| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 67.42 |
| Liaison | Mary-Lee Townsend |
| Submission Date | Oct. 6, 2014 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Western University
PA-2: Sustainability Planning
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
4.00 / 4.00 |
Stefanie
De Adder Sustainability Coordinator Facilities Management |
"---"
indicates that no data was submitted for this field
None
Does the institution have current and formal plans to advance sustainability in the following areas? Do the plans include measurable objectives?:
| Current and Formal Plans (Yes or No) | Measurable Objectives (Yes or No) | |
| Curriculum | Yes | Yes |
| Research (or other scholarship) | Yes | Yes |
| Campus Engagement | Yes | Yes |
| Public Engagement | Yes | Yes |
| Air and Climate | Yes | Yes |
| Buildings | Yes | Yes |
| Dining Services/Food | Yes | Yes |
| Energy | Yes | Yes |
| Grounds | Yes | Yes |
| Purchasing | Yes | Yes |
| Transportation | Yes | Yes |
| Waste | Yes | Yes |
| Water | Yes | Yes |
| Diversity and Affordability | --- | --- |
| Health, Wellbeing and Work | Yes | Yes |
| Investment | No | No |
| Other | --- | --- |
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Curriculum:
In reference to Western's "Creating a Sustainable Western Experience" Vision and Action Plan: http://sustainability.uwo.ca/documents/strategy/SustainableWesternExperience.pdf:
As a teacher of the next generation of global leaders, Western University will equip students with the knowledge and the tools essential to living a sustainable future.
Excellence in Sustainability Teaching and Learning:
• Every student entering Western will have the opportunity to be exposed to the
theory and practice of sustainability.
• Students seeking expertise and knowledge in sustainability will have access to
curriculum at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Opportunities will be available to the entire Western community, and beyond, to
acquire education in sustainability topics of interest and relevance.
Date Revised: Nov. 11, 2014
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Curriculum plan(s):
- Creation of a Sustainability Minor by 2017 as a path toward creating both a major and a second-entry undergraduate degree in sustainability by 2022.
- By 2017 a discussion will be initiated on the opportunity to evolve the Centre for Environment and Sustainability into a School of Sustainability.
-By 2017, Steps will be initiated to establish an interdisciplinary introductory course in sustainability which would be made available to all students entering Western.
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Curriculum plan(s):
- Centre for Environment and Sustainability
- President's Advisory Committee on Environment and Sustainability (PACES)
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Research (or other scholarship):
In reference to Western's "Creating a Sustainable Western Experience" Vision and Action Plan: http://sustainability.uwo.ca/documents/strategy/SustainableWesternExperience.pdf:
As a research facility with strong intellectual capacity, Western University will investigate pressing issues and propose effective solutions to environmental problems.
Date Revised: Nov. 11, 2014
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Research plan(s):
By 2017:
• Internal grant competitions include sustainability aspects of research in their
evaluation criteria.
• Sustainability research initiatives utilize Interdisciplinary Development Initiatives
Program (IDIs) funding.
• High-achieving student research initiatives for solving sustainability challenges are
incented and profiled.
• Trans-disciplinary research projects by graduate students and fourth-year
undergraduate projects are initiated and encouraged.
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Research plan(s):
PACES
VP Research
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Campus Engagement around sustainability:
In reference to Western's "Creating a Sustainable Western Experience" Vision and Action Plan: http://sustainability.uwo.ca/documents/strategy/SustainableWesternExperience.pdf :
Every member of the Western community - including students, faculty and staff - will have the opportunity for a sustainable working, living and learning environment.
Date Revised: Nov. 11, 2014
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Campus Engagement plan:
-By 2017
• Sustainability values are promoted across departments, faculties, in residence and in presidential communications.
• Awareness and engagement in sustainability is embraced by the Western
community.
• Sustainability is a major student learning initiative within Western’s residences and
in orientation week activities.
• A sustainability fund designed to encourage sustainability initiatives on campus
is explored as a mechanism to drive increased engagement and advancement of
sustainability efforts at Western.
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Campus Engagement plan(s):
All Academic Faculties
All Academic Departments
Housing and Ancillary Services
PACES
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Public Engagement around sustainability:
In reference to Western's "Creating a Sustainable Western Experience" Vision and Action Plan: http://sustainability.uwo.ca/documents/strategy/SustainableWesternExperience.pdf :
Opportunities will be available to the entire Western community, and beyond, to
acquire education in sustainability topics of interest and relevance.
