the making of a sustainable campus...dragonfly on prairie walk, 2013 5 photo credit: m. b. radeck in...

$: The Making of a Sustainable Campus...Dragonfly on Prairie Walk, 2013 5 Photo credit: M. B. Radeck In 2 short years, biodiversity is thriving in the middle of the blighted landscape!\爀$
1

The Making of a Sustainable

Campus

April 11, 2014 By Mary Beth Radeck

2

The Making of a Sustainable

Campus

Review Analysis Best Practices Recommendation

From this

3

Photo credit: Google maps

Presenter

Presentation Notes

Circa 2008 Built by a petroleum company pursuing beautiful lawns and convenient parking Inherited and Unsustainable - Pursuit of “beautiful” lawns poisoned soil and killed biodiversity disrupting the food chain - Life-giving soil entombed in tar or concrete - Impermeable campus shunted polluted storm runoff downstream - Excessive GHG emissions contribute to heat island effect and global climate change - The air, water, and land are not life-sustaining - Campus itself challenged University to meet its own social justice mission An educational glimmer of hope! Sustainability Studies program launched – 2009 - 24 Sustainability Majors graduate by 2013 - Service learning, biodiversity research, urban agriculture and internships

to this

4

Photo credit: M. B. Radeck

Presenter

Presentation Notes

Landscape redevelopment in Schaumburg 2011 - water management: rain garden & swale channel runoff to detention basin - native prairie installation and butterfly garden fosters biodiversity

Dragonfly on Prairie Walk, 2013

5


Presenter

Presentation Notes

In 2 short years, biodiversity is thriving in the middle of the blighted landscape! - Tree Campus USA & Certified Wildlife Habitat - RUrbanPioneers Community Garden & Herb Garden - Prairie Walk with educational signage - Plans to become an Arboretum in 2014

6

Lillian and Larry Goodman Center 501 S. Wabash Avenue

– LEED silver

Wabash Vertical Campus 425 S. Wabash Avenue

– LEED gold

50% of food packaging composted

Non-toxic, low VOC materials

Local food

and this.

53-75% of renewable power

11,500 SF green roofs

Daylighting

7

Photo credit: tbd

Presenter

Presentation Notes

Green building in the Loop 2012-13: - LEED Gold & Silver for two new buildings - Even in hidden spaces - Green purchasing, recycling, cleaning and transportation policies enacted - Green website launched - Efforts focus on cost-savings Major recognition received 2013: - USGBC Green Schools Emerald Award for Green Innovation (out of 80 applicants) - Princeton Annual Review “Guide to 322 Green Colleges” (out of 806) - Illinois Sustainability Compact Silver Level Roosevelt University should be commended for this visionary achievement!

8

How did RU do it?


9

Visionaries Committed to Change

Leading: President Middleton

“Roosevelt University is committed to being at the forefront of sustainability practices by continuously working to integrate measurable sustainability efforts throughout its campuses and by providing advice and leadership to the members of the University community."

Educating: D. Bradford Hunt & Professor Bryson

- Evelyn T. Stone College of Professional Studies

- Sustainability Studies Program & Service Learning/Outreach, Michael A. Bryson

Sustaining: Steven Hoselton & Paul J. Matthews

- Campus Planning and Operations

Framework: Illinois Sustainability Compact – Gold level by 2015

10

Today, RU’s “Values in Action”

Changing per Hoselton (2013)

- 53.9% of campus electricity from renewables or offset

- $274,236 in grants and rebates received through 2013

- Trash diversion rate from landfills planned at 50% by 2014

- Energy audit complete; efficiency planned for Schaumburg

- Smart building management system to save 87,000 kWh per year

- Smart power strips/motion sensors to save 12,900 kWh per year

- Convert to LED lighting

- Convert all roofing from R8 to R20-25 insulation by 2018

- Storm water management: pervious paving to replace parking lot in Schaumburg by 2023

- Community vegetable garden, Prairie walk and educational signage

Presenter

Presentation Notes

- US EPA Green Power Partnership 53.9% campus electricity certified “Green”

11


Educating

- Sustainability Studies Bachelor’s degree program fully engaged

- Outreach and service learning opportunities growing

- Sustainability websites, blogs, Twitter and facebook

Photo credit: M. Bryson

12


Sustaining

- Engaged in sustainable community

- Educate by example

- Participation in Portfolio Manager

- Integrated, natural pest management

- Sustainable purchasing policy includes

cage-free, hormone-free and local food

- Students engaged in RU Green and

Green pledge

13

Opportunities 2015 and beyond

Ecological impacts - measureable results; further recognition

- reduced GHGs

- connected green space; biodiversity, arboretum, edible forests

Economic impacts - enhanced savings through improvement

- funded sustainable campus advancements

- grants & funding

- attract talent and students

Equity impacts - campus as living laboratory; research

- demonstrate social justice mission

- address water equity issues unique to region

14

Where do we go from here?

