| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 69.25 |
| Liaison | Laura Bain |
| Submission Date | Jan. 26, 2015 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Furman University
PA-2: Sustainability Planning
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
4.00 / 4.00 |
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indicates that no data was submitted for this field
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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 | Yes |
| Research (or other scholarship) | Yes | Yes |
| Campus Engagement | Yes | Yes |
| Public Engagement | Yes | Yes |
| Air and Climate | Yes | Yes |
| Buildings | Yes | Yes |
| Dining Services/Food | Yes | No |
| Energy | Yes | Yes |
| Grounds | Yes | Yes |
| Purchasing | Yes | No |
| Transportation | Yes | Yes |
| Waste | No | No |
| Water | Yes | Yes |
| Diversity and Affordability | Yes | No |
| Health, Wellbeing and Work | No | No |
| Investment | No | No |
| Other | Yes | Yes |
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A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Curriculum:
Furman has created the Sustainable Furman master plan that outlines a long-range, comprehensive approach to making the university even more sustainable in its practices, policies, and learning environments. The plan is organized around eight achievable goals paired with specific initiatives and defined program implementations that address key aspects of Furman’s mission and operations, including the curriculum.
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The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Curriculum plan(s):
Curricular plans include the creation of curricular programs for undergraduates, with the goal of creating the sustainability science major and sustainability studies concentration. Goals also include the enrichment of existing curriculum by providing a sufficient amount of sustainability-related courses to satisfy the Humans and Natural Environment graduation requirement, the creation of faculty workshops to integrate sustainability, and the assessment of the feasibility of a scholar-in-residence program. The last of the goals includes developing curricular opportunity for the broader community through expansion of for-credit and not-for-credit opportunities for professionals, assessing a new executive program in sustainability and leadership at the master's level, and integrating sustainability themes in the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute for senior adults. The Sustainable Furman master plan includes Furman's Climate Action Plan to reduce carbon emissions by 2026, thus goals with in the plan are targeted to be complete by 2026.
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Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Curriculum plan(s):
Provost and Executive Vice President, Dean of Faculty, Shi Center of Sustainability, Continuing Education Director, Graduate Education Director, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Director.
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A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Research (or other scholarship):
Furman has created the Sustainable Furman master plan that outlines a long-range, comprehensive approach to making the university even more sustainable in its practices, policies, and learning environments. The plan is organized a around eight achievable goals paired with specific initiatives and defined program implementations that address key aspects of Furman’s mission and operations, including the curriculum incorporating goals to increase sustainability in research.
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The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Research plan(s):
The plans include promoting living learning laboratories for class related research projects, promoting courses that make use of community-based research, and initiating 'Conservation Culture" to provide research opportunities for faculty and staff. The Sustainable Furman master plan includes Furman's Climate Action Plan to reduce carbon emissions by 2026, thus goals within the plan are targeted to be complete by 2026.
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Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Research plan(s):
Shi Center of Sustainability
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A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Campus Engagement around sustainability:
Furman has created the Sustainable Furman master plan that outlines a long-range, comprehensive approach to making the university even more sustainable in its practices, policies, and learning environments. The plan is organized around eight achievable goals paired with specific initiatives and defined program implementations that address key aspects of Furman’s mission and operations, including the co-curriculum.
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The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Campus Engagement plan:
Plans include increasing campus programming and initiatives designed to heighten student awareness of sustainability issues through the expanding living learning communities and enhancing existing programs such as the Sustainability Fellows, Sustainability Post-Doctoral and Environmental Community of Student programs. Goals also include providing sustainability projects such as the Revolving Loan Fund for energy, alternative spring breaks that relate to sustainability, and additional cultural life program events that pertain to sustainability. Additionally, the goals of the plans include providing information about campus sustainability during First Year Student Orientation, making green guides available to students, and supporting sustainability-related student organizations. Infusing sustainability into campus culture through a sustainability liaisons program within academic departments, a sustainability help desk, and assessing sustainability knowledge on campus are also included in the strategic goals. The Sustainable Furman master plan includes Furman's Climate Action Plan to reduce carbon emissions by 2026, thus goals within the plan are targeted to be complete by 2026.
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Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Campus Engagement plan(s):
Vice President of Student Life, Director of Student Activities, Resident Life Director, Shi Center of Sustainability. Student Government, Heller Service Core, Dean of Students, Vice President for Marketing and Public Relations, Library Services Director, Riley Institute, Student Life.
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A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Public Engagement around sustainability:
Furman has created the Sustainable Furman master plan that outlines a long-range, comprehensive approach to making the university even more sustainable in its practices, policies, and learning environments. The plan is organized around eight achievable goals paired with specific initiatives and defined program implementations that address key aspects of Furman’s mission and operations, including the co-curriculum and community relations
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The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Public Engagement plan(s):
The University seeks to enhance sustainability service opportunities and create local carbon offset projects. The details include promoting sustainable service as a form of community outreach, creating a Sustainable Friends of Furman volunteer network, and collaborating with greater Greenville community organizations such as energy audits, home weatherization, home refurbishment, collaborative composting with the Greenville Zoo, international study away projects and programs, the development of a carbon mitigation fund, and partnerships with other universities. The Sustainable Furman master plan includes Furman's Climate Action Plan to reduce carbon emissions by 2026, thus goals within the plan are targeted to be complete by 2026.
