Overall Rating Gold
Overall Score 65.69
Liaison Jennifer Kleindienst
Submission Date April 5, 2023

STARS v2.2

Wesleyan University
PA-2: Sustainability Planning

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 3.00 / 4.00 Jennifer Kleindienst
Sustainability Coordinator
Finance and Administration
"---" 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:
Goal 2: Wesleyan’s curricular and co-curricular activities equip students with the necessary education and skills to become environmental and social leaders. By 2030 approximately 80% of the student body will have taken at least one course, workshop, or research experience that incorporates sustainability and environmental justice.
Objective 2.1: Increase support for faculty who incorporate sustainability and/or environmental justice into their courses.
Objective 2.2: Introduce annual environmental justice courses by 2023 taught by faculty members who are noted scholars in the field.

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:
Objective 2.3: Expand opportunities for student professional development in sustainability and environmental justice.

Goal 3: Sustainability is an integral part of Wesleyan’s community consciousness, expressed through University practices as well as the individual and collective actions of students, faculty, and staff.
Objective 3.3: Institute and expand practices in the areas of waste, dining, grounds, and procurement consistent with our shared value of sustainability.

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:
Goal 1: Wesleyan shall achieve carbon neutrality for all greenhouse gas emissions by 2035.
Objective 1.1: Dramatically reduce fossil fuel usage in campus buildings by 2035.
Objective 1.2: Offset emissions from all Wesleyan employee business and study abroad air travel by 2023.
Objective 1.3: Convert 50% of light-duty vehicles in the campus fleet to electric vehicles by 2025.
Objective 1.4: Encourage decrease in personal use of single-occupancy and fossil-fuel-powered vehicles by employees and students.
Objective 1.5: Offset most remaining greenhouse gas emissions by 2035.

Objective 3.3: Institute and expand practices in the areas of waste, dining, grounds, and procurement consistent with our shared value of sustainability.

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?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to administration and the plan(s) in which they are published:
Objective 1.6: Divest from fossil fuels by 2035 and increase investments in renewable energy and climate change solutions.

Goal 3: Sustainability is an integral part of Wesleyan’s community consciousness, expressed through University practices as well as the individual and collective actions of students, faculty, and staff.
Objective 3.1: Publicize, educate, and advocate for sustainable, equitable, and just practices.
Objective 3.2: Partner with the Middletown community on sustainability issues and city-wide projects.

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):
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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?:
No

The formal statement in support of sustainability:
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The institution’s definition of sustainability:
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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 Yes
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:
Objectives from Wesleyan's current strategic plan:
- Plan for improvements for a sustainable campus post-science building
• Convert energy infrastructure for renewable energy
• Replace least efficient student residences

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.