California State University, Chico
PA-2: Sustainability Planning

Chico State outlines it's institutional priorities in the Strategic Plan for 2019-2024. All of the priorities are predicated on the primacy of student success enabled by excellence of faculty and staff as well as communication, technology, and philanthropy. Chico State's Strategic Priorities are:
--Resilient & Sustainable Systems
--Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
--Civic & Global Engagement
https://www.csuchico.edu/strategicplan/index.shtml

The Campus Sustainability Committee lists measurable sustainability objectives for curriculum and research in its annual report for 2020-21 (link below).
Curriculum Objectives:
1. Create a policy to define responsibilities of a Green Curriculum Advisory Team (Green CAT)
to promote climate change and climate resilience curriculum on campus.
2. Promote University-wide participation in defining program learning outcomes to recognize courses that cover climate change and resilience or long-term systems sustainability.
3. Seek ideas from multiple stakeholders to promote climate change and resilience discussion
and action ideas.
4. Write a draft policy to define Green CAT responsibilities and mechanism to seek faculty, student, staff, and community participation in accomplishing Chico State strategic priorities to respond to climate change and resilience throughout curriculum.

Research
1. Create a survey aimed to generate a snapshot of sustainability research efforts on campus and gather information for the 2021 STARS report (Fall 2020), expanding the definition of “sustainability research” to research, scholarship, and creative activities that relate to sustainability issues, in contrast to limiting the definition to funded research.
2. Distribute the Sustainability Research Survey via email in November and December 2020 through campus colleges and centers.
3. Investigate the potential of the Collaboratory platform as a database to catalog campus research initiatives (meetings from October 2020–April 2021). The Collaboratory database is managed through the Chico State Office of Civic Engagement to track, connect, report and plan work with community partners.
4. Analyze data from survey responses and collected lists of research activities from Chico State Enterprises and the Center for Water and the Environment (spring 2021).
5. Prepare a report summarizing the Sustainability Research Survey results (spring 2021). The report is available on the CSU Chico sustainability website in the documents library.
6. Create an inventory of sustainability research on campus by combining survey responses, CSE and CWE lists for the 2021 STARS report (spring 2021)

CSU, Chico is currently revising its general education plan to further integrate its strategic priorities into the curriculum, including sustainability, working within the normal campus consultative process (https://www.csuchico.edu/ge/faculty/2021/2020-21-revision-process.shtml).

In May 2014, the CSU Board of Trustees adopted the first systemwide Sustainability Policy, applying sustainable principles across all areas of university operations. (https://www.calstate.edu/csu-system/doing-business-with-the-csu/capital-planning-design-construction/Documents/JointMeeting-CPBG-ED.pdf) The report published in February 2018 represents the first CSU-wide assessment of progress toward the goals outlined in the policy (https://www.calstate.edu/impact-of-the-csu/sustainability/Documents/2014-17-Sustainability.pdf).

Chico State outlines it's institutional priorities in the Strategic Plan for 2019-2024. All of the priorities are predicated on the primacy of student success enabled by excellence of faculty and staff as well as communication, technology, and philanthropy. Both sustainability and civic engagement are identified as Chico State's Strategic Priorities, which are:
--Resilient & Sustainable Systems
--Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
--Civic & Global Engagement
https://www.csuchico.edu/strategicplan/index.shtml

The Campus Sustainability Committee lists measurable sustainability objectives for engagement in its annual report for 2020-21 (link below).
1. Compile a list of current departments, programs, and organizations that focus on student
engagement of campus sustainability.
2. Hold in-person America Recycles Day volunteering event to build awareness on November 15, 2020.
3. Organize a National Arbor Day collaborative event that included a campus tree tour featuring virtual and in-person offerings.
4. Increase social media presence for Chico Green Campus from 400 followers at the start of the semester to 533 as of June 1, 2021.
5. Increase Chico State attendance at the AASHE Global Conference on Sustainability in Higher Education for which Chico State was a host institution.

In May 2014, the CSU Board of Trustees adopted the first systemwide Sustainability Policy, applying sustainable principles across all areas of university operations. (https://www.calstate.edu/csu-system/doing-business-with-the-csu/capital-planning-design-construction/Documents/JointMeeting-CPBG-ED.pdf)

The report published in February 2018 represents the first CSU-wide assessment of progress toward the goals outlined in the policy (https://www.calstate.edu/impact-of-the-csu/sustainability/Documents/2014-17-Sustainability.pdf).

