Overall Rating Silver - expired
Overall Score 56.91
Liaison Natalie Hayes
Submission Date July 9, 2014
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.0

Bentley University
PA-2: Sustainability Planning

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 3.33 / 4.00 Natalie Hayes
Associate Director of Sustainability
Office of Sustainability
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

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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 No
+ Date Revised: Aug. 20, 2014
+ Date Revised: Aug. 26, 2014
No
+ Date Revised: Aug. 20, 2014
Research (or other scholarship) No
+ Date Revised: Aug. 20, 2014
No
Campus Engagement Yes
+ Date Revised: Aug. 20, 2014
Yes
Public Engagement No No
Air and Climate Yes
+ Date Revised: Aug. 20, 2014
Yes
Buildings Yes
+ Date Revised: Aug. 20, 2014
Yes
Dining Services/Food Yes
+ Date Revised: Aug. 20, 2014
Yes
Energy Yes
+ Date Revised: Aug. 20, 2014
Yes
Grounds Yes
+ Date Revised: Aug. 20, 2014
Yes
Purchasing Yes
+ Date Revised: Aug. 20, 2014
Yes
+ Date Revised: Aug. 20, 2014
Transportation Yes
+ Date Revised: Aug. 20, 2014
Yes
Waste Yes
+ Date Revised: Aug. 20, 2014
Yes
Water Yes
+ Date Revised: Aug. 20, 2014
Yes
Diversity and Affordability --- ---
Health, Wellbeing and Work --- ---
Investment No No
Other --- ---

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A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Curriculum:
n/a
+ Date Revised: Aug. 20, 2014

None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Curriculum plan(s):
n/a
+ Date Revised: Aug. 20, 2014

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Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Curriculum plan(s):
Natural and Applied Sciences

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A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Research (or other scholarship):
The Valente Center is currently working to increase sustainability research on campus by searching for applicable grants and engaging faculty outside of Natural and Applied Sciences to increase sustainability research.

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

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Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Research plan(s):
The Valente Center.

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A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Campus Engagement around sustainability:
The 2010 Climate Action Plan written for our ACUPCC commitment lays out goals for engagement of the entire campus community (p.23-25). The Office of Sustainability has spent the last three years tackling short and medium-term sustainability engagement goals (outlined below). Climate Action plan can be found here: http://rs.acupcc.org/site_media/uploads/cap/447-cap.pdf
+ Date Revised: Aug. 20, 2014

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The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Campus Engagement plan:
From 2010 Climate Action Plan Short Term Goals (0-1 years) Develop an institutional sustainability policy - COMPLETE Involved students in sustainability via creation of student groups to foster peer-to-peer sustainability education - COMPLETE Develop a visible and dynamic website - COMPLETE Intermediate Term Goals (1-5 years) Develop communication with alumni about sustainability - 50% complete Develop energy competition for administrative buildings - 10% complete Long Term Goals (5-10 years) Achieve a change in campus behaviors toward the environment with ongoing methods to educate the community on reducing individual and collective environmental footprints. Become a leader in higher education with a recognized program on which other campuses model their sustainability programs. - 50% complete

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

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

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

None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Public Engagement plan(s):
N/A

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A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Air and Climate:
The 2010 Climate Action Plan outlines goals and strategies to achieve greenhouse gas emission reductions campus-wide (P. 1-2). This has been a top priority for the Office of Sustainability since its inception in 2009. The Climate Action Plan outlines its GHG reduction plans via three strategies: (1) Continue with energy efficiency projects (high efficiency mechanical equipment change-outs, high-efficiency lighting upgrades, new roof, insulation and window projects) including the expansion and proper use of a campus-wide energy management system. (2) Pursue an aggressive campus-wide building retro-commissioning project (3) Purchase off-site wind power via green-e certified renewable energy certificates. Energy efficiency and EMS project goals are outlined in the "energy measurable objectives" section. Climate Action plan can be found here: http://rs.acupcc.org/site_media/uploads/cap/447-cap.pdf
+ Date Revised: Aug. 20, 2014

