| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 56.33 |
| Liaison | Kimberly Post |
| Submission Date | July 18, 2017 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Saint Joseph's College - ME
PA-2: Sustainability Planning
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
4.00 / 4.00 |
Nancy
Kristiansen Online Business Program Director Saint Joseph's On-line |
"---"
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:
After a comprehensive strategic planning process (2014-2013), facilitated by President Jim Dlugos, the Board of Trustees approved (FALL 2014) the "Sustaining the Promise Strategic Plan" that consists of an integrated arrangement of cascading initiatives/goals/tactics/measurable outcomes at all levels of the organization. The plan ensures that we are in close alignment with our institutional outcomes, values and mission and includes intentional goals that are measurable, with timeframe commitments and assignable responsibility. Specific goals pertaining to sustainability are fully integrated into the highest level of the strategic plan and the five domains of the college (finance, mission, academics, advancement, human resources), along with senior staff accountability.
A copy of the strategic plan:
The website URL where the strategic plan is publicly available:
Sustainability Plan
Yes
A copy of the sustainability plan:
The website URL where the sustainability plan is publicly available:
Climate Action Plan
Yes
A copy of the climate action plan:
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):
Green Revolving Fund: https://www.sjcme.edu/life-and-community/giving-back/sustainability/oncampus/
Compensation: https://www.sjcme.edu/mysjc/human-resources/dolresourcesandinfo/
Strategic Plan: https://www.sjcme.edu/uploadedFiles/Sites/SJCMEEDU/Pages/mySJC/Administration/FIles/strategic-plan-highlights.pdf
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:
SUSTAINING THE PROMISE STRATEGIC PLAN
Establish the Center for the Study of Human and Natural Environments
CLIMATE ACTION AND SUSTAINABILITY PLAN
--Develop a Sustainability Certificate Program by FY 2020 and explore the creation of a Sustainable Agriculture Certificate/Sample Status Update:
--Increase the presence of sustainability in academic programs beyond the Environmental Science Program/Sample Status Update: Social Entrepreneurship concentration added to MBA Spring 2017.
--Assess 90% of the student body’s sustainability literacy/Sample Status Update:
Research
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Research and the published plans in which each objective is included:
CLIMATE ACTION AND SUSTAINABILITY PLAN
--Gather metrics to determine baseline and annually report on the number of faculty and departments conducting research in the area of sustainability (ongoing STARS)
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:
CLIMATE ACTION AND SUSTAINABILITY PLAN
--CASE (Community and Sustainability Engaged) Scholars: Ongoing time frame, with the intention of increasing participation over time. The goal to increase the number of scholars from 2 in its first year to fill the maximum of 8 for the 2016-2017 calendar year was met.
--EcoReps: Annual coordination of campus-wide Recylemania program and associated goals for waste minimization provided by this group. Assist with planning & implementation of annual sustainability festival.
--Establish annual faculty and staff professional development training for sustainability practices and curriculum development/Sample Status Update: HR has incorporated a standard orientation program for all new hires that includes a required module in Sustainability.
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:
SUSTAINING THE PROMISE STRATEGIC PLAN
--In the interests of serving the needs of the State of Maine and "mission aligned business," the Institute for Local Food Systems Innovation (ILFSI), currently in is infancy, has been initiated through close working relationships with community business leaders to explore educate and research hydroponic gardening and other small scale agricultural strategies.
SUSTAINABILITY AND CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
--Annual Sustainability Festival
Planning is a a year-round activity, with information from each previous fair informing improvements for the next. The recent fair (April 21st) partnered with student groups and local artists to hold an event for the public that was themed "sustaining the eARTh: creativity, conservancy and community."
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:
CLIMATE ACTION AND SUSTAINABILITY PLAN
Measureable objectives focus on reducing emissions by 25% by 2022 (phase 1), 55% by 2029 (phase 2) and 100% by 2036 (phase 3) These include the following phase 1 objectives.
The plan outlines specific air and climate quality and improvement through integration of the STARS framework into a comprehensive plan that associates the primary climate action planning "domains" of STARS' "operations."
