Overall Rating Gold
Overall Score 79.37
Liaison Jillian Leach
Submission Date March 4, 2022

STARS v2.2

California State University, Chico
AC-8: Campus as a Living Laboratory

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 4.00 / 4.00 Jennifer Rotnem
Director of Energy and Sustainability
FMS
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Campus Engagement

Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Campus Engagement?:
Yes

A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Campus Engagement:
Dr. Emilyn Sheffield led Career Camp, an award-winning program that removes barriers to engagement that are particularly acute for under-represented students. Fee-free service-learning excursions and leadership retreats help students make friends, expand networks, develop skills, and connect coursework to careers. Career Camp advances campus and agency sustainability and workforce diversity goals. Students work with agency personnel and their partners to sustain and improve natural systems, while expanding their networks and developing skills for seasonal employment and entry-level careers. Looming workforce retirements create an unprecedented opportunity to recruit a workforce that reflects the growing diversity of America.

Public Engagement 

Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Public Engagement?:
Yes

A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Public Engagement:
The City of Chico is currently updating its Climate Action Plan. Dr. Mark Stemen led students in GEOG 506 to participate in the initial community input survey and followed along as the consultant developed 20 emission reduction measures. Each student selected a measure for further study and then wrote a story about it. To overcome the denial and dissidence surrounding climate change, GEOG 506 students wrote stories set in the future where they described the successful implementation of the measures, emphasizing them as one reason why Chico was able to successfully meet its objective of becoming climate neutral.

Air & Climate 

Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Air & Climate?:
Yes

A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Air & Climate:
Dr. Pablo Cornejo and students from the Civil Engineering class, Engineering Sustainability and Economic Analysis (CIVL 302), led a life-cycle analysis for climate climate reduction on campus. This course provides a foundation for green engineering design through life cycle assessment and life cycle cost analysis considering economically viable, socially just, and environmentally sustainable solutions (triple bottom line). The results were used in the Campus Climate Action Plan.

Buildings  

Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Buildings?:
Yes

A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Buildings:
Student Fellow Allison Vang created an audit score card that was used to audit energy use in the Associated Students Bell Memorial Union. The audit scorecard followed principles of ENERGY STAR initiatives and requirements that would that could be directly applied to the ENERGY STAR reporting tool. Possible opportunities for energy rebates were also tracked, and recommendations for building improvements could be comprehensively created at the conclusion of each audit. The score card was developed and tested on the BMU and since been used on other buildings across campus.

Energy 

Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Energy?:
No

A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Energy:
---

Food & Dining 

Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Food & Dining?:
Yes

A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Food & Dining:
The Organic Vegetable Project (OVP) is 10-acre certified organic plot at the University Farm, with 3 acres currently in production for growing over 50 varieties of vegetables to supply the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) membership and supply the Wildcat Food Pantry on campus with extra produce for students in need. The OVP also conducts research with students to grow, evaluate, and identify the most promising new vegetable varieties in an effort to provide local organic growers with information to help them become more competitive. Community outreach to regional growers and showcasing the OVP at the University Farm is also a component of the project.

Grounds 

Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Grounds?:
Yes

A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Grounds:
Dr. Sandrine Matiasek worked with a team comprised of students majoring in biology, chemistry and environmental science to study bioswales and biofiltration. Facilities Management Services (FMS) Grounds has improved and implemented bioswales on campus grounds, which help reduce storm water runoff and pollution. Using the CWE Laboratory as the staging ground for their research, Dr. Matiasek and the students tested green infrastructure methods for filtering urban storm water runoff in order to reduce the impact of sediments, pesticides, metals and other pollutants on local aquatic ecosystems. This information can help inform future ground projects. Facilities Management Services (FMS) have constructed bioswales located at the new Science Building, Student Services Center and Yolo Hall. Swales and sediment filters can be found in front of the EHS & UPD building, and inside the courtyard at the Arts & Humanities building. FMS Grounds is looking to install more swales and sediment filter areas throughout campus as part of their on-going plans to improve the look and function of the campus landscape. https://today.csuchico.edu/sciences-building-update/

Purchasing 

Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Purchasing?:
Yes

A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Purchasing:
As a participant in the national Real Food Challenge, The Associated Students continues to shift food procurement from industrial farms and unhealthy food, towards local and community-based, fair, ecologically sound, and humanely-raised food by 2020 through our Dining Services offerings. CSU, Chico has been recognized as the highest overall all Real Food (as defined by the Real Food Calculator) percentage, landing at 15% of total food purchases. Students are trained and supported by AS and Real Foods Challenge to lead campaigns and make Real Food product shifts on campus.

