| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 74.57 |
| Liaison | Brandon Trelstad |
| Submission Date | Dec. 20, 2019 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Oregon State University
PA-2: Sustainability Planning
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
3.00 / 4.00 |
Leticia
Cavazos Sustainability Program Specialist Sustainability Office |
"---"
indicates that no data was submitted for this field
Published Plans That Address Sustainability
Strategic Plan
Yes
A brief description of how the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document addresses sustainability:
OSU's Strategic Plan 4.0 lays out goals and actions for 2019-23 that will drive Oregon State University closer to a set of distinctive strengths achievable by the year 2030, provided that OSU is bold and effective in their execution and investments. The strengths envisioned in 2030 fall into four areas:
-Innovation in Education, Inclusion and Collaboration
-Revolutionary Earth Systems Science
-Leading in Health and Wellness
-Advancing Economic Prosperity and Social Progress
A copy of the strategic plan:
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The website URL where the strategic plan is publicly available:
Sustainability Plan
Yes
A copy of the sustainability plan:
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The website URL where the sustainability plan is publicly available:
Climate Action Plan
Yes
A copy of the climate action plan:
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The website URL where the climate action plan is publicly available:
Other Published Plans
Yes
A list of other published plans that address sustainability, including public website URLs (if available):
The OSU Master Plan (physical development plan) includes many elements that address sustainability. A few examples include dense development that prevents campus sprawl into surrounding neighborhoods and farmland, parking requirements that limit parking development and promote alternatives to the single occupancy vehicle, and other parameters related to development.
http://fa.oregonstate.edu/university-land-use/osu-district-plan
Also, the Diversity Strategic Plan was published in 2018 as a key step toward the realization of Oregon State's vision to become a national model for inclusive excellence. It was developed through extensive engagement with stakeholders who contributed their expertise and experience to the development process. The plan represents a roadmap to advance inclusive excellence by leveraging existing successful initiatives and embracing new innovative ideas.
More information is at https://diversity.oregonstate.edu/diversity-strategic-plan
Measurable Sustainability Objectives
Curriculum
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Curriculum and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Both the OSU Strategic Plan and the 2009 Climate Plan address curriculum development around sustainability. Specifically, one of the four strengths in the Strategic Plan is "Revolutionary Earth Systems Science", and by 2030, it is expected that:
- OSU is a global leader in blending the natural and social sciences, unique experiential learning opportunities, interdisciplinary research and engagement to address the health and well-being of the ocean and coastal communities.
- OSU's earth system science researchers and students operate pole-to-pole connecting science to society and improving environmental literacy.
- OSU’s Hatfield Marine Science Center is a global destination for research and discovery and a hub for collaborative teaching and experiential learning.
- OSU-Cascades utilizes its extensive natural laboratory to address the resiliency of ecosystems and connections to health, wellness and economic prosperity.
- OSU is a world leader in research on energy.
- OSU is a leading innovator in water resources research and global water conflict resolution.
- OSU serve the world and enhance rural economies through continued discovery in the use of mass timber for multi-story buildings.
The 2009 Climate Plan section 6.2.2, The Classroom Experience, focuses on actions to include sustainability and climate issues in curriculum. Example actions include: 1) Incorporate elements of climate and/or sustainability into all fields of study and 2) Encourage and provide resources to faculty to incorporate material on climate change in their curriculum.
Research
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Research and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The 2009 Climate Plan included the following elements specific to research: 1) Incorporate marketing of sustainability and climate research as part of OSU’s integrated marketing campaign, 2) Broaden information availability to external audiences about regional climate change impacts and, 3) Reward and evaluate faculty for promotion and tenure based on interdisciplinary (non‐“silo”) activities.
Campus Engagement
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Campus Engagement and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The 2009 Climate Plan addresses elements of engagement. Among other steps, a revolving loan fund was a tactic established in 2009 and implemented in 2010 that engaged students in the financial aspects of GHG reduction projects. Other actions included strengthening hiring and marketing process for paid positions within the Student Sustainability Initiative.
Public Engagement
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Public Engagement and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Strategies in the Climate Plan include providing access to members of the academic community and departments and community groups with student organizations in order to facilitate internship, volunteer, and work opportunities. A specific tactic includes providing tours of campus sustainability features.
Air & Climate
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Air & Climate and the published plans in which each objective is included:
OSU has specified a target date of 2025 for net carbon neutrality as part of it's 2009 Climate Plan, and again in a 2016 update/guide.