-energy use (reduction goals of 25% for electricity, oil, propane, gasoline)
-waste disposal (Reduce hauled waste by 10% in Phase One)
-water usage (Reduce potable water consumption adjusted for population growth by 2022),
-food and dining (Develop and adopt a formal sustainable food and dining purchasing policy by FY 2017)
-land use (Develop a permaculture design for the Farm that includes both managed forest land and wilderness areas by FY 2025)
-supply chain (Develop a campus-wide sustainable purchasing
policy by FY 2017-done)
--Adopt policy to improve outdoor air quality and minimize air pollutant emission from mobile sources by FY 2017/Sample Status Update - completed
Buildings
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Buildings and the published plans in which each objective is included:
CLIMATE ACTION AND SUSTAINABILITY PLAN
Measureable objectives focus on decreasing electricity consumption on campus by 25%, decreasing oil usage on campus by 25%, and decreasing propane usage on campus by 25% (phase 1); decreasing oil and propane usage by 55% by 2029 (phase 2); decreasing oil and propane usage 100% by 2036 (phase 3). These include the following phase 1 strategies:
Electricity
1. Implementing efficiency projects for remaining lighting, insulation, windows
2. Conducting energy-saving competitions
3. Implementing a green office program
4. Exploring the development of on-site renewable energy
Oil
1. Installing geothermal heating/cooling
2. Installing solar thermal to heat DHW
Propane
1. Installing solar thermal to heat DHW
2. Insulating boiler pipes
3. Insulating basements
4. Replacing cooking appliances
5. Tightening building shells
6. Sealing ducts
Energy
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Energy and the published plans in which each objective is included:
CLIMATE ACTION AND SUSTAINABILITY PLAN
Phase 1 goals through 2022 that focus on decreasing the usage and consumption of electricity and fossil fuels for heat, Sample Status Update: Currently exploring bio-fuel use through pilot project.
Food & Dining
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Food & Dining and the published plans in which each objective is included:
CLIMATE ACTION AND SUSTAINABILITY PLAN
--food and dining (Develop and adopt a formal sustainable food and dining purchasing policy by FY 2017)
--Increase percentage by 10% (from 37 - 50%) from FY 2014 baseline of dining service food and beverage expenditures that are local and community based and/or third party verified by FY 2019
--Reduce energy and water usage of kitchen equipment by 10% by FY 2020.
Grounds
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Grounds and the published plans in which each objective is included:
SUSTAINING THE PROMISE STRATEGIC PLAN
--specific goals outlined in "Stewarding Our Campus Environment," Strategic Initiative 5, Objective 5.1 and 5.3
CLIMATE ACTION AND SUSTAINABILITY PLAN
1. Achieve organic certification for Pearson's Town Farm by 2022
2. Develop a permaculture design for the Farm that includes both managed forest land and wilderness areas by 2025
3. Explore the creation of a campus-wide permaculture design with an enhanced organic IPM by 2020
4. Create an edible landscape on the main campus by 2018
5. Pilot wildflower meadow plot by 2018
6. Develop plan for measuring carbon sequestration by forested land by 2020
Purchasing
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Purchasing and the published plans in which each objective is included:
CLIMATE ACTION AND SUSTAINABILITY PLAN
Supply Chain Management plan/Sample Status Update: completed
--Develop a campus-wide sustainable purchasing policy by FY 2017 that includes
a. Cleaning products, paper products, print cartridges, electronics (EPEAT Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool)
b. Preference for inclusive and local products/services (support disadvantaged businesses, social enterprises, and or local community based businesses)
--Develop Vendor Code of Conduct or Guidelines for Business Partners by FY 2017
--Develop campus-wide standard sustainability expectations and requirements for all RFPs by FY 2017
--Develop campus-wide standard sustainability
expectations and requirements for all RFPs by
FY 2017
Transportation
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Transportation and the published plans in which each objective is included:
CLIMATE ACTION AND SUSTAINABILITY PLAN
--Identify ways to increase alternate forms of transportation (carpooling, car sharing, public transportation)/Sample Status Update: working with local community group to assess needs and options and develop a plan that will include potential funding sources and partnering with local townships to better integrate public transportation options.
Waste
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Waste and the published plans in which each objective is included:
CLIMATE ACTION AND SUSTAINABILITY PLAN
Reduce hauled waste by 10% in Phase One
--Institute formalized e-waste recycling program by FY 2017 year to reduce and a policy that supports the responsible handling of potentially environmentally damaging waste/Sample Status Update: Waste management system that includes signage and receptacles for garbage, recycling, compost and special sort (Terracycle) in numerous locations around campus,
Water
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Water and the published plans in which each objective is included:
CLIMATE ACTION AND SUSTAINABILITY PLAN
--Reduce potable water consumption adjusted for population growth by 2022
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:
SUSTAINING THE PROMISE STRATEGIC PLAN
One of the 6 goals in the strategic plan focuses solely on diversity and is more explicitly addressed in Strategic Initiative 1, Stewarding our Enrollment
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:
---
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:
SUSTAINING THE PROMISE STRATEGIC PLAN
One of the 6 goals in the strategic plan focuses solely on being recognized as a "Best Place to Work and is more explicitly addressed in Strategic Initiative 2, 5, 6 and 7.
