| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 72.56 |
| Liaison | Natalie Hayes |
| Submission Date | June 22, 2017 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Bentley University
PA-2: Sustainability Planning
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
4.00 / 4.00 |
Natalie
Hayes Associate Director of Sustainability Office of Sustainability |
"---"
indicates that no data was submitted for this field
None
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 | No |
| Research (or other scholarship) | Yes | Yes |
| Campus Engagement | Yes | Yes |
| Public Engagement | No | No |
| Air and Climate | Yes | Yes |
| Buildings | Yes | Yes |
| Dining Services/Food | Yes | Yes |
| Energy | Yes | Yes |
| Grounds | Yes | Yes |
| Purchasing | Yes | Yes |
| Transportation | Yes | Yes |
| Waste | Yes | Yes |
| Water | Yes | Yes |
| Diversity and Affordability | Yes | Yes |
| Health, Wellbeing and Work | --- | --- |
| Investment | No | No |
| Other | --- | --- |
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Curriculum:
The university's 2020 Sustainability Plan states: Increase sustainability teaching across Bentley's curricula.
The university has incorporated a plenary session on sustainability in the First Year Seminar required curriculum. The sustainability plenary session covers environmental and social issues in the context of the students' lives both during and after college. In addition. courses covering sustainability topics are taught in 95% of Bentley's undergraduate academic departments (16 out of 17 departments). The university should continue to press forward to advance the sustainability teaching in the curriculum via the following strategies: (listed below)
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Curriculum plan(s):
Continue to teach the sustainability plenary session in the First Year Seminar class each fall semester. Ongoing.
Office of Sustainability personnel will meet with a minimum of three academic departments per academic year to discuss opportunities to collaborate on teaching sustainability in various classes and/or modules. The Office of Sustainability will provide support in the following ways:
- Collaboration/support for teaching course topics and/or modules on sustainability topics
- Collaboration on student and faculty research project topics.
- Provision of data sets related to Bentley’s resource use (water, energy, recycling/compost/trash, transportation/commuting).
- Guest lectures on sustainability topics as they pertain to various courses.
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Curriculum plan(s):
Office of Sustainability
Academic Advising
Academic Affairs
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Research (or other scholarship):
The university's 2017 - 2019 Strategic Plan states:
Goal 3: RESEARCH
Multi-disciplinary research - support the ongoing establishment and development of multi-disciplinary research networks to capitalize and expand on our strengths.
Working towards the above-stated goal. The Valente Center at Bentley University is currently working to increase sustainability research on campus by searching for applicable grants and engaging faculty outside of Natural and Applied Sciences to pursue research on sustainability topics.
The Bentley Research Council coordinates a research colloquium each year two out of the last three years have covered topics of sustainability as a means to encourage a showcase of interdisciplinary research. Faculty from almost all departments on campus presented information on sustainability research topics in various disciplines.
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Research plan(s):
The university aims to achieve further development of sustainability research by the end of the 2019 fiscal year.
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Research plan(s):
The Valente Center for Arts & Sciences
The Bentley University Research Council
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Campus Engagement around sustainability:
The university's 2020 Sustainability Plan states: Increase student engagement in sustainability on campus through the following strategies:
1) Increase social media presence across all viable outlets (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and possibly SnapChat)
2) Re-configure Office of Sustainability website for easier navigation and simpler communication
3) Work directly with Students for Sustainable Business Executive Board to develop a student recruitment and retention strategy. Aide E-Board in development of semester projects and goals and meeting organization in order to retain student members.
4) Partner and collaborate with other university offices and faculty departments to increase reach of marketing for Sustainability Film Series. Engage faculty on film topics in order to align with teaching topics each semester.
5) Re-imagine partnership with Office of Career Services to increase student exposure to sustainability careers and fine-tune career counseling efforts. Expand membership of Global Sustainability Advisory Board to include sustainable investment professionals.
6) Collaborate with finance faculty to develop sustainable investment courses to better prepare students for work in this field.
Increase Faculty and Staff Engagement in Sustainability on Campus
1) Continue to market Faculty and Staff Eco-Rep program at all new hire orientation meetings. Consider sending an email to chairs of departments that are not represented in Eco-Reps to solicit a liaison.
2) Use relationship management matrix to continue to develop relationships across campus departments and offices. Increase collaboration with new partners.
4) Brainstorm best methods of outreach to faculty and staff about events by holding focus groups about engagement and communication with faculty and staff members.
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Campus Engagement plan:
Increase student engagement in sustainability on campus by 2020
Measured by:
Number of unique Bentley student followers on social media outlets (tracked by the Office of Sustainability)
Number of students in student groups (tracked by the Office of Sustainability)
Number of students attending film series (tracked by the Office of Sustainability)
Earth Environment and Global Sustainability/Sustainability Major enrollment (tracked by the Natural and Applied Sciences Dept.)
