| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 71.21 |
| Liaison | Kelly Wellman |
| Submission Date | Dec. 28, 2018 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Texas A&M University
PA-2: Sustainability Planning
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
4.00 / 4.00 |
Kelly
Wellman Sustainability Director Office of Sustainability & Campus Enrichment |
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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:
Texas A&M University 2015 - 2020 Strategic Plan includes sustainability at a high level. GOAL 3: Place the needs of the public good at the forefront of our mission as evidenced by:
1. Graduating a large number of students who share the University’s commitment to serve the public good.
2. Increasing the number of graduating students who identify as African-American or
Hispanic.
3. Graduating more than 25% of our students who are first generation college attenders or whose family income is below the State poverty level.
4. Graduating students with a low student debt burden.
5. Translating rapidly our scholarly and creative works to serve and improve society's
natural environment, economic environment, and human condition.
6. Exercising responsible stewardship of the State’s resources.
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:
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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):
Campus environments are continually evolving with new physical growth in support of a university’s mission as defined by their history and traditions. A Campus Master Plan provides a framework or “road map” for the future. It is a tool to better inform built environment decisions that align strategic planning priorities with anticipated growth, while preserving heritage spaces and buildings.
Since the adoption of the Campus Master Plan in 2004, Texas A&M University’s (TAMU) commitment to creating new spaces for learning, living, and research has been evident in the development of the built environment throughout the historic core, West Campus infrastructure, and student-athlete facilities. The framework for this growth was an essential component of the long-range plan.
In August 2015 TAMU embarked on an update to the current Campus Master Plan. It serves as a framework to better inform built environment decisions that align TAMU’s strategic planning priorities in support of the university’s mission, Vision 2020, and academic plan. The focus is on the following six areas:
Campus Development Plan
Mobility and Safety
Sustainability and Wellness
Heritage Conservation
Wayfinding and Signage
Campus Guidelines
Underlying goals and objectives of the six focus areas are enhancement of the student experience, campus connectivity (physical connections and interdisciplinary connections of the academic community), and an integrated vision of the campus landscape and its facilities.
The planning firm Ayers Saint Gross lead the Campus Master Plan Update planning effort.The 2017 Campus Master Plan can be reviewed at https://campusplan.tamu.edu/files/presentations/2017CampusMasterPlan.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:
The Plan can be viewed here: http://sustainability.tamu.edu/Data/Sites/1/downloads/2018SMP.PDF
Measurable Objectives can be found in Section 9: Administrative Support and Section 10: Instruction, Research, and Innovation at the link above. They are also listed below.
9-5 Incentivize curriculum development and redevelopment that prioritizes sustainability.
10-1 Increase the availability of undergraduate and graduate courses on or related to sustainability
10-2 Increase departments offering courses on or related to sustainability.
10-3 Increase the percentage of students who take a course with a sustainable learning outcome.
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 Plan can be viewed here: http://sustainability.tamu.edu/Data/Sites/1/downloads/2018SMP.PDF
Measurable Objectives can be found in Section 9: Administrative Support and Section 10: Instruction, Research, and Innovation at the link above. They are also listed below.
9-4 Increase the amount of external research funding received annually for sustainability-related research.
10-6 Maintain the percentage of researchers that are engaged in sustainability research.
10-7 Maintain the percentage of departments that are engaged in sustainability research.
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 Plan can be viewed here: http://sustainability.tamu.edu/Data/Sites/1/downloads/2018SMP.PDF
Measurable Objectives can be found in Section 8: Education, Outreach, and Engagement and Section 9: Administrative Support from the above link. They are also listed below.
8-1 Increase the number of student organizations that participate in Campus Sustainability Day
8-2 Increase the number of opportunities for campus stakeholders to collaborate on sustainability initiatives
8-3 Report hours of community service per full time equivalent enrollment commensurate with the Texas A&M Core Value of Selfless Service.
8-4 Develop all the outreach collateral types recognized by STARS to better address communications needs.
9-2 Certifty faculty and staff through the Aggie Sustainability Alliance (ASA).
