accountable parties: Center for Sustainability and the Environment; Office of Facilities;
Strategy: Explore the cost-effectiveness of installing EV charging stations
Timeline: Summer 2016
Accountable parties: Center for Sustainability and the Environment; Office of Facilities; Campus Safety
OP-21 Support for Sustainable Transportation
Goal: To reduce the negative environmental impacts of conventional modes of transportation
Objective: To increase use of bicycling as a commuting mode for employees
Strategy: Develop a bike support infrastructure plan and explore external sources of support to provide better infrastructure for bike commuters (bike racks near buildings, bike lockers for commuters)
Timeline: Summer 2016
Accountable parties: Center for Sustainability and the Environment; Student Life; Facilities; Campus Safety; Office of Advancement
Objective: To increase the use carpooling and ridesharing as modes of transportation
Strategy: Develop a Wells College portal for rideshare connections in the Zimride Tompkins system and promote use of the portal to the campus and local community
Timeline: Fall 2016
Accountable parties: Center for Sustainability and the Environment
Objective: To reduce greenhouse gas emissions from daily commuting
Strategy: Develop and adopt telecommuting and condensed work week policies for employees
Timeline: Fall 2016
Accountable parties: Center for Sustainability and the Environment; Human Resources; Cabinet
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:
OP-22 Waste Minimization
Goal: To minimize the amount of waste produced on campus
Objective: To increase percentages of recyclable materials diverted from landfill trash
Strategy: Develop procedures and protocols to capture actual measurements of tonnage of diverted materials
Timeline: Spring 2016 and ongoing thereafter
Accountable parties: Center for Sustainability and the Environment; Facilities
Strategy: Identify alternative streams for disposal of materials (e.g. furniture, mattresses)
Timeline: Spring 2016 and ongoing thereafter
Accountable parties: Center for Sustainability and the Environment; Facilities
Objective: Increase the percentage of organic food waste diverted from landfill trash
Strategy: Develop a food waste composting program
Timeline: Summer 2016 and ongoing thereafter
Accountable parties: Center for Sustainability and the Environment; Facilities; Wells Dining
OP-24 Construction and Demolition Waste Diversion
Goal: To minimize the negative impacts of C&D disposal on campus
Objective: To reduce the amount of C&D waste collected
Strategy: Develop language to be incorporated in construction/renovation contracts to require proper C&D separation and disposal as a contractor responsibility
Timeline: Summer 2016 and ongoing thereafter
Accountable parties: Center for Sustainability and the Environment; Facilities;
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:
OP-26 Water Use
Goal: To reduce the amount of water used on campus
Objective: Track data about building level water use.
Strategy: Upload data that exists for existing water meters into Portfolio Manager
Timeline: Spring 2016 and ongoing thereafter
Accountable parties: Center for Sustainability and the Environment; Facilities;
Strategy: Identify opportunities for and seek external funding to install water meters on all campus buildings
Timeline: Summer 2016 and ongoing thereafter
Accountable parties: Center for Sustainability and the Environment; Facilities; Office of Advancement
Strategy: Identify opportunities for and seek external funding to increase integration of water conserving fixtures
Timeline: Summer 2016 and ongoing thereafter
Accountable parties: Center for Sustainability and the Environment; Facilities; Office of Advancement
Strategy: Adopt procurement standards and construction/renovation contract language specifying WaterSense certified fixtures and integration of maximum water conserving technologies
Timeline: Summer 2016
Accountable parties: Center for Sustainability and the Environment; Facilities;
OP-27 Rainwater Management
Goal: To replacement use of potable, treated water with rainwater where feasible
Objective: To increase the number of ‘green infrastructure’ practices employed on campus
Strategy: Identify opportunities for and seek external funding to integrate “green infrastructure” (rain barrels, rainwater harvesting systems, vegetated roofing, rain gardens, using retention/detention water for irrigation instead of potable water, permeable paving)
Timeline: Summer 2016 and ongoing thereafter
Accountable parties: Center for Sustainability and the Environment; Facilities; Office of Advancement
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:
PA-7 Support for Future Faculty Diversity
Goal: To further enhance understanding of diversity within the Wells College community
Objective: To increase the percentage of faculty self-reporting as from an underrepresented group
Strategy: Develop and seek external funding support for a faculty fellowship program to support promising scholars committed to diversity in the academy in order to better prepare them for tenure track appointments within liberal arts institutions. Fellows will deliver courses related to their doctoral studies that additionally embed diversity considerations.
Timeline: Fall 2016 and thereafter
Accountable parties: Office of the Provost; Office of Advancement
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:
PA-13 Committee on Investor Responsibility
Goal: The College employs an investment strategy that reflects the ethics of the Wells campus community and considers both financial return and social good.
Objective: Adopt a sustainable investment policy
Strategy: Establish a subcommittee of the Sustainability Advisory Committee to conduct research into sustainable investment policies and practices; develop and recommend a sustainable investment policy to the Board of Trustees for approval.
Timeline: Fall 2016
Accountable parties: Center for Sustainability and the Environment; Sustainability Advisory Committee
PA-14 Sustainable Investment
Goal: The College employs an investment strategy that reflects the ethics of the Wells campus community and considers both financial return and social good.
Objective: Increase the percentage of investments in the College’s endowment investment portfolio that meet the criteria for sustainable investments.
Strategy: Develop criteria/screens for investment fund managers to follow to reduce College exposure to unsustainable investments; monitor adherence to policy and track financial performance.
Timeline: Spring 2017
Accountable parties: Chief Financial Officer; investment fund managers
PA-15 Investment Disclosure
Goal: The College’s sustainable investment policy and practices are transparent and the impacts communicated to the campus community.
Objective: Increase the amount of regular reporting on college investments to the college community.
Strategy: Create a filing/reporting system by which college investment records are accessible to interested members of the campus community.
Timeline: Spring 2017
Accountable parties: Chief Financial Officer; investment fund managers
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:
PA-9 Employee Compensation
Goal: All College employees should earn at least the minimum income necessary to meet their basic needs given the local cost of living.
Objective: Assure that all college employees earn at least a “living wage”.
Strategy: Develop and implement a locally appropriate “living wage” standard for campus employment.
Timeline: Summer 2016 and thereafter
Accountable parties: Center for Sustainability and the Environment; Human Resources
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:
The Technology Advisory Plan includes Theme 4: IT Infrastructure Sustainability.
Goal 1: Establish Sustainable Life Cycle Rotation of Technology on Campus
Objective 3: Implement Green Purchasing Policies.
In furtherance of this policy goal and objective, the IT department developed its own IT Procurement policy which has been appended to the college's Sustainable Procurement Policy.
IT Theme 4 : IT Infrastructure Sustainability
Goal 2L Develop a plan for continued support and enhancemen to all systems at Wells College.
Obkective 5: Continue to improve and simplify printing for all areas of campus. Strive for more cost-effective pringing on campus to reduce both cost and volume printed.
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:
The institution’s definition of sustainability (e.g. as included in a published statement or plan):
Sustainability is a decision-making framework for continuous improvement that mindfully considers the human, environmental, and economic impacts of choices.
Is the institution an endorser or signatory of the following?:
| Yes or No | |
| The Earth Charter | No |
| The Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI) | No |
| ISCN-GULF Sustainable Campus Charter | No |
| Second Nature’s Carbon Commitment (formerly known as the ACUPCC), Resilience Commitment, and/or integrated Climate Commitment | Yes |
| The Talloires Declaration (TD) | No |
| UN Global Compact | No |
| 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.