The CSU Sustainability policy includes several sustainability objectives that address student, employee, and community engagement for sustainability. Examples of such objectives include:
The CSU will develop employee and student workforce skills in the green jobs industry, promote the development of sustainable products and services, and foster economic development.

The Campus Sustainability Committee lists measurable sustainability objectives for operations in its annual report for 2020-21 (link below).

Zero Waste:
1. Continue efforts to standardize bins around campus.
2. Continue efforts to complete Phase II of the Zero-Waste Hub on campus.
3. Continue to work toward creating and maintaining waste tracking/data management system. 4. Expand compost/food waste diversion programming on campus.
5. Continue Recycling 101 trainings.

Procurement:
1. Tailor the Chico State’s CSUBuy menus toward sustainable choices, have a page of links on our website that will direct campus requestors toward the applicable sustainable procurement policy page(s) relating to their purchases, and help to develop a campus informational outreach campaign to those campus requestors
2. Promote the use of FSC print jobs within University Printing Services.

Water:
1. Work with Cal Water to install real-time water meters for more up-to-date data and analysis.
2. Build on lessons learned with the deployment of the Water Monsters to make it easier to use the bulk water deliver at future events.

Energy and Built Environment:
1. Continue to implement the recommendations made in the SEMP.
2. Complete the lighting upgrades in the Meriam Library
3. Work with the Green Campus team to embark on energy efficiency audits within campus buildings. Ensure that design and construction for net zero energy continues.
4. Identify funding to continue to electrify the Chico State campus and ensure electrical infrastructure can support the added load and be resilient to the impacts of climate change.
5. Continue the planning and implementation for the PEM boiler in Shurmer Gym.

The CSU system includes measurable sustainability objectives that address sustainability in operations in several published policies, including the CSU Sustainability Policy and the Policy Statement on Energy Conservation, Sustainable Building Practices, and Physical Plant Management for the CSU (Executive Order 987). Examples of operational sustainability objectives included in these policies are:
--The CSU will strive to reduce systemwide facility greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to 1990 levels, or below, by 2020 consistent with AB 32, California's Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (HSC §38550)
--The CSU will strive to reduce facility GHG emissions to 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2040. Campus tracking and reporting of their GHG inventory will be grounded in the American College and University President's Climate Commitment guidelines or equivalent, with consideration to campus requested improvements. Metrics will include GHG emissions per FTE.
--The CSU will endeavor to exceed the State of California and California Public Utilities Commission Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) sooner than the established goal of procuring 33 percent of its electricity needs from renewable sources by 2020.
--All CSU campuses will pursue water resource conservation to reduce water consumption by 10 percent by 2016, and 20 percent by 2020 including such steps to develop sustainable landscaping, install controls to optimize irrigation water use, reduce water usage in restrooms and showers, and promote the use of reclaimed/recycled water.
--Campuses shall seek to reduce the solid waste disposal rate by 50 percent (PRC § 42921) by 2016, by 80 percent by 2020, and move to zero waste.
--Campuses shall strive to increase their sustainable food purchases to 20 percent of total food budget by 2020.

Chico State takes its commitment to Equity, Diversity & Inclusion seriously. Chico State outlines it's institutional priorities in the Strategic Plan for 2019-2024. Regarding diversity, equity and inclusion it states, "Discrimination and inequities in our society have unjustly impacted communities of color and people of varied ethnicities, origins, sexualities, gender identities, religions, ability, body size, and many other intersectional identities. Because of this, historically underserved populations have not had equal access or opportunity for educational success. Chico State has intentionally made equity, diversity, and inclusion the University’s top Strategic Plan priority in order to challenge and change that status quo on our campus and in society."

Chico State further outlines its commitment as:
1. Honoring the distinct values, beliefs, identities, and cultures of our students, faculty, staff, and community.
2. Providing the educational tools and resources for our students, faculty, and staff to understand, challenge, and change historical discrimination and oppression through interdisciplinary and international experiences.
3. Examining our own institutional practices to uncover and eliminate biases and barriers so that all Wildcats can be successful here.
4. Moving beyond being an institution that welcomes diverse populations to one that serves and allows people to truly thrive.
Chico State objectives for diversity, equity, and inclusion are lead by the Office of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion. https://www.csuchico.edu/diversity/office/index.shtml

Mission and Vision
Mission: Chico State is the comprehensive university of the North State with a global reach.

