| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 58.99 |
| Liaison | Deborah Steinberg |
| Submission Date | Feb. 27, 2015 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Carnegie Mellon University
PA-2: Sustainability Planning
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
4.00 / 4.00 |
Barbara
Kviz Environmental Coordinator Facilities Management Services |
"---"
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 |
Yes
Date Revised: May 29, 2015
|
Yes
Date Revised: May 29, 2015
|
| Research (or other scholarship) |
Yes
Date Revised: May 29, 2015
|
Yes
Date Revised: May 29, 2015
|
| Campus Engagement | Yes | Yes |
| Public Engagement | Yes | Yes |
| 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 | Yes | Yes |
| Investment | --- | --- |
| Other | --- | --- |
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Curriculum:
The Steinbrenner Institute for Environmental Education and Research (SEER) was established in 2004 to change the way the world thinks and acts about the environment.
Date Revised: May 29, 2015
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Curriculum plan(s):
SEER offers annual grants to faculty, staff and students to fund innovative sustainability projects on the Carnegie Mellon campus using the campus as a living laboratory.
http://www.cmu.edu/environment/steinbrenner/past-seed-grants.html
Date Revised: May 29, 2015
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Curriculum plan(s):
Neil Donahue, Executive Director, Steinbrenner Institute
Date Revised: May 29, 2015
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Research (or other scholarship):
The Steinbrenner Institute for Environmental Education and Research (SEER) was established in 2004 to change the way the world thinks and acts about the environment.
Date Revised: May 29, 2015
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Research plan(s):
The Steinbrenner Institute for Environmental Education and Research (SEER) offers annual competitive fellowships to talented graduate school students
http://www.cmu.edu/environment/steinbrenner/seer-fellowships.html
SEER has awarded three-year PhD fellowships for interdisciplinary study of topics related to U.S. environmental sustainability.
http://www.cmu.edu/environment/steinbrenner/sustainability-fellows.html
Date Revised: May 29, 2015
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Research plan(s):
Neil Donahue, Executive Director, Steinbrenner Institute
Date Revised: May 29, 2015
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Campus Engagement around sustainability:
The Green Practices Committee, established April 1999, developed a plan for expanded environmental practices on campus;
-Provide opportunities for participation and engagement of students in environmental education, research, annual competitions and other environmental initiatives.
-Development of staff & faculty involvement in sustainability.
Date Revised: May 29, 2015
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Campus Engagement plan:
Participation in annual conservation efforts; RecycleMania, by recycling more than the previous year, Campus Conservation Nationals (CCN) contest, using real time data to track electricity use and promote conservation in resident halls.
-Continued support of zero waste events; Orientation, Almost Midnight Breakfast, and other environmental activities; Spring Carnival environmental booth building, community gardening.
-Develop and implement the Scotty Goes Green Office Certification Program
-Expand campus food composting
-Reduce, Reuse and Recycle during annual student housing Move-Outs
-Develop Staff Council Sustainability Committee
-Offer Professional Development Sustainability Courses
Date Revised: May 29, 2015
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Campus Engagement plan(s):
Barbara Kviz, Environmental Coordinator, University Engineer, Facilities Management Services
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Public Engagement around sustainability:
Carnegie Mellon is a member of the Pittsburgh Climate Initiative, Higher Education Climate Consortium, (HECC), and participates in Sustainable Pittsburgh's Green Workplace Challenge.
Date Revised: May 29, 2015
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Public Engagement plan(s):
The Pittsburgh Climate Initiative (HECC) Climate Action Plan 2.0, Goals & Objectives are updated annually. The schools meet on a regular basis to plan.
The Green Workplace Challenge provides a framework for sustainable actions using a point system, where, annually, a clear winner is chosen in each category.
Pittsburgh Climate Initiative
http://pittsburghclimate.org/
Green Workplace Challenge
http://gwcpgh.org/
Date Revised: May 29, 2015
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Public Engagement plan(s):
Barbara Kviz, Environmental Coordinator, University Engineer, Facilities Management Services
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Air and Climate:
Green Practices Committee GHG Reduction Target & Goals Retreat in 2009 identified short, medium and long term projects, spanning from 2009-2019.
Date Revised: May 29, 2015
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Air and Climate plan(s):
Reduce our campus GHG emissions, conduct an annual GHG inventory and post on the university website.
http://www.cmu.edu/environment/energy-water/greenhouse-gas-inventories/index.html
Date Revised: May 29, 2015
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Air and Climate plan(s):
Martin Altschul, University Engineer, Facilities Management Services
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Buildings:
Green Practices Committee GHG Reduction Target & Goals Retreat in 2009 identified short, medium and long term projects, spanning from 2009-2019.
Date Revised: May 29, 2015
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Buildings plan(s):
Continue with LEED rating process for new buildings; Continuous commissioning and investigate LEED EB; Install LED lighting systems where economical; Building level engineered geo-thermal systems; Pump chilled water more efficiently; Assess equipment and mechanical systems for efficiency; Educate occupants to change behaviors; Educate campus clients about energy efficiency Vs upfront costs; Exploit low hanging fruit projects (15% ROR - 6 yr payback projects); New Campus infrastructure development (Craig Street corridor).