For a Sustainable Future

- Illinois Sustainability Compact Gold by 2015

Today’s Goals

1. Assessment and continuous improvement

2. Communicate progress to campus community

Future Goals?

3. Include sustainability as a key principle of campus master plan

4. Develop sustainability plan

5. Integrate sustainability at a high level in strategic plan

15

Assess and Plan

What are sustainability assessments?

- a snapshot of current state

- can be used to measure results; is not a detailed, long-term plan

- AASHE & ACUPCC offer assessment tools

What are sustainability plans?

“encompass a large array of issues that affect not only campus land use,

but also operations, academics, and administration”

- goals and metrics to measure against

- “emerging, integrative strategy” sets comprehensive sustainability goals

- New: most plans developed over the last 3-4 years

- Implementation success related to stakeholder involvement

Source: White (2014).

Source: Hitchcock, D. & Willard, M. (2008).

16

Sustainability Plan Elements

Includes the mission and vision for a fully-sustainable university

Outlines the long-term strategy to meet defined goals

Is comprehensive

Includes metrics to measure progress

Clarifies the business case

Is iterative on an annual basis

Incorporates benchmarks and assessments against metrics

Source: Hitchcock, D. & Willard, M. (2008).

17

Best-in-Class Sustainability Strategy

Example of Best-in-Class behavior

“Well-implemented and managed,

sustainability strategy strengthens

a business ecosystem on multiple and

concretely demonstrable levels”

- Aberdeen Group (2009)

The Best-in-Class measure, manage, collaborate,

communicate, adjust and reinvest.

Schaumburg’s Prairie Walk


18

Best-in-Class Benefits

Savings possible at varying levels of commitment

Metric Best-in-Class Average Laggard Paper costs - 11% - 7% + 13%

Facilities costs - 10% - 1% + 15%

Energy costs - 9% - 2% + 19%

Waste/disposal costs - 8% -- + 7%

Packaging costs - 7% - 1% + 1%

Transport/logistics costs - 5% - 2% + 12% Source: Aberdeen Group, February, 2009

19

Measurable Strategic Goals

Tie Strategic Goals with Measurable Outcomes

Pressures Actions Capabilities Enablers • CSR goals • Need for

competitive advantage

• Implement organization-wide vision and performance standards

• Adopt sustainable strategy

• Implement travel reduction

• Holistic lifestyle approach to activities

• Real-time visibility

• Comprehensive performance targets

• Automated reporting

• Analytics/ intelligence solution

• Energy management • Environmental

management software • Recycling/reuse/repurpose • Paperless solutions • Telepresence • Facility management

software/services

Source: Aberdeen Group, February, 2009

20

What is the typical approach?

Campus Sustainability Plans in the United States: Where, What, and How to Evaluate?

a study by White (2014)

Study Method

Compiled all available sustainability plans in the U.S. in 2011

From AASHE website inventory and internet search

Chose those which focused on “integrating operational, academic and administrative aspects of campus sustainability”

Strict climate action plans excluded

Presenter

Presentation Notes

As published in International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, 2014

21

27 University Sustainability Plans

0%20%40%60%80%100%

Energy

Waste

Green Building

Water

Purchasing

Education & Outreach

Transportation

Green House Gas Inventory

Climate Action Plan

Landscape Plan

Local Food

Administration Involvement

Research

Social Justice/Diversity

Source: White (2014)

22


0%20%40%60%80%100%

Energy

Waste

Green Building

Water

Purchasing


Transportation


Climate Action Plan

Landscape Plan

Local Food


Research


Elements included in over 60% of plans


23


0%20%40%60%80%100%

Energy

Waste

Green Building

Water

Purchasing


Transportation


Climate Action Plan

Landscape Plan

Local Food


Research


Least common elements


24


0%20%40%60%80%100%

Energy

Waste

Green Building

Water

Purchasing


Transportation


Climate Action Plan

Landscape Plan

Local Food


Research


Elements excluded from RU’s goals


White’s Findings Compared

25

White, S. S., (2014) “Campus Sustainability Plans in the United States: Where, What, and How to Evaluate?”

