Cal Poly Humboldt

Humboldt State University provides ample opportunity for students to explore, practice, and apply sustainability concepts and skills in the classroom. The University has designated courses that either focus on or relate to sustainability, which cumulatively … read more

Humboldt State University provides ample opportunity for students to explore, practice, and apply sustainability concepts and skills in the classroom. The University has designated courses that either focus on or relate to sustainability, which cumulatively comprise around 12% of all courses offered. In addition, over 90% of all students graduate from programs that have adopted at least one sustainability learning outcome. Undergraduates may choose from several degree program options that are focused on sustainability, including the Environmental Management & Protection B.S., the Environmental Resources Engineering B.S., the Environmental Studies B.A., or the Environmental Science B.S. Graduate Students seeking scholarship opportunity in sustainability may select from the Social Science M.A. in Environment & Community, the Environmental Systems M.S. with concentration in Environmental Resources Engineering or Energy Technology & Policy, or a Business M.B.A. with a focus in strategic sustainability. Any student may elect to travel abroad under the Practivistas Dominicana program, applying sustainability knowledge to local infrastructure or technology projects in the Dominican Republic. Furthermore, HSU provides a wide variety of "Campus as a Living Lab" projects, spanning topics from energy to building performance to gardening to procurement to transportation, among others.

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Humboldt State University researchers explore a wide variety of topics that marry economic, social, and environmental dimensions of sustainability. Projects span research about markets for alternative fuel vehicles in Northern California to development of Fishing … read more

Humboldt State University researchers explore a wide variety of topics that marry economic, social, and environmental dimensions of sustainability. Projects span research about markets for alternative fuel vehicles in Northern California to development of Fishing Community Sustainability Plans for coastal towns. A handful of academic departments on campus reward faculty in their retention, tenure, and promotion processes for successfully demonstrating interdisciplinary scholarship in their work. These departments include Politics, Interdisciplinary Studies, Environmental Studies, and Geography. Moreover, the library provides a plethora of resources to support sustainability research and proudly boasts a robust open-access repository called Humboldt Digital Scholar, which provides comprehensive access to research for scholars everywhere.

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Students comprise the core of campus sustainability engagement activities, primarily within sustainability-oriented student groups such as the Waste Reduction & Resource Awareness Program (WRRAP), Green Campus, the Campus Center for Appropriate Technology (CCAT), and the … read more

Students comprise the core of campus sustainability engagement activities, primarily within sustainability-oriented student groups such as the Waste Reduction & Resource Awareness Program (WRRAP), Green Campus, the Campus Center for Appropriate Technology (CCAT), and the Humboldt Energy Independence Fund (HEIF), among others. A few exemplary engagement activities facilitated by these groups include the Green Workplace Assessment, Power Down events, Zero Waste Events, Take Back the Tap, Green Room Certification, and Volunteer Fridays at CCAT. In addition, the Resident Sustainability Advisor works diligently to disseminate information about sustainability programs and resources in the residence halls and coordinates water, energy, and compost challenges in an effort to stimulate behavior change among residents. The campus also advertises sustainability activities via a publication called the Green Scene, and many organizations on campus circulate information through use of social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Staff and faculty are generally targeted with outreach resources in the same way that students are, but also enjoy access to a handful of sustainability-oriented professional courses available through an online training portal called Skillport.

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HSU enjoys an active relationship with many local and regional community organizations. The campus has partnerships in the areas of energy, waste, and food, among others. Furthermore, HSU is an active participant in CSU Sustainability … read more

HSU enjoys an active relationship with many local and regional community organizations. The campus has partnerships in the areas of energy, waste, and food, among others. Furthermore, HSU is an active participant in CSU Sustainability Officers planning and discussions, the Second Nature Climate Commitment, and AASHE. HSU provides ample opportunity for community members to learn about sustainability through continuing education courses and reciprocally, facilitates student engagement in an array of community service activities with more than 20% of students engaged in service projects. Finally, faculty are active in policy advocacy, most notably via the Schatz Energy Research Center, the California Center for Rural Policy, and the work of Social Work Faculty member Jennifer Maguire, who has built a platform for advocacy through her research on food and housing insecurity among college students.

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Humboldt State University tracks greenhouse gas emissions from Scope 1 and 2 emissions, and from business travel, commuting, and waste in the Scope 3 category. The campus has decreased emissions by a percentage reduction of … read more

Humboldt State University tracks greenhouse gas emissions from Scope 1 and 2 emissions, and from business travel, commuting, and waste in the Scope 3 category. The campus has decreased emissions by a percentage reduction of around 52% in adjusted net Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions per weighted campus user. The campus also observes California's Commercial Vehicle Idling Regulation, CSU Executive Order 987, and the CSU Sustainability Policy, all of which either directly or indirectly may help reduce air emissions.