Date Revised: Nov. 11, 2014
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Public Engagement plan(s):
By 2017:
• The University has developed forms of recognition for students, staff, faculty or
alumni participating in curricular or extra-curricular programs in sustainability – such
as a formal or informal certificate offering for sustainability.
• Increased opportunities are available, to the Western community and beyond, for
non-credit sustainability courses and programs.
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Public Engagement plan(s):
PACES
Participation from Western students, staff and faculty.
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Air and Climate:
The PACES "Creating a Sustainable Western Experience" Report drives conservation,
construction and retrofit efforts over a 10 year period (2012-2017)
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Air and Climate plan(s):
By 2017:
• Main campus’ direct greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced below 2009 levels.
• There is a reduced need for vehicle-based transportation through and on campus.
• Encouragement of building and renovating facilities in accordance with energy efficiency and sustainability principles
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Air and Climate plan(s):
PACES
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Buildings:
As per Western’s 2014-2019 Conservation & Demand Management Plan, Western University will ensure that all new building construction projects and renovation projects will pursue LEED Silver standards.
http://energy.uwo.ca/wp-content/themes/western-energy/_/inc/Approved%20Western%27s%20CDM%20Plan%20(2014-2019).pdf
Date Revised: Nov. 11, 2014
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Buildings plan(s):
Western has established an operational policy that all new building construction and
retrofits will aspire to a minimum of LEED silver standards.
Within the University's 2014-2019 Conservation & Demand Management Plan, it reads: Best efforts should be made to undertake design and construction at a level to achieve a minimum of LEED Silver certification, noting there may be renovation projects where this is not achievable without significant additional expenditures. In this case, the Vice-President (Resources & Operations) shall have the final recommendation. This statement does not mean that formal certification will be sought.
Estimated cost: 1.8% additional to the baseline project budget
Estimated savings: 20% in annual operating costs
Length of time the measure will be in place: Indefinitely
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Buildings plan(s):
Vice President, Resources and Operations
Facilities Management, Projects and Planning Division
Saher Fazilat, Executive Director, Facilities Development and Engineering.
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Dining Services/Food:
In reference to Western's "Creating a Sustainable Western Experience" Vision and Action Plan: http://sustainability.uwo.ca/documents/strategy/SustainableWesternExperience.pdf:
Western will minimize its ecological footprint while enhancing ecosystem services on campus. This will be an area of focus for Hospitality Services on campus, particularly with regards to purchasing and waste.
Date Revised: Nov. 11, 2014
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Dining Services/Food plan(s):
• Access to healthy, local, organic and fair trade food with vegan and vegetarian
options are widely available throughout campus.
• Opportunities for on-campus food production are harnessed.
• Opportunities are explored to increase the number of projects that provide costsavings
by reducing Western’s overall environmental impact.
• A campus-wide effort for the achievement of zero waste status is initiated.
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Dining Services/Food plan(s):
Hospitality Services
PACES
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Energy:
Western has established a Conservation and Demand Management Plan (2014-2019) to ensure resources are managed efficiently and appropriate standards are in place to minimize operational impacts on the environment.
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Energy plan(s):
Goals include achieving a 9% reduction in energy use intensity [ekWh/m2] below 2012's levels; and reduce overall energy usage to below 4% compared to 2012.
An example of a proposed organizational measure is that all energy and water efficiency and conservation are an integral component of all construction and renovation projects, with an estimated savings of 20% in annual operational costs.
More organizational, behavioural, and technical measures can be viewed at:
http://energy.uwo.ca/wp-content/themes/western-energy/_/inc/Approved%20Western's%20CDM%20Plan%20(2014-2019).pdf
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Energy plan(s):
Facilities Management
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Grounds:
Advancing sustainability in grounds is described by the PACES "Creating a Sustainable Western Experience" Report and is reflected in landscaping procedures as well as ice and snow management (Environment Canada's Salt Reduction Plan for large businesses and organizations).
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Grounds plan(s):
• Utilizing ecological landscaping methods and preserving green space
• Natural habitat on campus is protected and enhanced, where appropriate.
• The campus connection to the Thames River is celebrated and drives involvement in
restoration efforts.
• Opportunities for on-campus food production are harnessed.
• Continuing to follow Environment Canada's Salt Reduction Plan for large businesses and organizations
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Grounds plan(s):
PACES
Facilities Management
Jim Galbraith, Facilities Management
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Purchasing:
Western will endeavour to purchase products and services that meet a comprehensive range of sustainability criteria.
Western also has a Sustainable Procurement Policy and Sustainable Procurement Guidelines.
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Purchasing plan(s):
By 2017:
• Sustainability in procurement will be heightened as campus requisitioners build
sustainability into their purchasing decisions and policies.
