| Overall Rating | Silver |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 45.93 |
| Liaison | Gabrielle Jette |
| Submission Date | April 13, 2022 |
The Catholic University of America
EN-11: Inter-Campus Collaboration
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.50 / 3.00 |
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Is the institution currently a member of a national or international higher education sustainability network?:
Yes
The name of the national or international sustainability network(s):
The Catholic University of America is involved in an international sustainability network. In Fall 2021, the University committed to join the Laudato Si Action Platform for Universities. Inspired by Pope Francis' 2015 encyclical on the environment, the Church announced a 7-year challenge to Catholic institutions around the world to demonstrate steps to take to care for our common home. In addition to the Laudato Si Action Platform, the University also joined the LSAP Universities working group to share best practices internationally with other universities.
Nationally, the University is a part of the U.S. Department of Better Buildings Partner. Better Buildings Partners share building energy efficiency practices with other commercial and non-profit entities to strive towards a cleaner energy future.
Nationally, the University is a part of the U.S. Department of Better Buildings Partner. Better Buildings Partners share building energy efficiency practices with other commercial and non-profit entities to strive towards a cleaner energy future.
Does the institution actively participate in a regional, state/provincial, or local higher education sustainability network?:
Yes
The name of the regional, state/provincial or local sustainability network(s):
The University participates in several regional, state/provincial, and local sustainability groups. In 2012 and again in 2019, the University signed onto the District of Columbia's Mayor's College and University Sustainability Pledge (CUSP). This university-based collaborative approach to sustainability was the first of its kind in the nation. DC was the first city in the U.S. to form such a compact between its higher education sector and local government to advance sustainability. The signatories, including Catholic University, meet quarterly to share best sustainability practices to strike to make the District the "Greenest College Town in America".
Has the institution presented at a higher education sustainability conference during the previous year?:
Yes
A list or brief description of the conference(s) and presentation(s):
In 2021 the University presented at the District Energy Conference about a recent campus-wide steam plant renovation for a state of the art chilled and hot water loop which saves electricity and water. The audience was mostly design professionals, engineers, and university facilities staff. Additionally in 2021, the University presented at the U.S. Department of Energy's Better Buildings Summit on inspiring women in energy efficiency careers.
Has the institution submitted a case study during the previous year to an external higher education sustainability resource center or awards program?:
Yes
A list or brief description of the sustainability resource center or awards program and submission(s):
In Spring 2020 and Fall 2021, the University submitted 2 case studies for recognition. The first was submitted in May 2020 for recognition from the local US Green Buildings Council Chapter for a community leader award. The University submitted its recent project, Maloney Hall which was LEED Gold certified for recognition.
In November 2021, the University submitted a case study on its recently completed infrastructure project which upgraded the old steam system to a chilled and hot water loop. The case study was included as part of the University's commitment to the U.S. Department of Energy's Better Building Challenge. The case study is part of a publicly accessible resource center.
In November 2021, the University submitted a case study on its recently completed infrastructure project which upgraded the old steam system to a chilled and hot water loop. The case study was included as part of the University's commitment to the U.S. Department of Energy's Better Building Challenge. The case study is part of a publicly accessible resource center.
Has the institution had employees or students serving on a board or committee of a sustainability network or conference during the previous three years?:
Yes
A list or brief description of the board or committee appointment(s):
The University has an internal steering committee of students, faculty and staff who are planning a sustainability conference in April 2022. The conference titled Climate Change and the Future of Work focuses on the impact that a changing global climate will have on work and careers throughout the 21st century. The group plans the agenda, promotion, speakers, and logistics for the event.
Additionally, the sustainability staff is involved in external networks. In December 2021, the Assistant Director was added as a steering chair for a local sustainability network comprised of District of Columbia university sustainability staff.
Additionally, the sustainability staff is involved in external networks. In December 2021, the Assistant Director was added as a steering chair for a local sustainability network comprised of District of Columbia university sustainability staff.
Does the institution have an ongoing mentoring relationship with another institution through which it assists the institution with its sustainability reporting and/or the development of its sustainability program?:
No
A brief description of the mentoring relationship and activities:
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Has the institution had employees or students serving as peer reviewers of another institution’s sustainability data and/or STARS submission during the previous three years?:
No
A brief description of the peer review activities:
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Optional Fields
On March 30, 2022, Catholic University joined nine other Universities in the DC region to host an in-person climate justice teach-in featuring 16 of our students, faculty, and staff. The teach-in focused on addressing climate, public health, advocacy, and more. Catholic joined over 1,000 colleges, universities, high schools and K-8 schools by participating in this worldwide climate teach-in organized by Bard College.
Website URL where information about the institution’s inter-campus collaborations 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.