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The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Air and Climate plan(s):
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Air and Climate plan(s): Per the 2010 Climate Action Plan, Bentley is committed to the following GHG reduction targets: 50% by 2015 - on track to achieve this goal 70% by 2020 100% by 2030
+ Date Revised: Aug. 20, 2014

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Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Air and Climate plan(s):
Office of Sustainability, Facilities Management

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A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Buildings:
The 2010 Climate Action Plan outlines several objectives for sustainability in buildings (p.71-74): (1) Provide the university with a well-maintained campus infrastructure, creating a living and working environment that is functional, safe, and comfortable. (2) Create a sustainable campus where the built environment helps reduce the University’s carbon and ecological footprints. Climate Action plan can be found here: http://rs.acupcc.org/site_media/uploads/cap/447-cap.pdf
+ Date Revised: Aug. 20, 2014

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The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Buildings plan(s):
Short Term Goals (1-5 years) Increase use of sustainable carpeting - 75% complete Develop a sustainable purchasing policy for building renovations - not yet started Develop a written green cleaning policy - COMPLETE Develop a written construction waste policy - COMPLETE Install hand dryers in high-use bathrooms - 50% complete Intermediate Term Goals (1-5 years) Attain LEED Existing Building Certification for 6 buildings - not yet started Long Term Goals (5-10 years) Attain LEED Existing Building certification for 10 buildings - not yet started Install green roofs on flat-roofed buildings - not yet started

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Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Buildings plan(s):
Office of Sustainability, Facilities Management

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A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Dining Services/Food:
The 2010 Climate Action plan outlines the plan to advance sustainability within Dining Services on campus (p.56-59). Bentley contracts with Sodexo for dining services across campus. Sodexo aims to be "the benchmark for sustainability, health and wellness, and community development." Goals: to increase sustainability in dining services including: increasing recycling in dining and kitchen areas, creating a compost program, upgrading kitchen equipment to higher-efficiency models, purchasing local and organic foods, educating faculty, staff and students about green dining initiatives (including labeling local/organic food), and banning Styrofoam container use. These goals are outlined in our 2010 Climate Action plan which can be found here: http://rs.acupcc.org/site_media/uploads/cap/447-cap.pdf
+ Date Revised: Aug. 20, 2014

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The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Dining Services/Food plan(s):
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Dining Services/Food plan(s): Short Term (0-1 years) Purchase sustainable seafood - COMPLETE Bulk condiments - 50% complete Increase signage and education - COMPLETE Intermediate Term (1-5 years) Reduce/replace take-out containers - 50% complete Offer fair trade and/or organic coffee - COMPLETE Ban sale of single-use bottles of water - not yet started Provide more locally-sources and organic products - 30% complete Ban use of Styrofoam from campus dining and take-out areas - COMPLETE Long Term (5-10 years) Purchase energy-efficient equipment - 30% complete Increase fleet efficiency - not yet started
+ Date Revised: Aug. 20, 2014

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

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A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Energy:
An effective energy management and conservation strategy is an integral component of the 2010 Climate Action Plan (p. 63-70), as decreasing or eliminating energy consumption is the most direct method of reducing Bentley’s carbon footprint. It is Bentley's goal to improve the efficiency of existing building utility systems by upgrading to the newest technology, while adopting conservation measures such as metering and incentives for better energy performance. The Climate Action plan can be found here: http://rs.acupcc.org/site_media/uploads/cap/447-cap.pdf
+ Date Revised: Aug. 20, 2014