• Opportunities for incorporating life-cycle accounting into purchasing decisions on campus are identified and integrated.
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Purchasing plan(s):
Procurement Services
Facilities Management
PACES
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Transportation:
In reference to Western's "Creating a Sustainable Western Experience" Vision and Action Plan: http://sustainability.uwo.ca/documents/strategy/SustainableWesternExperience.pdf :
Western will solicit and support the development of green infrastructure on campus.
Date Revised: Nov. 11, 2014
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Transportation plan(s):
By 2017:
• There is a reduced need for vehicle-based transportation through and on campus.
• Partnerships with the City of London will facilitate increased access for bike and
pedestrian travel to and from campus.
• Model green infrastructure projects will be identified and piloted, in areas such as
Information Technology services, stormwater management, permeable surfacing
and green-roofs.
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Transportation plan(s):
City of London
PACES.
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Waste:
In reference to Western's "Creating a Sustainable Western Experience" Vision and Action Plan: http://sustainability.uwo.ca/documents/strategy/SustainableWesternExperience.pdf :
The University commits to developing institutional practices that promote sustainability while reducing the use of resources and the production of waste and hazardous materials.
This will be made possible by encouraging:
• Reduction of use of inputs
• Reduction of outputs through recycling and reuse
• Focusing on life cycle management of resources and waste products
Western has excelled in its waste reduction strategies. Facilities Management estimates
that of the existing waste on campus, 15% are coffee cups and a further 20% are
items that are recyclable. Opportunities abound for Western to improve on its already
impressive performance in Waste Management.
Date Revised: Nov. 11, 2014
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Waste plan(s):
Western has a goal to become Zero Waste by 2022. We are working on that goal through composting program expansion, as well as the recent switch to now recycle all plastics 1-7 (as opposed to just 1, 2, 4 and 5) and coffee cups.
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Waste plan(s):
Facilities Management
Housing and Hospitality Services
PACES.
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Water:
As per Western University's Conservation and Demand Management Plan (2014-2019)(http://energy.uwo.ca/wp-content/themes/western-energy/_/inc/Approved%20Western%27s%20CDM%20Plan%20(2014-2019).pdf)
- Western will reduce water use intensity (m3/m2) by 8% below 2012 levels by 2019
- Western will optimize the chilled water distribution system by installing new valves, improving the delta T, removing unnecessary pumps and improving the chilled water bridges saving the university approximate 4,772,400 kWh per annum
Date Revised: Nov. 3, 2014
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Water plan(s):
- Ongoing updating and installation of metering equipment continues to identify areas of focus for water management on campus.
By 2017:
• A 10-year master plan for energy and water management drives conservation,
construction and retrofit efforts.
• Model green infrastructure projects will be identified and piloted, in areas such as
Information Technology services, stormwater management, permeable surfacing
and green-roofs.
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Water plan(s):
PACES
Facilities Management
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Diversity and Affordability:
---
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Diversity and Affordability plan(s):
---
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Diversity and Affordability plan(s):
---
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Health, Wellbeing and Work:
In reference to Western's "Creating a Sustainable Western Experience" Vision and Action Plan: http://sustainability.uwo.ca/documents/strategy/SustainableWesternExperience.pdf :
The University will continue to provide quality education and services while progressively reducing negative environmental, health and economic impacts. Through active citizenship, teaching and research, we will ensure the health of our planet and its people for the long term. Every member of the Western community - including students, faculty and staff -will have the opportunity for a sustainable and healthy working, living and learning environment.
Date Revised: Nov. 11, 2014
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Health, Wellbeing and Work plan(s):
• Access to healthy, local, organic and fair trade food with vegan and vegetarian
options are widely available throughout campus.
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Health, Wellbeing and Work plan(s):
PACES
Human Resources
Health and Wellness Services
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Investment:
---
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Investment plan(s):
---
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Investment plan(s):
---
None
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in other areas:
---
None
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the other plan(s):
---
None
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the other plan(s):
---
None
The institution’s definition of sustainability:
---
None
Does the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document include sustainability at a high level?:
Yes
None
A brief description of how the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document addresses sustainability:
The following is an excerpt from the 2013 Strategic Plan for Western University:
Sustainability: We will leverage our intellectual capacity to solve pressing environmental problems, while minimizing the impact of our campus community on the environment and educating students to be leaders in the environment and sustainability movement.
http://president.uwo.ca/pdf/strategic-plan/WesternU_Full_StratPlan_2014.pdf
None
The website URL where information about the institution’s sustainability planning is available:
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.