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:
The Plan can be viewed here: http://sustainability.tamu.edu/Data/Sites/1/downloads/2018SMP.PDF
Measurable Objectives can be found in Section 8: Education, Outreach, and Engagement and Section 10: Instruction, Research, and Innovation at the link above. It is also listed below.
10-8 Increase global research and service initiatives.
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:
The Plan can be viewed here: http://sustainability.tamu.edu/Data/Sites/1/downloads/2018SMP.PDF
Measurable Objectives can be found in Section 2: Energy Use and Greenhouse Gas Emissions at the above link. They are also listed below.
2-2 Decrease Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions per weighted campus user.
2-3 Increase the use of renewable energy.
2-4 Decrease the miles traveled via taxis, ferries, and rental cars as well as reimbursed personal mileage.
Further, The Energy Action Plan 2020 plan can be viewed here: https://utilities.tamu.edu/energy-action-plan-2020/
Buildings
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Buildings and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The Plan can be viewed here: http://sustainability.tamu.edu/Data/Sites/1/downloads/2018SMP.PDF
Measurable Objectives can be found in Section 5: Built Environment and Site Design at the above link. They are also listed below.
5-1 Evolve architectural guidelines in alignment with the 2017 Campus Master Plan.
5-2 Develop public, civic spaces (interior or exterior) to represent a broader cross-section of the Aggie community.
5-3 Decrease potable water consumption within on-campus residences.
5-4 Reduce irrigation's demand for potable water.
5-5 Increase the use of non-potable water for irrigation.
5-6 Increase the percentage of campus lands managed with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies.
For a more comprehensive understanding of the built environment, you can review the complete Campus Master Plan at https://campusplan.tamu.edu/files/presentations/2017CampusMasterPlan.pdf
Energy
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Energy and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The Plan can be viewed here: http://sustainability.tamu.edu/Data/Sites/1/downloads/2018SMP.PDF
Measurable Objectives can be found in Section 2: Energy Use and Greenhouse Gas Emissions at the above link. They are also listed below.
2-1 Decrease campus energy use intensity.
2-3 Increase the use of renewable energy.
In addition, The Energy Action Plan 2020 plan can be viewed here: https://utilities.tamu.edu/energy-action-plan-2020/
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:
The Plan can be viewed here: http://sustainability.tamu.edu/Data/Sites/1/downloads/2018SMP.PDF
Measurable Objectives can be found in Section 6: Waste Management and Section 9: Administrative Support. They are also listed below.
6-1 Increase post-consumer composting in dining locations.
9-1 Leverage institutional purchasing dollars to advance a sustainable supply chain. Increase dining services' food and beverage expenditures on products considered sustainable by STARS criteria.
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 Plan can be viewed here: http://sustainability.tamu.edu/Data/Sites/1/downloads/2018SMP.PDF
Measurable Objectives can be found in Section 3: Stormwater Management and Section 5: Built Environment and Site Design at the above link. They are also listed below.
3-1 Improve mulch loss and replacement.
5-6 Increase the percentage of campus lands managed with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies.
Purchasing
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Purchasing and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The Plan can be viewed here: http://sustainability.tamu.edu/Data/Sites/1/downloads/2018SMP.PDF
Measurable Objectives can be found in Section 9: Administrative Support at the above link. They are also listed below.
9-1 Leverage institutional purchasing dollars to advance a sustainable supply chain.
* Increase paper purchases that include at least 30% post-consumer recycled content.
* Maintain purchases of green cleaning and janitorial supplies.
* Increase electronics purchases that meet at least EPEAT Bronze.
*Increase dining services' food and beverage expenditures on products considered sustainable by STARS criteria.
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 Plan can be viewed here: http://sustainability.tamu.edu/Data/Sites/1/downloads/2018SMP.PDF
Measurable Objectives can be found in Section 4: Campus Mobility at the above link. They are also listed below.
4-1 Decrease the number of business permits sold.
4-2 Increase the capacity of the on-campus transit system.
4-3 Increase the number of students, faculty, and staff who commute to campus using something other than a single occupancy vehicle.
