Overall Rating Gold
Overall Score 67.28
Liaison Geory Kurtzhals
Submission Date Jan. 4, 2022

STARS v2.2

University of Notre Dame
PA-2: Sustainability Planning

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 2.50 / 4.00 Geory Kurtzhals
Sr. Director
Office of Sustainability
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Part 1. Measurable sustainability objectives 

Academics

Does the institution have a published plan or plans that include measurable sustainability objectives that address sustainability in curriculum and/or research?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to academics and the plan(s) in which they are published:
Strategies from the Comprehensive Sustainability Strategy
convene various committees of faculty and administrative to identify best practices to expand and create additional sustainability-related courses, learning outcomes, and research and learning projects. Long-Term Goal: Increase sustainability research and learning opportunities at the University.
Enhance tracking and reporting of sustainability-related courses

Engagement 

Does the institution have a published plan or plans that include measurable sustainability objectives that address student, employee, or community engagement for sustainability?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to engagement and the plan(s) in which they are published:
Strategies from the Comprehensive Sustainability Strategy
The breadth and scope of the University’s academic exploration of sustainability are of interest to students, alumni, supporters, and the greater University community. By reporting on its participation, the University shows its commitment to advancing sustainability in all academic disciplines.

Long-Term Goal: Promote greater understanding and accountability of the University’s role in sustainable research and education.
5 Year Action Plan
Track and publish annual number and enrollment in sustainability-related courses
Track and publish annual sustainability-related research dollars
Track and publish annual participation hours in sustainability-related projects

Operations

Does the institution have a published plan or plans that include measurable sustainability objectives that address sustainability in operations?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to operations and the plan(s) in which they are published:
Strategies from the Comprehensive Sustainability Strategy
1. Move to less carbon-intensive fuels
2. Increase use of renewable and recoverable energy sources
3. Increase energy conservation and efficiency
4. Decrease harmful emissions
5. Make the University's energy and emissions commitments transparent

Administration

Does the institution have a published plan or plans that include measurable sustainability objectives that address diversity, equity, and inclusion; sustainable investment/finance; or wellbeing?:
No

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to administration and the plan(s) in which they are published:
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Part 2. Sustainability in institution’s highest guiding document

Does the institution have a published strategic plan or equivalent guiding document that includes sustainability at a high level? :
Yes

The institution’s highest guiding document (upload):
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Website URL where the institution’s highest guiding document is publicly available:
Which of the following best describes the inclusion of sustainability in the highest guiding document?:
Minor theme

Optional Fields

The institution's sustainability plan (upload):
Website URL where the institution's sustainability plan is publicly available:
Does the institution have a formal statement in support of sustainability endorsed by its governing body?:
Yes

The formal statement in support of sustainability:
The University of Notre Dame strives to be a leader in sustainable operations, education, and research, and a role model for responsible citizenship. Notre Dame recognizes its responsibility to conserve the natural environment while promoting long-term economic and social justice for all members of society and works to foster a pervasive focus on the connection between environmental stewardship and the Common Good.

The institution’s definition of sustainability:
The contemporary concept of environmental sustainability seeks a similar goal—the wise use of our natural resources to ensure their availability for future generations. While environmental sustainability often focuses on energy efficiency and cost savings, Notre Dame’s approach is grounded in our Catholic mission and University values, acknowledging the indivisible link between environmental sustainability and the University’s future. Sustainability has its own inherent value: it equates a respectful stewardship of the environment with the faithful care of God’s creation.

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
Pan-Canadian Protocol for Sustainability No
SDG Accord 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) Yes

A brief description of the institution’s formal sustainability commitments, including the specific initiatives selected above:
On June 14, 2019, executives from among the world’s leading energy producers and investors concluded two days of Vatican-sponsored dialogue on energy transition Friday (June 14), with — for the first time — most signing statements of support for carbon pricing and disclosures on climate change risk.

Leading the conference were His Eminence Cardinal Peter Turkson, prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, and University of Notre Dame President Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., both co-sponsors of the June 12-14 dialogue, “The Energy Transition and Care for Our Common Home.”

Website URL where information about the institution’s sustainability planning efforts 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.