Date Revised: May 29, 2015
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Buildings plan(s):
Martin Altschul, University Engineer, Facilities Management Services
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Dining Services/Food:
Dining Services has made it a priority to implement programs and practices that are healthier for the consumer and the environment by implementing the Housing & Dining 2009 Sustainable Strategic Plan (2009-2014)
Date Revised: May 29, 2015
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Dining Services/Food plan(s):
The primary Dining vendor buys 15% of their food from local vendors and serves milk from a local dairy at all of their locations and all of the chicken served at our primary dining locations are hormone and antibiotic free.
They also support sustainability by; composting, recycling in kitchens, providing fair trade/organic coffee, supplying organic food options, supporting sustainability programs such as Farmers Markets, Meatless Monday, Trayless Dining, and Use Your Own Mug Programs.
Several other dining vendors on campus serve organic products and hormone-free meat. The campus convenience store, has an entire section devoted to organic produce and foods. Coffee vendors on campus serve fair trade and organically grown coffee.
Date Revised: May 29, 2015
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Dining Services/Food plan(s):
Pascal Petter, Director of Dining Services, Dept of Student Activities
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Energy:
Green Practices Committee GHG Reduction Target & Goals Retreat in 2009 identified short, medium and long term projects, spanning from 2009-2019.
Date Revised: May 29, 2015
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Energy plan(s):
Types of energy needed for campus operation and some possible sustainable strategies;
Steam - (plant efficiency), coal, natural gas, engineered geothermal, bio-fueled base gas (landfill gas), solid bio-fuels.
Chilled Water - (plant efficiency), (electricity, steam).
Natural gas - (bio-fuels based gas), (natural gas).
Electricity - Make electricity (co-gen, solar, wind, other). Purchase from grid - Renewable Energy Credits (REC’s) (local-national-wind-other).
2 years; 100% renewable now, No coal at Bellfield, Improve energy efficiency at Bellfield, Educational aspect,
5 years; Co-gen/tri-gen @ Bellfield Boiler Plant, Demonstration projects on campus for renewable energies (Solar & Wind),
10 years; Carbon Sequestration, Large Scale geo-thermal systems.
Date Revised: May 29, 2015
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Energy plan(s):
Martin Altschul, University Engineer, Facilities Management Services
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Grounds:
Facilities Management Services uses an Integrated Pest Management Plan, and Tree Maintenance Plan. The campus Master Plan also includes green space for any new developments on campus.
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Grounds plan(s):
The university has applied for the Tree Campus USA designation which includes criteria to follow for the designation.
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Grounds plan(s):
Steve Guenther, FMS Director of Operations
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Purchasing:
Statement in our Purchasing Policy
o Buyers and Users should utilize suppliers and service providers that make use, to a practicable extent, of materials and services that support the Carnegie Mellon environmental mission and goals of reducing, reusing and recycling. Information regarding the university's Green Practices can be obtained by contacting the Green Practices Environmental Coordinator at 268-7858, or by referencing the Environmental Practices Committee's web site.
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Purchasing plan(s):
We intend to use the most sustainable purchasing practices possible. For example, we track how much we spend on energy star equipment and computers, the amount of 30% recycled content paper we use, and how much carpet is recycled. Our most recent custodial contract included language to use green cleaning products and support food composting collections on campus. This has greatly reduced the amount of chemicals used on campus.
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Purchasing plan(s):
Shawn G Fronzaglia, Director, Procurement Services
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Transportation:
Green Practices Committee GHG Reduction Target & Goals Retreat in 2009 identified short, medium and long term projects, spanning from 2009-2019.
These are possible sustainable strategies identified; Daily faculty, staff and students commuting; Shuttle buses - campus and escort service; Campus fleet; Employee travel; Students travel.
Date Revised: May 29, 2015
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Transportation plan(s):
2 years; Establish a regional daily shuttle bus to Washington DC; Misc. partnerships with other companies (i.e. Zipcar); Air offsets – chargeable and possible match by university; Promote video conferencing via travel; Continue to use bio-fuels in fleet vehicles; Establish Voluntary Renewable Energy Fund; Bike Initiative - promote bike commuting to work, Bike racks on shuttle and escort buses, Shuttle coordination across other schools; Revisit shuttle routes for effectiveness and efficiency.
Apply for certifications;
Bike Friendly Employer (local), Bike Friendly University (national).
5-10 years; More use of Bio-fuels for fleet vehicles, Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEV’s), regulations; street legal in PA, Unfunded mandates - partial subsidies for new purchase of fleet vehicles, EV charging stations on campus.