4-4 Increase the use of alternatively fueled vehicles.
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 Plan can be viewed here: http://sustainability.tamu.edu/Data/Sites/1/downloads/2018SMP.PDF
Measurable Objectives can be found in Section 6: Waste Management at the above link. They are also listed below.
6-1 Increase post-consumer composting in dining locations.
6-2 Maintain 100% diversion of landscapes wastes from landfill.
6-3 Reduce the total weight of non-construction waste.
6-4 Increase diversion rates for non-construction waste.
6-5 Create an improved system and corresponding policies for unused chemical collection.
6-6 Increase the number of opportunities provided for on-campus residents to recycle electronic waste.
6-7 Increase the opportunities for on-campus residents to donate to durable goods.
6-8 Increase capacity to collect data that tracks the diversion rate of the Surplus Property Office.
6-9 Increase construction waste diversion rate from landfill.
Water
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Water and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The Plan can be viewed here: http://sustainability.tamu.edu/Data/Sites/1/downloads/2018SMP.PDF
Measurable Objectives can be found in Section 3: Stormwater Management and Section 5: Built Environment and Site Design at the above link. They are also listed below.
3-2 Increase soil percolation.
5-3 Decrease potable water consumption within on-campus residences.
5-4 Reduce irrigation's demand for potable water.
5-5 Increase the use of non-potable water for irrigation.
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:
The Plan can be viewed here: http://sustainability.tamu.edu/Data/Sites/1/downloads/2018SMP.PDF
Measurable Objectives can be found in Section 7: Social Sustainability at the above link. They are also listed below.
7-1 Increase the demographic diversity of the campus through recruitment and retention.
7-2 Continue to close the gaps in student success rates.
More information about Texas A&M's Diversity Plan can be found at https://diversity.tamu.edu/Diversity-Plan
A new initiative known as the Student Success Initiative was launched in 2018. The specific goals of this program can be found at http://provost.tamu.edu/Initiatives/Student-Success-Initiative.
Investment & Finance
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Investment & Finance and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The Plan can be viewed here: http://sustainability.tamu.edu/Data/Sites/1/downloads/2018SMP.PDF
Measurable Objectives can be found in Section 9: Administrative Support at the above link. They are also listed below.
9-4 Increase the amount of external funding received annually for sustainability-related research.
9-5 Incentivize curriculum development and redevelopment that prioritized sustainability.
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 Plan can be viewed here: http://sustainability.tamu.edu/Data/Sites/1/downloads/2018SMP.PDF
Measurable Objectives can be found in Section 7: Social Sustainability at the above link. They are also listed below.
7-3 Increase the amount of recreational space available.
7-4 Increase faculty and staff participation in WELLNESS WORKS! and Wellness Release Time.
7-5 Increase capacity for mental health and preventative health services to meet student needs.
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:
The Plan can be viewed here: http://sustainability.tamu.edu/Data/Sites/1/downloads/2018SMP.PDF
Measurable Objectives can be found in Section 5: Built Environment and Site Design at the above link. The art-related objective is listed below.
5-2 Develop public, civic spaces (interior or exterior) to represent a broader cross-section of the Aggie community.
While the existing public art program speaks strongly to Texas A&M's celebrated history, it is challenging for underrepresented members of the campus community to feel valued and included when their social and cultural identities are not reflected in the institution's public image. It is important for all Aggies to feel welcomed, included, and represented in the public art on campus. As the campus environment evolves to include additional public and civic spaces, the University will make an effort to select artwork and commission artists from diverse backgrounds. Student focus groups expressed a strong desire to make campus art more representative of the broad variety of backgrounds in today's Aggie community.
Optional Fields
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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):
Texas A&M University defines “sustainability” as the efficient, deliberate and responsible
preservation of environmental, social and economic resources to protect our earth for future generations of Texas Aggies, the Texas A&M University community and beyond.
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 | No |
| The Talloires Declaration (TD) | No |
| UN Global Compact | No |
| Other multi-dimensional sustainability commitments (please specify below) | No |
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:
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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.