White (2014): 27 Sust Plans

Thomashow (2014):

9 Elements of a Sust. Campus

AASHE STARS 2.0

(2014) ACUPCC (2012)

IL Sust Compact

(2011)

RU’s Current Goals (2013) Areas of Focus

96% Energy 93% Waste 89% Green Building 85% Water 81% Purchasing 81% Education & Outreach 78% Transportation 74% Green House Gas Inventory 74% Climate Action Plan 67% Landscape Plan/Biodiversity 67% Food 63% Administration Involvement 41% Research 30% Social Justice/Equity/Community

Governance/Engagement Investment Aesthetics Health/Wellbeing Policy on Sustainability Website Sustainability Plan Source: White (2014)

Elements of Best-in-Class Assessment

26


White (2014) 27 Sust Plans

Thomashow (2014):


AASHE STARS 2.0

(2014) ACUPCC (2012)

IL Sust Compact

(2011)



Governance/Engagement Investment Aesthetics Health/Wellbeing Policy on Sustainability Website Sustainability Plan

Case study of Unity College 560 students: “real-time frugal sustainability”

Presenter

Presentation Notes

Thomashow’s case study at Unity Started by perceiving and reinterpreting the University as a naturalist would In view of 21st Century’s planetary challenge 3 biospheric patterns emerged - species extinction - threats to biodiversity - rapidly changing oceanic & atmospheric circulations Sustainability Planning focused on 3 areas: - Infrastructure - Community - Learning


27



Thomashow (2014):


AASHE STARS 2.0

(2014) ACUPCC (2012)

IL Sust Compact

(2011)




Comprehensive assessment tool

Presenter

Presentation Notes

AASHE STARS 2.0 measure campus sustainability efforts Register, participate and receive a rating STARS captures the breadth and depth of a comprehensive sustainability assessment by tracking campus operations, education, research, and administrative components of campus sustainabilit - See more at: http://secondnature.org/blog/20111103/stars-acupcc-history-collaboration#sthash.n0tonhOE.dpuf Criteria align with ACUPCC to reduce the reporting burden “How to Guide for Colleges and Universities Climate Action Planning” Focus on integration into curriculum Access - Full: $1,400 (to be considered for awards) - Member: $900 - Basic: free


28



Thomashow (2014):


AASHE STARS 2.0

(2014) ACUPCC (2012)

IL Sust Compact

(2011)




Framework to become carbon neutral and advance education for sustainability

Presenter

Presentation Notes

Ameircan College & University Presidential Climate Commitment “accelerate progress towards climate neutrality and sustainability by empowering the higher education sector to educate students, create solutions, and provide leadership-by-example for the rest of society. “ – Retrieved from http://secondnature.org/blog/20111103/stars-acupcc-history-collaboration#sthash.n0tonhOE.dpuf $2,000


29



Thomashow (2014):


AASHE STARS 2.0

(2014) ACUPCC (2012)

IL Sust Compact

(2011)




Encourage sustainable behavior, education, research and outreach

Presenter

Presentation Notes

free


30



Thomashow (2014):


AASHE STARS 2.0

(2013) ACUPCC (2012)

IL Sust Compact

(2011)




RU goals meet Compact Gold commitment

Presenter

Presentation Notes

Gold will be achieved in 2015

31

Best-in-Class Sustainable Development Defined

1987 Brundtland Commission defined sustainable development

“Development which meets the needs of current generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." according to UNECE (2014)

1989 Beyond Brundtland, progressive policy adopted by Dutch government as cited by Doppelt (2010)

“Every generation must leave behind good environmental quality.

…existing environmental problems must be resolved within one generation while the creation of new problems must be prevented.

For the current generation, the environmental legacy from the past must also be reduced to acceptable proportions.”