Date Revised: May 29, 2015
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Transportation plan(s):
Michelle Porter, Director Of Parking & Transportation Svc, Parking and Transportation Services
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Waste:
Carnegie Mellon’s comprehensive Reduce, Reuse and Recycling Program focuses on all aspects source reduction, waste management and purchasing of recycling products. An official Recycling Policy was adopted in 1990. http://www.cmu.edu/policies/documents/Recycle.html
Date Revised: May 29, 2015
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Waste plan(s):
Green Practices Committee GHG Reduction Target & Goals Retreat in 2009 identified short, medium and long term projects, spanning from 2009-2019.
2 year; Continue food composting at CUC and Resnik Hall, (add Morewood Gardens location), Move towards post-consumer food composting program, Increase zero waste events, Participate in RecycleMania Goal; 35% recycling rate, Housing & Dining to implement Sustainable Strategic Plan (2009) goals, Promote Green Teams.
5-10 years; Biomass to energy.
Date Revised: May 29, 2015
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Waste plan(s):
Barb Kviz, Environmental Coordinator, Facilities Management Services
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Water:
Pittsburgh 2030 Districts Downtown - Oakland
The Pittsburgh 2030 Districts are collaborative, nationally recognized, but local communities of high performance buildings in Downtown and Oakland that aim to dramatically reduce energy and water consumption and transportation emissions, and improve indoor air quality while increasing competitiveness in the business environment and owner's returns on investment.
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Water plan(s):
As new buildings are built or space renovated, water efficient equipment or storm water systems are installed.
Storm water is collected in several buildings on campus and reused or diverted from the sewer system; Gates Hillman Computer Science Complex, rain water collection - 10,000 gallon tank, water used for toilets, landscaped vegetated swales, tree plantings to slow storm water flow down.
Collaborative Innovation Center (CIC), rain water collection - 6,000 gallon tank, water used for toilets & irrigation.
Morewood Gardens parking lot, dry well installed for parking lot run-off, retention pond and dam.
Purnell Center for the Arts, 10,000 gallon underground baffled storm water cistern to slow water flow down.
Carnegie Mellon also has installed over 41,000 square feet of Green Roofs (living or vegetated roofs) on campus roofs.
Date Revised: May 29, 2015
Date Revised: May 29, 2015
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Water plan(s):
Martin Altschul, University Engineer, Facilities Management Services
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Diversity and Affordability:
Diversity is a top priority of Carnegie Mellon University, and has been such for over a decade. It began in 1999 with President Emeritus Jared Cohon’s first diversity statement. This sparked several initiatives including the formation of the Diversity Advisory Council, highlighting the inclusion of diversity as a vital element in our 2008 Strategic Plan, and now informing our current work on access, meaningful engagement and representation through the Guiding Principle of University Culture. Throughout these years, diversity at Carnegie Mellon has continued to grow and to evolve. We are a community that understands diverse perspectives and backgrounds breed the intellectual vitality essential for the health and progress of the university.
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Diversity and Affordability plan(s):
The Diversity Resource Guide will provide you with the following:
Information about the status of diversity at Carnegie Mellon
Links to guidelines for recruiting a diverse faculty and staff
Strategies for integrating diversity into daily university processes
Clearinghouse of current university activities that contribute to community success
Diversity Planning Guide
http://www.cmu.edu/diversity-guide/index.html
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Diversity and Affordability plan(s):
Everett Tademy, Asst Vice Pres For Diversity & Eq Op SVC
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Health, Wellbeing and Work:
The Healthy Campus initiative supports a campus environment that is conducive to healthy living for everyone at Carnegie Mellon. Fitness and Exercise, Food and Nutrition, Mental Health, Tobacco-free Living, Preventive Health Care and Safety and Security and the main focus for this initiative.
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Health, Wellbeing and Work plan(s):
By next year, Carnegie Mellon intends to have a tobacco free campus policy implemented.
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Health, Wellbeing and Work plan(s):
Paula Martin, University Health Services, Registered Dietician
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Investment:
---
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Investment plan(s):
---
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Investment plan(s):
---
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in other areas:
---
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the other plan(s):
---
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the other plan(s):
---
None
The institution’s definition of sustainability:
"The Green Practices Committee will strive to develop university practices that improve environmental quality, decrease waste and conserve natural resources and energy, thereby establishing Carnegie Mellon as a practical model for other universities and companies."
The GPC identified areas of opportunity for an expanded environmental practices program at Carnegie Mellon through study of the current state of environmental practices on campus, initiatives at other college campuses and discussions with various Carnegie Mellon groups.
Opportunities are grouped into three categories:
Campus Life
Facility Infrastructure
Transportation
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:
In the 2008 CMU Strategic Plan Pillar 1; Research and Artistic Creation
Goal
Through foundational research, artistic creation, creative inquiry, Carnegie Mellon will make significant contributions to society and enhance human welfare by identifying and solving real-world problems.
Strategies
Foundational research and artistic creation are the central processes through which Carnegie Mellon will have impact in five broad areas of focus:
1, Transitioning to an Environmentally Sustainable Society.
2. Improving health and quality of life.
3. Understanding and engaging global societies, economies, and cultures.
4.Understanding human and social behavior.
5. Transforming science and society by advancing information, computation, and communication.
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.