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The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Energy plan(s):
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Energy plan(s): Short Term Goals (0-1 years) Develop a temperature policy - COMPLETE Increase building occupancy scheduling - COMPLETE Create hot water demand-control strategy - 20% complete Create chiller demand-control strategy - 20% complete Assess building energy performance and apply for Energy STAR ratings - COMPLETE Medium Term Goals (1-5 years) Install demand-control HVAC - 20% complete Install instantaneous hot water units in Residence Director Apts - 80% complete Long Term Goals (5-10 years) Systematically implement campus-wide energy management system - 90% complete Eliminate use of heating oil on campus - not yet started
+ Date Revised: Aug. 20, 2014

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Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Energy plan(s):
Facilities Management, Office of Sustainability

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A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Grounds:
The 2010 Climate Action plan outlines measureable goals for the landscaping on campus (p. 28-30) Goals: Bentley Grounds Management has embarked on a long-term landscape renovation plan with a goal of creating a university landscape that is both attractive and sustainable. Climate Action plan can be found here: http://rs.acupcc.org/site_media/uploads/cap/447-cap.pdf
+ Date Revised: Aug. 20, 2014

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The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Grounds plan(s):
Short Term – Recycle bedding trays and Plant Containers from Annuals Keep Leaf Litter in Place in Natural Planting Areas Intermediate – Low Maintenance Native Plantings Identify Areas of the Campus for Tree Planting Develop a Food Waste Composting Program Rainwater Collection Systems Long Term – Rainwater Collection Systems. Grey Water Collection Systems

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Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Grounds plan(s):
Facilities Management, Office of Sustainability

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A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Purchasing:
Bentley University is committed to reducing the environmental impact of the institution by identifying and implementing sustainable purchasing initiatives and effective contract management for purchased services. Bentley will integrate environmental, economic, social and ethical considerations into the procurement process and with all managed service providers. These and other measureable goals are outlined in the 2010 Climate Action Plan (p. 50-52) Climate Action plan can be found here: http://rs.acupcc.org/site_media/uploads/cap/447-cap.pdf
+ Date Revised: Aug. 20, 2014

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The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Purchasing plan(s):
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Purchasing plan(s): Short Term (0-1 year) Educate University Employees of Policies and Best Practices Initiate "Cradle-to-Grave" Purchasing Review existing contracts and amend to incorporate the use of sustainable products and services where it is possible and economically feasible Intermediate Term (1-5 years) Develop strategies to identify and maintain a policy for the acquisition of sustainable goods and services and environmentally preferred products (EPPs). Leverage existing vendor and supplier partnerships in creating awareness of Bentley’s desire to purchase sustainable goods and services, and identify methods of integrating these good and services. Long Term (5-10 years) Green Procurement Policy - explore new vendors and opportunities for sustainable goods and services, and educate these vendors them about the University’s sustainable objectives and goals.
+ Date Revised: Aug. 20, 2014

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Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Purchasing plan(s):
Office of Sustainability, Purchasing, Administrative and Campus Services

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A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Transportation:
The 2010 Climate Action plan outlines goals for the reduction of vehicle miles traveled caused by University Business (p. 39-43). It is also the vision of the university to be a pedestrian-friendly campus with better community health and interaction due to incentives to seek alternative forms transportation (walking, biking, and public transportation) and decreased personal vehicle use. Climate Action plan can be found here: http://rs.acupcc.org/site_media/uploads/cap/447-cap.pdf
+ Date Revised: Aug. 20, 2014

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The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Transportation plan(s):
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Transportation plan(s): Short Term (0-1 year) Develop and Enforce a “No Idling” Policy - 50% complete Advertise Biodiesel Shuttles - not started Improve Communication of Free Shuttle Schedules and Stops - COMPLETE Collect Data on Intra-Campus Driving - COMPLETE Intermediate Term (1 - 5 years) Analyze and Revise Campus Shuttle Schedule - COMPLETE Conduct a Campus Community Session to Brainstorm Methods to Reduce Intra-Campus Driving - deemed unnecessary, objective dropped Examine the Feasibility of Restricting Student Parking - 50% complete Create Preferred Parking for Low-Emission and Hybrid Vehicles - not started Implement Ride Sharing - COMPLETE Change All University-Owned Vehicles and Equipment to Biodiesel - not started Long Term (5-10 years) Examine the Feasibility of Parking Fees - 30% complete Extend the “No Cars on Campus” Policy - not started Subsidize MBTA Passes - 30% complete
+ Date Revised: Aug. 20, 2014