State of Oregon adopted the Dutch definition

32

Sustainability as an Alternative Economic Paradigm

Change straight-line system of

“Take-Make-Waste”

Into a circular, closed-loop system

“Borrow-Use-Return”

Toxins removed before

re-entering the natural system

Borrow Use

Return

Source: Doppelt (2010)

33

Alternative Economic Paradigm Operationalized

AstraZeneca, a multi-national pharmaceutical company Managed reputation and risk pro-actively Used many key levers and operationalized Sustainability as described by

Doppelt in “Leading Change toward Sustainability” 1. Executives created environmental vision starting with energy reduction and emissions targets 2. Safety, health and environment staff assigned role of helping units identify ways to achieve targets; suggest practical projects/activities 3. Encouraged staff (mostly scientists) to examine carbon footprint; devise its vision of success, reduction targets and strategies 4. Promoted “self-efficacy” (ability to effect change) 5. Documented benefits, successes and failures 6. Built a business case for emission reductions Source: Doppelt (2010)

34

Alternative Economic Paradigm Success

AstraZeneca, a multi-national pharmaceutical company by 2009*, achieved 68% cut in GHGs compared to 1990 Eliminated 99% of ozone-depleting gases In under 9 years, saved almost $175MM In 2008 alone, saved $59MM in energy costs compared to 2005 - Through engagement, staff learned that emission reduction has benefits beyond environmental - Prepared for increased investor scrutiny of “Carbon Disclosure Project” and became a participant - Attracted talent, increased brand value and enjoyed improved competitive position - Now positioned to thrive in a “carbon-constrained world”

Source: Doppelt, page 15 (2009)

35

Operationalizing Sustainability at RU

Photo credit: C. J. Granberg

36

Natural next steps

Commitment to climate neutrality

Assessment: GHG and energy benchmarks

Climate Action Plan

Sustainability Plan

Include social justice goals

Campus as research opportunity

Expand outreach and education


37

Barriers to Sustainability at RU

Focus on cost savings risks underperformance

Under-funded efforts lack staying power

Facing common challenge to justify through ROI

Staff resources and motivation dwindling

“perception of done?” at point of diminishing returns

Post-Compact Gold: lack of an organization-wide, integrated plan

What can be done on a small budget during challenging times?

38

Snapshot of Funding Opportunities

Type RU Eligibility Area of Savings Potential Savings

Grant--Community Solar and Wind Grant Program

Non-profit, Schools Solar, Buying & Making Electricity, Wind

Expired 4/8/2013 $2.60/watt or 40% of project costs

Loans—Green Energy Non-profit Install a Renewable Energy System

Rate reduction for up to 5 years of loan; $10,000 - $10 million loans

Grant—Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation Grant

Non-profit, Schools Energy Efficiency, Renewable Sources

Depends upon project

Grant—IEPA Nonpoint source management program

Innovative & traditional measures to control NPS pollution

Detention basin retrofit, nutrient mgmt. & educational programs

$30MM since 1990, in 2001, $5MM available

39

Snapshot of Funding Opportunities

Type RU Eligibility Area of Savings Potential Savings

Grant—IDNR Small Projects IL Wildlife Preservation Fund

Preserve, protect, perpetuate or enhance native plant resources in IL

Prairie resource, management or education

Up to $2000

Grant—IDNR Illinois Habitat Fund

Not-for-profit seeking to preserve, protect, acquire or manage habitat which has potential to support wildlife

Development & adoption of innovative conservation approaches & technologies

Depends upon project

Grant—USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service

Private institutions of higher education

Energy Efficiency, Renewable Sources

$1,000 - $1MM+

Grant—US EPA Educational Grant

College or University promoting environmental stewardship & education

Prairie, gardens $2-3MM/year Regional: $75K - $200K requires non-federal matching funds up to 25%

40

The Efficient Way Forward

Fast-track a sustainability plan* through a short series of day-long workshops

Use Stars 2.0 for assessment and measurement

Enlist the help of sustainability students and give free credit to perform measurements and maintain STARS 2.0

Revisit the plan goals every year* in one day-long session

Update assessments annually*

*Source: Hitchcock, D. & Willard, M. (2008).

41


June - July 2014

Secure sponsorship

Prepare the way


August 2014

Day 1 September 2014

Day 2

Begin assessments

Day 3: Sustainability Plan

42

Secure a Sponsor

Role of sponsor

Position of authority: Sustainability Director?

Need top management support

Change efforts don’t stick without it

and are the key to long-term success

*Source: Hitchcock, D. & Willard, M. (2008), p 2.