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Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Public Engagement plan(s):
Shi Center Director, Heller Service Corps Director, Shi Center for Sustainability, Study Away Program Director, Assistant Vice President
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A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Air and Climate:
Furman produces a greenhouse gas inventory and maintains a Climate Action Plan to meet its commitment to become carbon neutral. Sustainable Furman initiates an annual process of institutional self-assessment, charts a more sustainable course across a wide range of university activities, and defines an achievable plan for reducing our carbon emissions. It is also a flexible plan to accommodate changing circumstances, fluctuating financial resources, and unexpected opportunities.
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The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Air and Climate plan(s):
Furman's commitment to climate action has been an integral part of the wide-ranging commitment to sustainability. As a signatory of the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC), Furman ahs declared that it will substantially reduce its greenhouse has emissions aiming towards climate neutrality with net GHG emissions of zero. Five strategies that encompass this goal include increasing operations efficiency, creating a campus-wide culture of conservation to decrease energy use, creating a more sustainable transportation system through changes in behaviors and policies, investing in renewable energy projects, and developing offset projects and sustainability-oriented service projects in the greater Greenville community.
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Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Air and Climate plan(s):
Sustainability Planning Council.
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A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Buildings:
Furman has created the Sustainable Furman master plan that outlines a long-range, comprehensive approach to making the university even more sustainable in its practices, policies, and learning environments. The plan is organized around eight achievable goals paired with specific initiatives and defined program implementations that address key aspects of Furman’s mission and operations, including the facilities management. The plan also highlights the growing imperative for Furman to become more energy independent through greater conservation, improved efficiencies, and use of additional renewable energy sources.
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The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Buildings plan(s):
The plan dictates that all new and renovated construction products must meet or exceed LEED silver. Strategies include expanding energy efficiency by upgrading campus utility systems, improving the efficiency of lighting, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Additionally, the plan includes improvements in energy data monitoring systems on campus, the development of a program for re-commission building systems to ensure maximum efficiency, and improvements in campus building maintenance The Sustainable Furman master plan includes Furman's Climate Action Plan to reduce carbon emissions by 2026, thus all goals within the plan are targeted to be completed by 2026.
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Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Buildings plan(s):
Vice President for Facilities Services, Associate Vice President for Facilities Services, Chief Information Officer.
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A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Dining Services/Food:
In 2014, Furman’s campus Aramark team conducted its national Market Match survey, bringing to campus regional experts in dining services planning. The consultants conducted intensive, widespread surveys of campus constituents’ experiences. The process commended existing efforts around 100% pre- and post-consumer composting rates from Dining Hall waste, and resulted in a strategic plan for the campus Aramark division. Recommendations include improved marketing of ongoing Dining Services sustainability efforts, and installation of a new dish accumulator to facilitate a transition to trayless dining.
Date Revised: March 6, 2015
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The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Dining Services/Food plan(s):
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Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Dining Services/Food plan(s):
Dining Services
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A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Energy:
Furman has created the Sustainable Furman master plan that outlines a long-range, comprehensive approach to making the university even more sustainable in its practices, policies, and learning environments. The plan is organized around eight achievable goals paired with specific initiatives and defined program implementations that address key aspects of Furman’s mission and operations, including the facilities management. The plan also highlights the growing imperative for Furman to become more energy independent through greater conservation, improved efficiencies, and use of additional renewable energy sources.
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The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Energy plan(s):
The Sustainable Furman master plan includes investing in large-scale renewable energy projects. The details include identifying the appropriate renewable energy projects through shifting to more solar photovoltaic energy sources, incorporating solar thermal energy systems, investing in on-site and off-site biomass generation plants, and adding more geothermal energy sources. Further plans include working the Duke Endowment colleges to support renewable energy options, pursuing emerging state and federal level funding incentives for renewable energy efforts and collaborating with Duke Energy to encourage GHG reduction. The Sustainable Furman master plan includes Furman's Climate Action Plan to reduce carbon emissions by 2026, thus the goals within the plan are targeted to be complete by 2026.
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Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Energy plan(s):
Shi Center for Sustainability Director, Research and Grants Director, Vice President for Business Affairs, Associate Vice President for Facilities Services.
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A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Grounds:
Furman has created the Sustainable Furman master plan that outlines a long-range, comprehensive approach to making the university even more sustainable in its practices, policies, and learning environments. The plan is organized around eight achievable goals paired with specific initiatives and defined program implementations that address key aspects of Furman’s mission and operations, including the facilities management. The plan also highlights the growing imperative for Furman to become more energy independent through greater conservation, improved efficiencies, and use of additional renewable energy sources.
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The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Grounds plan(s):
The plan dictates ensuring policies to ensure the support of sustainable initiatives and conservation oriented practices for grounds maintenance including ensuring the University policies support sustainability initiatives in grounds maintenance and implementing more sustainable practices in the areas of grounds maintenance.