Number of students pursuing sustainability careers (data provided by the Office of Career Services)
Increase faculty and staff engagement in sustainability on campus by 2020
Measured by:
Number of unique Bentley faculty and staff followers on social media outlets (tracked by the Office of Sustainability)
Number of faculty and staff in Eco-Rep program (tracked by the Office of Sustainability)
Number of people and/or departments collaborate with on events/projects (tracked by the Office of Sustainability)
Number of faculty and staff attending events (tracked by the Office of Sustainability)
Strategies included in box above.
Time frame: by the end of 2020
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Campus Engagement plan(s):
Office of Sustainability
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Public Engagement around sustainability:
N/A
None
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
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Air and Climate:
The university's 2020 Sustainability Plan states: Achieve a 70% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions via the following strategies:
1) Revive CAP committee via new President's Carbon Footprint Reduction Task Force. Recruit faculty, staff and student membership - by December 31, 2017.
2) Establish a Green Revolving Loan Fund to finance energy efficiency projects aimed at reducing the university's energy use and annual energy expenses. - by December 31, 2017.
3) Partner with electric and natural gas utilities to develop a strategic energy management/efficiency plan for the university. (a) Coordinate a campus-wide lighting audit. (b) Use lighting audit results and First Fuel data to identify 3-5 buildings for energy efficiency audits. (c) Use findings from all audits to develop a prioritized strategy three-year energy management/efficiency plan. (d) Provide Green Revolving Loan Fund committee with energy efficiency plan in order to select and prioritize projects for funding. - by November 1, 2017
4) Pursue onsite renewable energy projects including but not limited to: solar and ground-sourced heat pump installations. (a) coordinate ground-sourced heat pump study with the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center as a means to secure resources and incentives. - By December 31, 2018
5) Explore battery storage options for campus - By December 31, 2019
6) Purchase off-site wind power via green-e certified renewable energy certificates - ongoing
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Air and Climate plan(s):
The university's 2020 Sustainability Plan (and the previous 2010 Climate Action Plan) state:
Bentley is committed to the following greenhouse gas reduction targets:
50% by 2015 - Achieved
70% by 2020 - 2020 Sustainability Strategic Goal
100% by 2030
Strategies to achieve the 2020 goal are listed in the box above.
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Air and Climate plan(s):
Office of Sustainability
Facilities Management
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Buildings:
The university's 2020 Sustainability Plan states: Increase green building construction and renovation on campus.
1) All new buildings constructed on Bentley's campus must meet a minimum of LEED-Silver certification.
2) All existing buildings should be maintained and retrofit/renovated as a means to increase sustainability in the building stock via (a) energy efficiency upgrades (b) low-flow/high efficiency water fixture upgrades, (c) ongoing assessment of recycling/trash/compost collection in buildings, (d) ongoing use of university's green cleaning protocol.
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Buildings plan(s):
1) Achieve a minimum LEED-Silver certification for Bentley's new multipurpose arena - by December 1, 2018.
2) The Office of Sustainability and Capital Projects team must establish ongoing coordination for all building renovation and retrofit projects to ensure sustainable design. Meetings should occur quarterly. - ongoing.
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Buildings plan(s):
Office of Sustainability
Facilities Management
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Dining Services/Food:
The university's 2020 Sustainability Plan states: Increase the percentage of locally sourced and third-party verified produce, fruit and other food items supplied in campus dining and retail outlets. Increase sustainable catering options on campus as a means to decrease waste and increase locally sourced food options.
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Dining Services/Food plan(s):
The Office of Sustainability has worked with Bentley's Purchasing and Administration Office to establish the following sustainable dining goals for Sodexo, the university's dining services provider:
1) Use of local and regional suppliers
a) Achieve minimum of 20% food purchases from local/reg sources (within 250 miles of university) and/or third-party verified products.
Third party verified products include the following labels (but specifics will be discussed with Dining Services):
-Marine Stewardship Council Blue Ecolabel
-Rainforest Alliance Certified
-USDA Certified Organic
-Fair Trade (Fair Trade USA)
-American Humane Certified
-Certified Humane Raised and Handled (Humane Animal Farm Care)
-Animal Welfare Approved
b) Provide purchasing report including expense to Office of Sustainability monthly.
2) Food Donations
a) Donate surplus unused prepared food to charity
b) Documentation of Sodexo's regular methods and practices for donating foods
c) Provide monthly report to Office of Sustainability on prior month's donations, dates, descriptions and receiving organizations
3) Continue good work with compost/recycling program
a) Use compostable bags in compost totes
b) Reach out to Office of Sustainability for trouble-shooting and retraining as needed.