2009 Plan: https://fa.oregonstate.edu/sustainability/planning-policy-assessment/institutional-carbon-neutrality/2009-climate-plan
2016 Update: https://fa.oregonstate.edu/sites/fa.oregonstate.edu/files/sustainability/docs/2016carbon_action_planning_guide.pdf
Buildings
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Buildings and the published plans in which each objective is included:
OSU has specified a target date of 2025 for net carbon neutrality. The 2009 Climate Plan also speaks to using buildings as teaching tools, and using the campus as a living laboratory.
Energy
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Energy and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Goals for reducing electricity use and on site combustion of natural gas (stationary sources) were included in OSU's 2009 Carbon Plan. For example, the stationary source goal was to reduce net emissions to no more than 45,000 t CO2e per year.
Food & Dining
No
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Food & Dining and the published plans in which each objective is included:
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Grounds
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Grounds and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The Master Plan uses a sector-based approach that limits within each sector the amount of development that can occur, and has provisions for where growth occurs that require a dense, walkable campus. One primary measurable outcome is the protection of green and open space in each sector. Master Plan Policy 2.7.1 establishes that a minimum of 50 percent of open space shall be maintained on campus. Chapter 4 of the Master Plan specifies maximum building square footage within each sector: https://fa.oregonstate.edu/sites/fa.oregonstate.edu/files/osu_cmp_january-2005.pdf
Annual monitoring reports provided to the City of Corvallis ensure the development area is measured and enforced: https://fa.oregonstate.edu/university-land-use-planning/campus-master-plan/cmp-annual-monitoring-reports
Purchasing
No
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Purchasing and the published plans in which each objective is included:
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Transportation
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Transportation and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The Climate Plan goal was by 2012 to reduce emissions from ground transportation to no more than 11,500 t CO2e. Transportation planning efforts also emphasize reliance on transportation modes other than the single occupancy vehicle. Additionally, in 2017 and 2018, OSU launched its first ever comprehensive Transportation Plan that includes specific targets for transportation improvements that will better support alternatives to the single occupancy vehicle.
https://fa.oregonstate.edu/tsp
Waste
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Waste and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The Climate Plan goal was by 2012 to reduce emissions from solid waste to no more than 300 t CO2e.
Water
No
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Water and the published plans in which each objective is included:
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Diversity & Affordability
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Diversity & Affordability and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Some examples of measurable objectives in the diversity strategic plan include:
-Increase by 20 percent the number of presentations at disciplinary conferences delivered by students from underrepresented communities.
-Develop and implement a 5-year plan to ensure all employees participate in innovative and transformative diversity, equity and inclusion learning experiences.
-Increase by 20 percent the number of students from underrepresented communities winning national scholarships and awards.
This diversity strategic plan recognizes that creating inclusive excellence and advancing the university's mission and values go hand in hand. As a land grant institution, Oregon State's mission is teaching, research, outreach and engagement. The university seeks to promote economic, social, cultural and environmental progress for the people of Oregon, the nation and the world. OSU holds as core values the advancement of accountability, diversity, integrity, respect and social responsibility. Advancing diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice at Oregon State is embedded in its mission and values.
Investment & Finance
No
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Investment & Finance and the published plans in which each objective is included:
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Wellbeing & Work
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Wellbeing & Work and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The OSU Strategic Plan includes a goal of "A culture of belonging, collaboration and innovation", a goal founded on the values of inclusion, mutual respect, good physical and mental health, collaboration and humility, so that people from every background are welcomed and thrive; our community is diverse; and our leadership advances both excellence and innovation. Since the plan was launched, the OSU Work-Life program has created a website and more comprehensive, clear communication methods to help employees understand OSU programs that support employee health and wellness. More information is available at https://facultyaffairs.oregonstate.edu/work-life
Other Impact Areas
No
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address other areas and the published plans in which each objective is included:
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Optional Fields
No
The formal statement in support of sustainability:
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The institution’s definition of sustainability (e.g. as included in a published statement or plan):
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Is the institution an endorser or signatory of the following?:
| Yes or No | |
| The Earth Charter | No |
| The Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI) | No |
| ISCN-GULF Sustainable Campus Charter | No |
| Second Nature’s Carbon Commitment (formerly known as the ACUPCC), Resilience Commitment, and/or integrated Climate Commitment | Yes |
| The Talloires Declaration (TD) | No |
| UN Global Compact | No |
| 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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The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
Although some are over five years old, the OSU plans and planning documents referenced in this credit are current and applicable to OSU operations and policy.
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.