| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 69.58 |
| Liaison | Derek Nichols |
| Submission Date | Dec. 14, 2018 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
University at Buffalo
EN-14: Participation in Public Policy
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 2.00 |
Ryan
McPherson Chief Sustainability Officer Office of Sustainability |
"---"
indicates that no data was submitted for this field
Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the municipal/local level?:
Yes
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the municipal/local level, including the issues, legislation, and ordinances for or against which the institution has advocated:
The University at Buffalo plays a critical role in shaping the Western New York Environmental Alliance's Action Agenda (the institution was also chaired by the University at Buffalo's Chief Sustainability Officer). Each year the Western New York Environmental Alliance (WNYEA) raises an annual action agenda through its advocacy policy. Planks for the WNYEA are brought forth by member organizations and pushed up through WNYEA Working Groups. This process relies heavily on the support, advice and counsel of the Issues & Advocacy Process Group. This group helps Working Groups to develop advocacy items, from comments and statements to campaigns and planks. For a a full listing of issues, legislation and ordinances that the group has taken a stance on please see: http://www.growwny.org/strategic-plan-and-action-agenda/
Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the state/provincial/regional level?:
Yes
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the state/provincial/regional level, including the issues, legislation, and ordinances for or against which the institution has advocated:
The University at Buffalo currently chairs the State University of New York Sustainability Coalition (SSC) and through that vehicle engages in a number of advocacy actions to further sustainability throughout New York State. The University and the SSC took direct advocacy positions at the state level on changes to the construction and demolition recycling policies, support for a SUNY Pollution Prevention Institute, stronger climate legislation and systemwide SUNY sustainability goals (see uploaded letter of support).
In addition, the University at Buffalo has supported and advocated for policies such as various executive orders from the New York State Governor and legislation that would encourage sustainable jobs, research, and smart climate policies.
Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the national level?:
Yes
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the national level, including the issues, legislation, and ordinances for or against which the institution has advocated:
The University at Buffalo actively advocates directly and through our partner organizations (Second Nature, the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, and the University Climate Change Coalition) on a host of issues at the federal level. This advocacy has mainly centered on supporting efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change and support for key sustainability research funding.
In addition, Chancellor Johnson of the State University of New York has also advocated extensively on UB’s behalf on numerous specific sustainability issues including but not limited to:
• Codifying the DREAM act to reduce inequalities and provide for greater university educational access for immigrants
• Increased aid to Puerto Rico for Hurricane relief efforts focusing on clean energy and grid resiliency
• Reinforcing the importance of climate change action and research to the Speaker of the House of Representatives
• Leading member of the United States University Climate Change Coalition
• Advocating to congress on LGBTQ issues
• Advocated against EPA’s new coal pollution rules
Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the international level?:
Yes
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the international level, including the issues, legislation, and ordinances for or against which the institution has advocated:
The State University of New York has played a leadership role in supporting the Paris Accords and rejecting president Trump's withdraw from the agreement.
In addition, the University at Buffalo has fully embraced the United Nations' Higher Education Sustainability Initiative and the Sustainable Development Goals and works to integrate them on a daily basis across our campuses.
Finally, the University at Buffalo is also a proud signator of the Declaration on University Global Engagement and works to integrate and advocate for the Sustainable Development Goals through this frame.
Optional Fields
---
None
A brief description of political donations the institution made during the previous three years (if applicable):
Under New York State Law it is illegal for a public State University of New York to do this.
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:
---
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.