Overall Rating Silver
Overall Score 47.82
Liaison John Stolz
Submission Date March 4, 2022

STARS v2.2

Duquesne University
PA-2: Sustainability Planning

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 2.50 / 4.00 Mary Kate Ranii
Program Administrator
Center for Environmental Research & Education (CERE)
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Part 1. Measurable sustainability objectives 

Academics

Does the institution have a published plan or plans that include measurable sustainability objectives that address sustainability in curriculum and/or research?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to academics and the plan(s) in which they are published:
In Duquesne University’s 2021-2031 Institutional Master Plan, plans regarding sustainability in academics are identified in Strategic Plan Objective 3.4 under Transcend Traditional Academic Boundaries.

“Explore developing interdisciplinary programs including information technology, informatics, data analytics, sustainability, and other areas.”

Engagement 

Does the institution have a published plan or plans that include measurable sustainability objectives that address student, employee, or community engagement for sustainability?:
No

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to engagement and the plan(s) in which they are published:
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Operations

Does the institution have a published plan or plans that include measurable sustainability objectives that address sustainability in operations?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to operations and the plan(s) in which they are published:
In Duquesne University’s 2021-2031 Institutional Master Plan, plans regarding sustainability in operations are identified in:
• Master Plan Initiative 5A and 5C under Encourage Entrepreneurial Spirit;
• Strategic Plan Objective 6.1-6.6 and Master Plan Initiative 6A-6I under Uphold High Environmental Standards
• Furthermore, Duquesne’s Institutional Master Plan includes goals regarding other commitments:
“5A: Continue implementing sustainable practices and develop new procedures for future initiatives.”

“5C: Duquesne University supports the Uptown EcoInnovation Plan and has used it as one of our many guiding principles for our IMP in addition to the EMI Zone requirements.

“6.1 Transportation strategies that encourage community connectivity and decrease car dependency 6.2 Optimization of energy consumption 6.3 Sustainability and resiliency 6.4 Stormwater management that supports the city efforts to control the impacts of increasing rainfall events. 6.5 Support local economy 6.6 Translate the University’s national reputation into regional prosperity”

“6A. Implementation of a multi-faceted approach to increase multi-modal transportation options for students, faculty, and staff on campus while reducing the use of single-occupant vehicles 6B. Encourage partnerships with district energy providers to ensure optimal use of energy infrastructure. 6C. Incorporate passive design strategies to building developments to decrease energy consumption. 6D. Incentivize building construction, maintenance, and operations to follow sustainable practices based on established rating systems such as LEED. 6E. Further develop the operational response plans to address to the shocks and stresses that affect the University’s infrastructure and support the neighboring communities. 6F. Strengthen the University’s long-term goals of increased capture and treatment of storm runoff volumes. 6G. Encourage MBE & WBE inclusion and align practices with Eco-Innovation goals. 6H. Prioritize the use of local task force. 6I. Promote community engagement through mutually beneficial partnerships that advance the city, the region, and the world.”

“Other Planning Efforts: Partnering with The Pittsburgh 2030 District was a natural fit for wrapping into the University’s mission of serving as a responsible steward of natural resources, aiming for 50% reductions in energy use, water use, and transportation emissions by the year 2030.”

Administration

Does the institution have a published plan or plans that include measurable sustainability objectives that address diversity, equity, and inclusion; sustainable investment/finance; or wellbeing?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to administration and the plan(s) in which they are published:
In Duquesne University’s 2021-2031 Institutional Master Plan, plans regarding sustainability objectives related to diversity, equity and inclusion are identified in Strategic Plan Objective 4.2 and Master Plan Initiative 4B under Create a Vibrant Campus Community.

“4.2 Cultivate a culture of diversity and inclusion in recruitment, hiring and programming across campus.”
“4B. Foster diversity by creating opportunities that promote personal and professional growth.”

Part 2. Sustainability in institution’s highest guiding document

Does the institution have a published strategic plan or equivalent guiding document that includes sustainability at a high level? :
Yes

The institution’s highest guiding document (upload):
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Website URL where the institution’s highest guiding document is publicly available:
Which of the following best describes the inclusion of sustainability in the highest guiding document?:
Minor theme

Optional Fields

The institution's sustainability plan (upload):
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Website URL where the institution's sustainability plan is publicly available:
Does the institution have a formal statement in support of sustainability endorsed by its governing body?:
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The formal statement in support of sustainability:
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The institution’s definition of sustainability:
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Is the institution an endorser or signatory of the following?:
Yes or No
The Earth Charter ---
The Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI) ---
ISCN-GULF Sustainable Campus Charter ---
Pan-Canadian Protocol for Sustainability ---
SDG Accord ---
Second Nature’s Carbon Commitment (formerly known as the ACUPCC), Resilience Commitment, and/or integrated Climate Commitment ---
The Talloires Declaration (TD) ---
UN Global Compact ---
Other multi-dimensional sustainability commitments (please specify below) ---

A brief description of the institution’s formal sustainability commitments, including the specific initiatives selected above:
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Website URL where information about the institution’s sustainability planning efforts is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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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.