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While the campus does not have any building space certified under a rating system focusing on the operations and maintenance of existing buildings (e.g. LEED O+M), Humboldt State University maintains 92% of the campus as … read more

While the campus does not have any building space certified under a rating system focusing on the operations and maintenance of existing buildings (e.g. LEED O+M), Humboldt State University maintains 92% of the campus as uncertified space with green cleaning procedures, 13% of space was benchmarked during a Monitoring based commissioning (MBCx) program, and 86% is maintained with a water management system. In addition, the Planning & Design department under Facilities Management utilizes California Building Code, California Green Building Code, LEED Building Principles and Standards, and CSU Executive Order 987 as appropriate.

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Humboldt State University makes a concerted effort to reduce energy consumption. Since the baseline year of 2005, the University has reduced energy consumption by approximately 12%. The efforts and programs of Green Campus's Powerdown events, … read more

Humboldt State University makes a concerted effort to reduce energy consumption. Since the baseline year of 2005, the University has reduced energy consumption by approximately 12%. The efforts and programs of Green Campus's Powerdown events, projects proposed and implemented by the Humboldt Energy Independence Fund (HEIF), and commissioning and design projects identified and facilitated by Facilities Management have all contributed to this decrease. During 2015-2016, the campus generated approximately 7% of all energy consumed via four on-site solar PV arrays.

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The auxiliary entity of Dining Services at HSU seeks to obtain as much food product as possible from local, organic, and fair trade vendors and farmers. In 2015-2016, 15% of all food expenditures made by … read more

The auxiliary entity of Dining Services at HSU seeks to obtain as much food product as possible from local, organic, and fair trade vendors and farmers. In 2015-2016, 15% of all food expenditures made by Dining Services fell into one of these categories. In addition, Dining Services makes an effort to provide reusable flatware, cutlery, and cups at no additional cost during campus catering events, introduced an incentive program to minimize one-use beverage containers in 2016, partners with a campus food pantry to divert leftover food to hungry students, and participates in both a pre- and post-consumer composting program. Finally, the campus is pleased to offer events such as Meatless Mondays, caters to vegetarian and vegan diners with a special "Green Line" menu, and offers exclusively à la carte menu options in an effort to minimize wasted food.

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The campus is very fortunate to be situated in the heart of Coastal Redwoods with hundreds of them scattered among buildings and sports fields. Another fortunate aspect of the campus location is receiving >50 inches … read more

The campus is very fortunate to be situated in the heart of Coastal Redwoods with hundreds of them scattered among buildings and sports fields. Another fortunate aspect of the campus location is receiving >50 inches of average annual rainfall, so the campus is naturally lush and supports a wide variety of vegetation. Management of this aesthetic and educational resource will be transitioning from a more traditional institutional style to formalized IPM strategies before 2020, which was not soon enough for the current assessment, but should be in place well before the next STARS effort.

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In the area of procurement, HSU adheres to CSU policies such as the Buy Recycled Products Campaign, the CSU Sustainability Policy, the Staples Business Advantage $50 Order Minimum, Contractors Building Demolition Waste & Recycling Meeting … read more

In the area of procurement, HSU adheres to CSU policies such as the Buy Recycled Products Campaign, the CSU Sustainability Policy, the Staples Business Advantage $50 Order Minimum, Contractors Building Demolition Waste & Recycling Meeting Form 02060A, and Executive Order 987. Aside from system-wide policies, HSU has further committed to a 100% Recycled Paper Policy, to the creation and deployment of a Sustainable Purchasing Webpage, and to a reduction in food waste with an emphasis on source reduction. Approximately 48% of all electronics expenditures are EPEAT Gold registered, 63% of all janitorial cleaning and paper expenditures are third party certified to meet recognized sustainability standards, and 93% of office paper expenditures are 90-100 percent post-consumer recycled and/or agricultural residue content and/or FSC Recycled label.

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Humboldt State University is committed to alternative transportation. 23% of the on-campus vehicle fleet uses alternative fuels, including either 100% electric or B20 biofuel. When surveyed, 80% of students use sustainable commuting options as a … read more

Humboldt State University is committed to alternative transportation. 23% of the on-campus vehicle fleet uses alternative fuels, including either 100% electric or B20 biofuel. When surveyed, 80% of students use sustainable commuting options as a primary means of transportation (including walking, biking, carpooling, public transit, or motorcycle), whereas 35% of employees commute to work via these means. The campus hosts 952 bike parking racks, and provides alternative transportation options such as the Jack Pass program (bus pass), Zipcar (car share), Zimride (ride share), and the Bicycle Learning Center.