4) Improve sustainability in catering operations
a) Decouple water from soda/juice catering orders
b) Default to tap water in pitchers, such that customers must actively order bottled water (include a pop-up box on bottled water that indicates the cost and environmental savings of tap water)
c) Include pop-up boxes or check boxes in online ordering system for customers to make their order “sustainable." Sustainable orders could automatically include reusable plates, silverware and cups/glasses rather than single-use paper/plastic.
Sodexo will commence efforts on achieving above-listed strategies during the fall 2017 semester. The Office of Sustainability will audit Sodexo's progress monthly and report to the Purchasing and Administration Office. The three parties will reconvene at the conclusion of the fall 2017 semester to discuss progress.
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Dining Services/Food plan(s):
Sodexo
Office of Sustainability
Purchasing and Administration Office.
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Energy:
The university's 2020 Sustainability Plan states: An effective energy management and conservation strategy is an integral component of the achieving the university's 2020 greenhouse gas reduction goal.
It is the university's goal to improve the efficiency of existing building utility systems by upgrading to the newest technology, while adopting conservation measures such as sub-metering and incentives for better energy performance.
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Energy plan(s):
Partner with electric and natural gas utilities to develop a strategic energy management/efficiency plan for the university by November 1, 2017. Steps include:
(a) Coordinating a campus-wide lighting audit.
(b) Using the lighting audit results and First Fuel data to identify 3-5 buildings for whole-building, energy efficiency audits.
(c) Use findings from all audits to develop a prioritized strategy three-year energy management/efficiency plan.
Develop a green revolving loan fund to fund energy efficiency projects.
(a) Establish fund with donation and university matched funds by December 31, 2017.
(b)Create a working group to establish the fund's charter and operating principles by October 31, 2017.
(c) Set up formal education sessions for University Advancement and Financial Operations team by October 15, 2017
(d) Transfer members of working group in Green Revolving Fund Committee which will oversee ongoing funding of projects and ROI tracking by January 31, 2017.
(e) Launch fund and pursue first several projects by March 31, 2017
Track all energy efficiency projects in Green Revolving Investment Tracking System (GRITS) with the goal of more clear communication on the investments and outcomes of energy efficiency projects -ongoing.
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Energy plan(s):
Office of Sustainability
Facilities Management
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Grounds:
The university's 2020 Sustainability Plan states: Bentley is dedicated to creating a university landscape that is both attractive and sustainable. Opportunities to increase the sustainability of our grounds operation include reducing irrigation, increasing natural planting areas on campus and joining the Arbor Day Foundation's Tree Campus USA program.
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Grounds plan(s):
Pursue upgrades to the university's irrigation system to reduce water use, by December 31, 2018.
Develop a tree planting and replacement policy by December 31, 2018.
Join Tree Campus USA by December 31, 2018.
Increase the number of natural planting areas on campus - ongoing.
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Grounds plan(s):
Facilities Management
Office of Sustainability
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Purchasing:
The university's 2020 Sustainability Plan states: 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.
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Purchasing plan(s):
Develop strategies to identify and maintain a policy for the acquisition of sustainable goods and services and environmentally preferred products (EPPs), by December 31, 2019.
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, by December 31, 2019.
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, by December 31, 2021.
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Purchasing plan(s):
Office of Sustainability
Purchasing, Administrative and Campus Services
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Transportation:
The university's 2020 Sustainability Plan states: Achieve a 5% reduction in drive alone commute trips.
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Transportation plan(s):
Examine the feasibility of levying parking fees for faculty and staff, by December 31, 2018.
Hold 1-2 bike safety workshops per year to promote bike commuting. (ongoing)
Continue partnership with MassRIDES to promote use of the NuRide carpooling application. (ongoing)
Hold 2-3 MassRIDES/NuRide tabling events per year to increase participation in carpooling application. (ongoing)
Convene Transportation Task Force to evaluate management of the university's shuttle system and routes by December 31, 2017.
Organize "Alternative Commuting Week" to educate faculty, staff and students about walking, biking and taking public transportation to get to Bentley. By September 31, 2017.
Drive alone commute trips and low/no-carbon commute trips are measured each year via the Office of Sustainability's annual Transportation Survey.
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Transportation plan(s):
Office of Sustainability
Facilities Management
Campus Police
Human Resources
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Waste:
The university's 2020 Sustainability Plan states: Achieve a 60% waste diversion rate.
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.
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Waste plan(s):
Organize targeted outreach to populations in areas with low diversion rates by the end of April, 2017
Launch recycling competition for residence halls during fall semester 2017.