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Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Grounds plan(s):
Campus Grounds Supervisor and Athletic Grounds Supervisor.
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A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Purchasing:
Furman University has a Green Purchasing Guidelines that are committed to the use and purchase of environmentally and socially responsive products and service., Departments are expected to support this initiative to accordance with the guidelines. The guidelines include purchasing durable items, products with recycled content, Energy Star products, ensuring printers and photocopiers are capable of double sided printing, and giving preference to locally regionally manufactured products among others. The university also includes initiatives to implement more sustainable practices in the areas of purchasing policies in the Sustainable Furman master plan.
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The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Purchasing plan(s):
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Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Purchasing plan(s):
Director of Budget and Resource Management and Department Directors and Chairs.
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A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Transportation:
Furman has created the Sustainable Furman master plan that outlines a long-range, comprehensive approach to making the university even more sustainable in its practices, policies, and learning environments. The plan is organized around eight achievable goals paired with specific initiatives and defined program implementations that address key aspects of Furman’s mission and operations. The plan also highlights the growing imperative for Furman to become more energy independent through greater conservation and improved efficiencies.
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The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Transportation plan(s):
The details of the goal includes educating the campus about greenhouse gas emissions generated by transportation and facilitating alternative automobile use through extending campus shuttle hours, the implementation of a public transit system or ride-sharing program, revising parking policies to discourage casual car use, and the implementation of a bike program. The plans also include promoting more efficient transportation for operations through the conversion of the campus fleet to energy efficient vehicles, the investigation of liquid natural gas fueling, and installing plug-ins for hybrid models, and finding the best practice for study abroad carbon emission reduction. The Sustainable Furman master plan includes Furman's Climate Action Plan to reduce carbon emissions by 2026, thus all goals within the plan are to be completed by 2026.
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Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Transportation plan(s):
Vice President for Business Affairs and Study Away Program Director.
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A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Waste:
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The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Waste plan(s):
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Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Waste plan(s):
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A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Water:
Furman has created the Sustainable Furman master plan that outlines a long-range, comprehensive approach to making the university even more sustainable in its practices, policies, and learning environments. The plan is organized around eight achievable goals paired with specific initiatives and defined program implementations that address key aspects of Furman’s mission and operations, including the facilities management. The plan also highlights the growing imperative for Furman to become more energy independent through greater conservation, improved efficiencies, and use of additional renewable energy sources.
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The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Water plan(s):
The sustainable Furman master plan includes improvement of water efficiency. The details include expanding water efficiency through implementing projects to increase building and outdoor water efficiency, and implementing additional projects such as rain gardens, cisterns, storm water management and water quality initiatives. The Sustainable Furman master plan includes Furman's Climate Action Plan to reduce carbon emissions by 2026, thus all goals within the plan are to be completed by 2026.
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Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Water plan(s):
Director of Facilities Services.
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A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Diversity and Affordability:
The University has a Diversity Plan that aspires to create a community of people representing a multiplicity of identities including but not limited to gender, race, religion, spiritual belief, sexual orientation, geographic origin, socioeconomic background, ideology, world view, and varied abilities. Additionally Furman discusses diversity and equality in its Vision 2020 Plan. Furman is committed to meaningful diversity by removing obstacles to attain diversity and equal treatment in the recruitment, retention, and advancement of students, faculty, and staff from underrepresented groups.
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The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Diversity and Affordability plan(s):
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Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Diversity and Affordability plan(s):
Assistant Dean for Diversity and Inclusion and Associate Vice President for Admission and Student Business Center Bursar.
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A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Health, Wellbeing and Work:
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The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Health, Wellbeing and Work plan(s):
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Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Health, Wellbeing and Work plan(s):
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A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Investment:
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The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Investment plan(s):
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Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Investment plan(s):
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A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in other areas:
Furman has created the Sustainable Furman master plan that outlines a long-range, comprehensive approach to making the university even more sustainable in its practices, policies, and learning environments. The plan is organized around eight achievable goals paired with specific initiatives and defined program implementations that address key aspects of Furman’s mission and operations, including Furman's national leadership role in the comprehensive promotion of sustainability.
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The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the other plan(s):
The University plans to maintain it's commitment to serve as a national and regional leader in promoting sustainability on campuses through sharing sustainability approaches and providing models of sustainability community service projects for the region and nation.
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Accountable parties, offices or departments for the other plan(s):
Shi Center Director, President/Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, Shi Center of Sustainability, Development Center, Marketing and Public Relations.
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The institution’s definition of sustainability:
An interdisciplinary concept promoting values, systems, and activities that are environmentally sound, socially just and economically viable. Sustainability is a journey, not a destination.
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Does the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document include sustainability at a high level?:
Yes
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A brief description of how the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document addresses sustainability:
The Sustainable Furman Master Plan was passed unanimously by the Board of Trustees in 2009. The plan includes the university's Climate Action Plan targeting carbon neutrality by 2026, the year of Furman's bicentennial. Through the actions and strategies laid out in the plan, Furman is creating a culture of conservation.
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The website URL where information about the institution’s sustainability planning is available:
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.