Transportation 

Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Transportation?:
Yes

A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Transportation:
In August 2019, a pilot bike path was opened running east-west along the north side of Big Chico Creek, connecting to City bike paths on either end. The GEOG 436 Transportation Planning course studied the path and made recommendations for improvement. In December 2020, funding was awarded as part of the President's Strategic Plan to make the path permanent. In August 2021, those permanent improvements were put into place including green paint, re-paving problem areas, and signage.

Waste 

Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Waste?:
Yes

A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Waste:
On November 6, 2019, AS Recycling, AS Sustainability, and Green Campus engaged students in a waste audit of CSU, Chico’s discards. The study was conducted in order to better understand what streams of waste campus is generating from where, opportunities for improvement, and the amount of waste that has the potential to be diverted from landfill. The audit was conducted by students with oversight and direction from staff in front of the Student Services building to educate passing students on what is being sent to the landfill and create a visual to inspire changing consumption behavior. The results of the audit were used to inform the next audit, educate the campus community, and change operational procedures.

Water 

Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Water?:
Yes

A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Water:
AGET 330 used the University Farm and Main campus as laboratories for learning. The University Farm is a working farm with irrigated crops and pastures, and an irrigation training facility. FMS Grounds has been working to update irrigation controls, moving to a centrally-controlled system. This years-long initiative brings 21st century capabilities to the acres of irrigated sports turf and lawns. Also, when new lawns have been installed, they are built with state-of-the-art sub surface irrigation systems which apply water beneath the lawn, allowing it to percolate upwards to the grass. The sub surface systems are nearly 100% efficient, eliminating overspray, runoff, and vandalism. For comparison, a traditional lawn irrigation system that utilizes sprinklers can only hope for 70% efficiency under perfect conditions. The sub surface systems have allowed the Grounds staff to keep the grass green while only using a fraction of the water compared to a traditional system.

Coordination & Planning 

Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Coordination & Planning?:
No

A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Coordination & Planning:
---

Diversity & Affordability 

Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Diversity & Affordability?:
No

A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Diversity & Affordability:
---

Investment & Finance 

Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Investment & Finance?:
No

A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Investment & Finance:
---

Wellbeing & Work 

Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Wellbeing & Work?:
Yes

A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Wellbeing & Work:
Dr. Maria Giovanni, PhD led a case study with first year students about connecting personal health to planet health. A critical component to creating a resilient society is an informed citizenry that understands the impact of daily lifestyle choices on the health of our planet. In Fall 2020, a U-Course focusing on the connection between personal health and planet health was taught as part of the First Year Experience at CSU Chico. U-Courses integrate two General Education classes, in this case Introduction to Living Systems: Biology of Food with English Composition, and give students the opportunity to connect and learn on different levels. Students are treated as emerging professionals and innovators, with a focus on project-based work guided by both the instructors and student mentors . The semester culminates with a presentation at a civic engagement event. For Fall 2020, the course was redesigned to allow students to apply the scientific method and discover the connection between personal health and planet health, using food as the focus.

Optional Fields 

Website URL where information about the institution’s living laboratory program is available:
---

Additional documentation to support the submission:
---

Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
Geography 506: http://catalog.csuchico.edu/viewer/search/courses.aspx?cycle=21&subject=all&keywords=GEOG+506&psize=50

Geography 436 Transportation Planning: http://catalog.csuchico.edu/viewer/search/courses.aspx?cycle=21&subject=all&keywords=GEOG+GEOG+436+Transportation+Planning&psize=50

AGET 330 Irrigation: http://catalog.csuchico.edu/viewer/search/courses.aspx?cycle=21&subject=all&keywords=Irrigation&psize=50

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.