Increase transparency and education about Bentley's recycling program - ongoing
Train custodial team on recycling policy and procedures twice per year - ongoing
Train Dining Services team on recycling and composting policies and procedures monthly - ongoing
Work with the university's Purchasing Office on upstream sustainability choices to reduce waste generation, by December 31, 2019.
Pursue reusable take-out container program, pilot test by May 2018.
Install 5 more water bottle filling stations on campus to decrease single-use water bottle use by December 31, 2018.
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Waste plan(s):
Office of Sustainability
Facilities Management
Casella Waste Services.
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Water:
The university's 2020 Sustainability Plan states: Achieve a 15% reduction in water use.
Bentley University is committed to reducing water use on campus. The university's annual water bill is the second largest utility expense behind electricity. Careful management of water use combined with conservation programs and efficiency projects are required to achieve the 2020 goal.
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Water plan(s):
Install water sub-meters in each campus building, by December 31, 2019. Water sub-meters will help the university identify which buildings to target with both water efficient plumbing fixtures and water conservation campaigns.
Upgrade all bathrooms to dual flush toilets, low flow shower heads and faucets utilizing guidance from EPA's "Water Sense" program. - This work is ongoing as 1-2 residence halls are upgraded per summer but the strategy will be changed once water sub-meters are installed.
Organize one "Leak week" campaign per year. Leverage Students for Sustainable Business to run a peer-to-peer education program called "leak week" where residential students are urged to report leaky toilets, faucets and showers. - Once per academic year.
Use behavior change cue signs to target academic and administrative building bathrooms with "report a leak" instructions. - Once per academic year.
(See irrigation notes in landscaping info)
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Water plan(s):
Facilities Management
Office of Sustainability
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Diversity and Affordability:
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion has set specific goals to increase the diversity of Bentley's faculty. Bentley's Division of Enrollment services sets goals to achieve racial and economic diversity in each entering class.
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Diversity and Affordability plan(s):
The university's 2017 -2019 Strategic Plan goals state:
"HUMAN CAPITAL - Employ, develop and reward high-quality, passionate faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds and cultures." By the conclusion of FY2019.
"EDUCATION - Increase student diversity through recruitment, exchange and strategically selected joint degrees." By the conclusion of FY2019.
"STUDENTS - Ensure all students engage in diverse interactions by increasing opportunities to do so and by providing an inclusive environment conducive to living and learning." By the conclusion of FY2019.
"FINANCIAL AID - Develop and implement a financial aid approach aligned with institutional strategic and diversity goals to attract and retain a diverse and high-quality student body." By the conclusion of FY2019.
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Diversity and Affordability plan(s):
Office of Diversity and Inclusion.
Division of Enrollment Management.
Human Resources.
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Health, Wellbeing and Work:
N/A
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Health, Wellbeing and Work plan(s):
N/A
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Health, Wellbeing and Work plan(s):
N/A
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Investment:
N/A
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Investment plan(s):
N/A
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Investment plan(s):
N/A
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in other areas:
N/A
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the other plan(s):
N/A
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the other plan(s):
N/A
None
The institution’s definition of sustainability:
Bentley University defines sustainability with the triple-bottom line: people, planet and profit. We aim to model triple-bottom line thinking in the operations of our university while educating our students to employ this mindset in their lives and work.
None
Does the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document include sustainability at a high level?:
Yes
None
A brief description of how the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document addresses sustainability:
The university's 2017 - 2019 Strategic Plan addresses sustainability in a number of ways.
1) Through the university's mission statement: "Bentley University's mission is to educate creative, ETHICAL, and SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE organizational leaders by creating and disseminating impactful knowledge within and across business and the arts & sciences."
2) Through the university's vision:
"Thanks to its achievement, Bentley is highly sustainable in resources and scale..."
"It fosters a diverse and inclusive campus community..."
3) The university's strategic plan goals:
"DIVERSITY - Ensure all students engage in diverse interactions by increasing opportunities to do so and by providing an inclusive environment conducive to living and learning.'
"ETHICS AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY - Integrate ethics and social responsibility into student actions and life choices and encourage behavior that benefits the greater community."
"FINANCIAL AID - Develop and implement a financial aid approach aligned with institutional strategic and diversity goals to attract and retain a diverse and high-quality student body."
"FINANCIAL - Maintain a sustainable financial model that supports our strategic plan through increased and diversified revenues, effective resource allocation and management, efficient operations, and managed risks."
"FOUNDATIONAL RESOURCES - We will develop and steward a SUSTAINABLE LEVEL of human, financial technological and PHYSICAL RESOURCES needed to realize our strategic aspirations as a first-rate institution of higher education dedicated to students, academic excellence and research."
None
The website URL where information about the institution’s sustainability planning is available:
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.