Through excellence of inquiry, innovation, and experiential learning, we develop students who are critical thinkers, responsible citizens, diverse leaders, and inspired stewards of environmental, social, and economic resources.

Vision: Chico State will be known as a preeminent university solving the unprecedented challenges of the 21st century.

Advance environmental, social, and economic sustainability; striving toward a just and resilient future.

Presidents Climate Commitment: In 2007, Chico State was a founding signatory of the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC), also known as the Presidents’ Climate Commitment, committing our campus to carbon neutrality. In 2015, President Hutchinson added resilience to the Climate Commitment, making campus and community resilience a top priority. Progress reports and accountability on meeting our commitments is managed through the organization Second Nature. We have adopted Second Nature’s definition of resilience in which our campus increases the ability to survive disruption and to anticipate, adapt, and flourish in the face of change. This report was written specifically with climate change as the driver of change. The Climate Commitment is an outward expression of our campus leadership in charting a path toward a more sustainable campus community. We are committed to addressing climate change by reducing and ultimately neutralizing GHG emissions. Additionally, we will accelerate research and educational efforts to equip our students to be actively engaged in working toward a more sustainable future. Chico State is proud that our student body exhibits extraordinary sustainability leadership in and around our campus. Our faculty and staff are committed to building a sustainable future grounded in science and practicality.

2019-2024 University Strategic Plan outline the University's Mission and Vision. Chico State is the comprehensive university of the North State with a global reach. Through excellence of inquiry, innovation, and experiential learning, we develop students who are critical thinkers, responsible citizens, diverse leaders, and inspired stewards of environmental, social, and economic resources. Chico State will be known as a preeminent university solving the unprecedented challenges of the 21st century.

Strategic Priorities and Enduring Commitments: The strategic priorities will provide Chico State with focus as we aspire to achieve our vision and will direct us going forward:
--Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Cultivate and nurture a welcoming and inclusive campus where students, faculty, and staff have an equitable opportunity to thrive.
--Civic and Global Engagement: Build stronger and more vibrant communities by connecting the University and community in mutually beneficial ways to effect meaningful change in the world around us.
--Resilient and Sustainable Systems: Advance environmental, social, and economic sustainability, while striving toward a just and resilient future.

Resilient and Sustainable Systems Strategic Priority Goals
The Resilient and Sustainable Systems Team was tasked with developing university-wide goals. To achieve carbon neutrality, a three-pronged approach was developed to include operational and tactical measures, looking beyond neutrality and focusing on mitigation and sequestration, and acknowledging our mission as an institution of higher education. Adopted ten university-wide goals are focused on resilient and sustainable systems. (listed in the Climate Action and Resiliency Plan attached below). Chico State completed its Chico State Climate Action and Resilience Plan in 2020.
State and California State University Climate Policies and Goals: The State of California has set aggressive climate action goals dating back to 2006 with the signing of the Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32), giving authority to the California Air Resources Board to develop regulations and market mechanisms to reduce California's GHG emissions to 1990 levels by 2020, an approximate 30% reduction in statewide emissions. According to the 2019 Edition of the California Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory: 2000-20177, 2017 emissions are 7 MMTCO2e below the 1990 baseline, meeting and exceeding the stated goal.

In May 2014, the California State University (CSU) Board of Trustees adopted the first systemwide Sustainability Policy, applying sustainable principles across all areas of university operations. The sustainability policy includes several Climate Action Plan goals:
• The CSU will strive to reduce systemwide facility greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to 1990 levels, or below, by 2020 consistent with AB 32.
• Emissions will include both state and auxiliary organization purchases of electricity and natural gas; fleet and marine vessel usage; and other emissions the university or self-support entities have direct control over.

Campus Sustainability Committee Annual Report 2020-21: https://www.csuchico.edu/sustainability/_assets/documents/csc-annual-report-ay20-21.pdf

Chico State Climate Action and Resilience Plan 2.0:https://www.csuchico.edu/sustainability/_assets/documents/csuc-climate-actoin-resilience-feb21-final.pdf