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Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Transportation plan(s):
Facilities Management, Office of Sustainability, Campus Police, Human Resources, Mass DEP

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A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Waste:
Bentley University is committed to a continuing effort to reduce campus waste. The mission of the recycling and waste management program is to raise the environmental consciousness of the Bentley University community by achieving waste reduction and increased recycling on campus. The vision of this program is to promote material reuse and recycling and prevent waste generation. This pertains to solid waste, hazardous waste, toxics, and emissions to air, water, and/or soil. The measureable goals related to these initatives are outlined in the 2010 Climate action plan ( p.33-37) Climate Action plan can be found here: http://rs.acupcc.org/site_media/uploads/cap/447-cap.pdf
+ Date Revised: Aug. 20, 2014

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The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Waste plan(s):
Bentley University is committed to a continuing effort to reduce campus waste. The mission of the recycling and waste management program is to raise the environmental consciousness of the Bentley University community by achieving waste reduction and increased recycling on campus. The vision of this program is to promote material reuse and recycling and prevent waste generation. This pertains to solid waste, hazardous waste, toxics, and emissions to air, water, and/or soil. The measureable goals related to these initatives are outlined in the 2010 Climate action plan ( p.33-37) Climate Action plan can be found here: http://rs.acupcc.org/site_media/uploads/cap/447-cap.pdf The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Waste plan(s): Short Term (0-1 years) Increase Transparency and Education about Recycling - COMPLETE Train Custodial Team on Recycling Policy and Procedures - COMPLETE Increase Number and Location of Recycling Receptacles - COMPLETE Increase Collection Types (batteries, cell phones, etc) - COMPLETE Develop a Visible Recycling Component of the Sustainability Website - COMPLETE Intermediate Term (1-5 years) Donation Stations – Move Out Day - COMPLETE Focus Campus Community on Reduce and Reuse - COMPLETE Increase Metrics Tracked - COMPLETE Create a compost program - COMPLETE Long Term (5-10 years) Achieve Zero Waste Goal - 35% complete
+ Date Revised: Aug. 20, 2014

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Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Waste plan(s):
Office of Sustainability, Facilities Management

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A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Water:
The university has outlined a number of water conservation strategies. In the 2010 Climate Action plan these goals are related to landscaping (p. 29-30), Dining services (p. 58) and buildings (p.66-68) Climate Action plan can be found here: http://rs.acupcc.org/site_media/uploads/cap/447-cap.pdf
+ Date Revised: Aug. 20, 2014

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The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Water plan(s):
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Water plan(s): Short Term (0-1 Years) Water Fixture Upgrades Intermediate Term (1-5 Years) Upgrade Rain Bird to limit unnecessary watering Ban the sale of single-use bottles of water Add Instantaneous Hot water units to Residence Life Staff Apartments Install submetering for water on all campus buildings Long Term (5-10 Years) Upgrade all bathrooms to dual flush toilets, low flow shower heads and faucets
+ Date Revised: Aug. 20, 2014

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Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Water plan(s):
Facilities Management, Office of Sustainability

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A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Diversity and Affordability:
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The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Diversity and Affordability plan(s):
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Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Diversity and Affordability plan(s):
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A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Health, Wellbeing and Work:
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The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Health, Wellbeing and Work plan(s):
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Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Health, Wellbeing and Work plan(s):
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A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Investment:
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The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Investment plan(s):
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Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Investment plan(s):
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A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in other areas:
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The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the other plan(s):
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Accountable parties, offices or departments for the other plan(s):
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The institution’s definition of sustainability:
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Does the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document include sustainability at a high level?:
Yes

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