CLIMATE ACTION AND SUSTAINABILITY PLAN
--Engage at least 75% of faculty and staff in health and wellness programming by FY 2020
--Engage at least 75% of students in health and wellness programming by FY 2020
Other Impact Areas
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address other areas and the published plans in which each objective is included:
SUSTAINING THE PROMISE STRATEGIC PLAN
--Planning associated primarily associated with Strategic Initiative 5 for technology and technology infrastructure.
--SJC Civic Action Plan: Taking Action - The plan deliberately infuses sustainability initiatives into our culture of civic and community engagement, and identifies three priority goals that will strengthen and focus these efforts across campus while enhancing the public purpose of Saint Joseph’s College
Given how investment is treated throughout the report, the College does not have a formal investment strategy when looking at investment for the College's portfolio.
There is, however, a Green Revolving Fund and membership with the Billion Dollar challenge due to our commitment to sustainable infrastructure investment.
Optional Fields
Yes
The formal statement in support of sustainability:
THE SUSTAINING THE PROMISE STRATEGIC PLAN
From the Strategic Plan Narrative:
"In every instance a Saint Joseph’s education continues to be recognized as special and
distinctive because an education at Saint Joseph’s College is not ultimately about acquiring skills or memorizing facts; it’s about becoming a person of intention. This applies to every member of the college community and, in fact, to the community as a whole. We are an intentional community—one where everyone is committed to the practice and pursuit of the Core Values that are central to our identity as Catholic and Mercy—faith, excellence, integrity, community, respect, compassion, and justice—in everything we do from our educational programs to the ways we work and live together. As an intentional learning community, we are committed to the continuing growth and development of all of our members—students, faculty, and staff, residents, and visitors. Our continuing focus on these common concerns has led us to embrace the theme of “wellness and sustainability” as a major organizing principle (“wellness” is the human form of “sustainability”). This gives particular focus to all of our educational programs at all degree levels and also informs such activities as our planning and budgeting, the ongoing development of our campus, and, in fact, everything else that we do.
The institution’s definition of sustainability (e.g. as included in a published statement or plan):
"Sustainability involves living in such a way that the needs of all people on this planet can be met – without compromising the ability of future generations to have their needs met. It means using resources responsibly, minimizing pollution and caring for the ecosystems that support us and the millions of other species who call Earth home." (SSC Committee Charter)
Institutional Outcome #10 Environmental Responsibility
1. An attitude of appreciation for the earth in all its beauty and diversity;
2. A recognition of our dependence upon, and influence over, the natural environment;
3. The ability to think and act in a sustainable manner; and
4. Proper stewardship with respect to material goods.
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 | --- |
| Second Nature’s Carbon Commitment (formerly known as the ACUPCC), Resilience Commitment, and/or integrated Climate Commitment | Yes |
| The Talloires Declaration (TD) | --- |
| UN Global Compact | Yes |
| Other multi-dimensional sustainability commitments (please specify below) | --- |
A brief description of the institution’s formal sustainability commitments, including the specific initiatives selected above:
The Catholic College takes very seriously the following through its 2012 signing of the Saint Francis Pledge of the Catholic Climate Covenant.
--The Sisters of Mercy of the Americas', the College’s sponsoring community, five Critical Concerns for the earth, immigration, nonviolence, countering racism, and valuing women.
--The Catholic Church commitment to Pope Fancis' Laudato Si
The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
---
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
Please note that sample goals and objectives were referenced from the SUSTAINING THE PROMISE STRATEGIC PLAN and from the SUSTAINABILITY AND CL.IMATE ACTION PLAN, also noting that the ladder is a "sub-set" of the former.
Please also note that the Sisters of Mercy provide the primary guidance for investment strategies that are in alignment with their goals and strategies and is not, therefore, within the scope of the College's administrative planning responsibilities. http://www.mercyinvestmentservices.org/socially-responsible-investing
Given how investment is treated throughout the report, the College does not have a formal investment strategy when looking at investment for the College's portfolio.
There is, however, a Green Revolving Fund and membership with the Billion Dollar challenge due to our commitment to sustainable infrastructure investment.
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.