June 2014

Secure Sponsor

Tips for effective organizational change

Create a sense of urgency

Find a logical starting point

Attach project to existing efforts

Create opportunity for involvement

Communicate

Share results

43

Prepare the Way Special considerations for Sustainability Initiatives

Make sustainability understandable

Manage both short and long term

Stay above the details

Manage the emotional impact

Name the effort


July 2014

Prepare the way

Determine current stage of development

Avoid liabilities

Restorative

Sustainability

Green Marketing

Eco-Efficiencies

Compliance

Invest in natural/human capital

Gain competitive advantage Reposition products/services

Save money

44

Vision & Framework

Debrief the group on sustainability and review the 3Es framework

Define the business case: identify threats and opportunities

Develop a vision for sustainability

Choose a framework to define sustainability

Conduct a high-level impact assessment for the University as a whole


August 2014

Day 1: Vision & Framework “Make sustainability more than just the right thing to do.”

Strengths Weaknesses

Opportunities Threats

45

Structure, Criteria & Reporting

Determine the structure for sustainability efforts

Determine the criteria to select projects

Identify a set of STARS metrics to track progress

Mock-up a year-end Sustainability Report format


September 2014

Day 2: Structure, criteria & report format

Sustainability Director

Task force Task Force Task Force

Steering Committee

46

Assessment in STARS 2.0


September 2014

Begin Assessment

Assessment

Utilize AASHE’s STARS 2.0 for assessment and measurement

Advanced SUST students measure sustainability

Quality of work validated by Sustainability office to gain credit

47

Plan, Tracking & Communication


September

Day 3: Sustainability Plan

Develop a 2-3 year plan, identifying major

initiatives

Determine a method for coordination and tracking efforts

Develop a basic communication and training plan

48

Continued Efficiency

Revisit plan goals in one single day-long session every year*

- Original core team and participating students

- Review assessment

- Update plan and goals


49


Advance sustainability throughout the curriculum

Find funding to expand sustainability efforts

- seek and submit grant applications and apply rebates to further efforts

- promote progress to student body & media

Continue the momentum from the last 4 years

Engage the community in learning

Form collaborative community partnerships


This is what a Sustainable

Campus looks like

April 11, 2014 by Mary Beth Radeck Roosevelt University Sustainability Associate

50


51

Works Cited Aberdeen Group. (2009). The ROI of sustainability: making the business case. Retrieved from: http://www.intelex.com/The_ROI_of_Sustainability__Making_the_Business_Case-301-1whitepaper.aspx

Accenture & United Nations Global Compact. (2010). A new era of sustainability UN Global Compact-Accenture CEO study 2010. Retrieved from: http://www.unglobalcompact.org/docs/news_events/8.1/UNGC_Accenture_CEO_Study_2010.pdf

American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment Version 2.1. (2012). Implementation Guide. Retrieved from: http://www2.presidentsclimatecommitment.org/pdf/ACUPCC_IG_Final.pdf

Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). (2014, January). STARS technical manual version 2.0, administrative update two. Retrieved from https://stars.aashe.org/pages/about/technical-manual.html

Doppelt, B. (2010). Leading change toward sustainability. A change-management guide for business, government and civil society. Sheffield, UK: Greenleaf Publishing Limited.

Epstein, M. J. (2008). Making sustainability work. San Francisco, CA: Greenleaf Publishing Limited.

Hitchcock, D. & Willard, M. (2008). The step-by-step guide to sustainability planning. How to create and implement sustainability plans in any business or organization. Sterling, VA: Earthscan.

Hoselton, S., (2013). Roosevelt University Physical Resources Department sustainability program overview.

Roosevelt University. (2011). Roosevelt University Illinois Campus Sustainability Compact Commitment.

Thomashow, M. (2014). The nine elements of a sustainable campus. London, England: The MIT Press.

United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (2014). Retrieved from http://www.unece.org/oes/nutshell/2004- 2005/focus_sustainable_development.html

White. S. S., (2014). Campus sustainability plans in the United States: where, what and how to evaluate?”. International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, 15:2. Retrieved from http://www.emeraldinsight.com/journals.htm?articleid

http://www.intelex.com/The_ROI_of_Sustainability__Making_the_Business_Case-301-1whitepaper.aspx

http://www.unglobalcompact.org/docs/news_events/8.1/UNGC_Accenture_CEO_Study_2010.pdf

http://www2.presidentsclimatecommitment.org/pdf/ACUPCC_IG_Final.pdf

https://stars.aashe.org/pages/about/technical-manual.html

http://www.unece.org/oes/nutshell/2004-

http://www.emeraldinsight.com/journals.htm?articleid

the making of a sustainable campus...dragonfly on prairie walk, 2013 5 photo credit: m. b. radeck in...

Documents