Wentworth Institute of Technology
PA-2: Sustainability Planning
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
Reporter |
Debra
Shepard Sustainability Consultant N/A |
Does the institution have a published plan or plans that include measurable sustainability objectives that address sustainability in curriculum and/or research?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to academics and the plan(s) in which they are published:
Wentworth tracks the number of courses related to or focused on sustainability, faculty and student research initiatives, presentations and publications, as well as the information required within the STARS Academics credits reported to the Princeton Review Green Rating. This information is also included in sustainability filings for the university's Institutional Master Plan, published by the City of Boston.
Does the institution have a published plan or plans that include measurable sustainability objectives that address student, employee, or community engagement for sustainability?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to engagement and the plan(s) in which they are published:
Measurable objectives include planning and tracking events to ensure at least one community-wide activity occurs each semester to engage the campus in sustainability topics. We also plan and track ongoing social media campaigns to broaden engagement. This information is reported within STARS under EN-3 Student Life and is also summarized within IMP filings.
Does the institution have a published plan or plans that include measurable sustainability objectives that address sustainability in operations?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to operations and the plan(s) in which they are published:
Measurable objectives cover a variety of sustainable operations criteria, such as:
-Sustainable design and new construction
-GHG mitigation, energy efficiency, and renewable energy
-Waste and recycling
-Land use including green space, impervious surface area, tree canopy and sustainable landscape practices
-Water consumption
-Purchasing
-Transportation
-Climate resiliency (urban heat island effect, extreme heat, stormwater management)
These objectives and the associated goals, strategies, and metrics are summarized within the Institutional Master Plan.
Does the institution have a published plan or plans that include measurable sustainability objectives that address diversity, equity, and inclusion; sustainable investment/finance; or wellbeing?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to administration and the plan(s) in which they are published:
One of the four focus areas for Wentworth's Strategic Plan is "Inclusive Excellence." The organizational structure, objectives, and programs are managed within the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and overseen by Wentworth's Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. In 2020, Wentworth partnered with HEDS (Higher Education Data Sharing Consortium) to implement a Diversity and Equity Campus Climate Survey. The survey focused on students, faculty, staff, and administrators about their: perceptions of their institution’s climate, perceptions of how their institution supports diversity and equity, and experiences with discrimination and harassment at their institution.
Does the institution have a published strategic plan or equivalent guiding document that includes sustainability at a high level? :
The institution’s highest guiding document (upload):
Website URL where the institution’s highest guiding document is publicly available:
Which of the following best describes the inclusion of sustainability in the highest guiding document?:
The institution's sustainability plan (upload):
Website URL where the institution's sustainability plan is publicly available:
Does the institution have a formal statement in support of sustainability endorsed by its governing body?:
The formal statement in support of sustainability:
The institution’s definition of sustainability:
At Wentworth, our approach to sustainability aspires to improve environmental, social, and economic performance, drawing from the Brundtland Commission’s definition of sustainable development: "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
The Wentworth Creed, which dates back to 1904, echoes this in its principle of Economy, stating, “We seek to use our resources wisely at all times. We accept our obligation to safeguard the earth, its resources, its life, and its energy for the benefit of future generations."
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 |
| Pan-Canadian Protocol for Sustainability | No |
| SDG Accord | No |
| Second Nature’s Carbon Commitment (formerly known as the ACUPCC), Resilience Commitment, and/or integrated Climate Commitment | No |
| The Talloires Declaration (TD) | No |
| UN Global Compact | No |
| Other multi-dimensional sustainability commitments (please specify below) | Yes |
A brief description of the institution’s formal sustainability commitments, including the specific initiatives selected above:
In 2023, Wentworth became the 20th signatory to the Oginakan Charter, an international charter reaffirming the university's commitment to furthering health, well-being, and sustainability. More information can be found here: http://ushpcn.org/okanagan-charter/
Website URL where information about the institution’s sustainability planning 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.