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Humboldt State is proud to claim a significant landfill diversion rate of about 51% via recycling, composting, donating, and reselling materials in following categories: recyclable containers, food, cooking oil, plant material, animal bedding, appliances, lab … read more

Humboldt State is proud to claim a significant landfill diversion rate of about 51% via recycling, composting, donating, and reselling materials in following categories: recyclable containers, food, cooking oil, plant material, animal bedding, appliances, lab equipment, furniture, residence hall move-in/move-out waste, scrap metal, pallets, tires, nitrile disposable gloves, ceramics, wood pallets, and ink cartridges. In addition, the campus touts innovative reuse programs and policies such as the plastic water bottle ban, plastic bag ban, the Reusable Office Supply Exchange (ROSE), and a collaboration with a local affiliate of the Shoebox Recycling Program. Nearly 65% of all construction and demolition waste is diverted from the landfill or incinerator via recycling or donation. Finally, HSU promotes source reduction for hazardous materials and contracts with a CA certified waste hauler to dispose of hazardous, universal, and non-regulated chemical waste at certified reception depots.

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In 2014, Humboldt State University committed to reducing water use per state mandated drought measures. Since the 2012-2013 fiscal year, the campus has successfully implemented a 28% reduction in total water use. In addition, the … read more

In 2014, Humboldt State University committed to reducing water use per state mandated drought measures. Since the 2012-2013 fiscal year, the campus has successfully implemented a 28% reduction in total water use. In addition, the institution has initiated behavior change campaigns to save water and implemented a series of both short and long-term strategies to reduce overall water use. Relating to rainwater management, the campus partnered with the City of Arcata to install several low impact development features near impervious surface areas to help mitigate negative impacts to stormwater in these spaces.

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Humboldt State University provides resources for planning, coordinating, implementing, and governing sustainability activities on the campus. From 2012-2015, the campus utilized a Sustainability Steering Committee, after which time the group was absorbed into a variety … read more

Humboldt State University provides resources for planning, coordinating, implementing, and governing sustainability activities on the campus. From 2012-2015, the campus utilized a Sustainability Steering Committee, after which time the group was absorbed into a variety of direct working groups of the Climate Action Plan. In addition, the campus supports a Sustainability Office comprised of 5 full-time staffers, which act as a resource to all areas of campus (academics, Housing, Dining, student affairs, etc). Furthermore, the Strategic Plan and the recently published Climate Action Plan highlight ways in which the University will align financial, human, and academic resources to incorporate sustainability more broadly as a commonplace procedure in all areas of campus throughout the coming years. Finally, the campus is proud to facilitate several mechanisms by which diverse stakeholders may participate in governance. Some of these include: the Associated Students, the University Senate, Staff Council, the General Faculty group, the CA Faculty Association and the CSU Board of Trustees, among others.

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HSU hosts an Office of Diversity & Inclusion (ODI), which is the official group charged with developing policy to institutionalize diversity as a core part of the educational experience on campus. ODI supports cultural competency … read more

HSU hosts an Office of Diversity & Inclusion (ODI), which is the official group charged with developing policy to institutionalize diversity as a core part of the educational experience on campus. ODI supports cultural competency trainings, oversees a campus-wide diversity plan, is committed to developing a robust Bias Prevention model, and hosts an Implicit Bias in the Hiring Process workshop that all faculty, staff, and administrators must take when participating in hiring committees. Furthermore, the University has multiple outreach programs dedicated specifically to low-income students and the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) serves as a primary vehicle for the CSU in increasing the access, academic excellence and retention of California's educationally and economically disadvantaged students. 55% of entering students qualify as low-income, 70% of need is met for these students who are awarded need-based financial aid, and 33% of students graduate with no interest-bearing student loan debt.

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The Humboldt State University Advancement Foundation is an auxiliary of the CSU and a non-profit benefit corporation that provides expertise, fiduciary oversight, and advocacy to increase charitable giving and manage the university's endowment. In April … read more

The Humboldt State University Advancement Foundation is an auxiliary of the CSU and a non-profit benefit corporation that provides expertise, fiduciary oversight, and advocacy to increase charitable giving and manage the university's endowment. In April 2014, HSU committed to fossil fuel divestment with the Humboldt Socially and Environmentally Responsible Investment Offset Policy (SEROP), making it the first state university in the U.S. to do so. To accomplish this commitment, HSU utilizes the Parnassus Endeavor Fund which offers a portfolio under which companies must not be engaged in the extraction, exploration, production, manufacturing, or refining of fossil fuels.

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Humboldt State is committed to providing a living wage to employees, with 96% receiving local living wage (benefits excluded) and the lowest paid employee receiving 144% of local living wage when benefits are factored in. … read more

Humboldt State is committed to providing a living wage to employees, with 96% receiving local living wage (benefits excluded) and the lowest paid employee receiving 144% of local living wage when benefits are factored in. Employee satisfaction was most recently assessed in 2014, with results leading to improvements in recruitment and professional development. The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides free and confidential counseling for employees and family members, and all HSU employees have access to the Healthy-U Program, which assists employees in incorporating exercise to their daily routine. Finally, in the performance years 2012-2015, HSU has witnessed a 2.8% reduction in workplace injuries and occupational disease cases per FTE employee since the baseline years 2010-2013.

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