Outdoor classroom at the ASU Polytechnic Sustainabilitycampus Operations Arizona State University Fiscal Year 2021 Review First in Sierra Magazine Coolest Schools rankings Rated Platinum in AASHE STARS v2.2 Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings No. 1 in the U.S., No. 9 in the world “ ASU’s globalcommitmentuniversity-widecharteraresustainableleading-edgeoperationsdrivenbyourandourtoimpact.”MichaelM.Crow ASU President
Morgan R. Olsen
The Arizona State University community continued to accelerate its commitment to sustainability in 2021 and achieved:
Solar panels on the Student Pavilion roof
A circular resource system achieves zero waste by adapting which goods we purchase and maximizing their use before sending them back into the economy for the most productive subsequent use possible.
This annual review summarizes ASU’s continued efforts in fiscal year 2021, from July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021, to achieve its operational sustainability goals: circular resource system, climate positive, collaborative action, community success, food reconnection, optimized water, personal action, and resilience and regeneration.
“We are a global leader in sustainability for a purpose.”
• A Platinum rating in the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education
ASU waste diversion rate FY 2021
• No. 1 in the U.S. and No. 9 in the world in the University Impact Rankings from Times Higher Education for work supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
“ASU was ranked No. 1 in the U.S. and No. 9 in the world by Times Higher Education for our work supporting the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals,” said Morgan R. Olsen, ASU executive vice president, treasurer and chief financial officer. “We remain a global leader in developing sustainable communities, clean water and energy solutions and more as we help create a healthy, positive future for the planet.”
While overall waste was reduced, diverted material fell more than landfilled waste, especially at ASU’s Downtown Phoenix and West campuses and the ASU@Lake Havasu site. The ASU Polytechnic and Tempe campuses experienced less variance. Increased diversion of motor oil, electronic waste, green waste and lightbulbs led to the overall decline in diverted materials. This underscores the pivotal role of centralization and operational partnerships.
These recognitions reflect ASU’s comprehensive approach to sustainability across operations, academics, research and community engagement that stems from an ingrained and expanding culture of sustainability and a focus on innovation and solutions to the world’s economic, environmental and social challenges.
58.7%4,038Landfilledtons 42,843Divertedtons1.3% Sustainability Operations | FY 2021 Review2
These trends indicate that while fewer people were on our campuses during the COVID-19 pandemic to generate waste, they chose disposables for those activities. Their behavior is consistent with a social trend that believes disposables are safer.
• No. 1 in Sierra Magazine’s Coolest School rankings
Circular resource system
ASU continues to make progress in landfill waste reduction. ASU’s diversion rate was 41.3%, a minor decrease from last fiscal year. ASU’s aversion rate rose significantly from 22% to 38% over its FY 2008 baseline.
ASU Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
In response to COVID-19, Sun Devil Dining offered a to-go service using compostable and reusable containers. The Zero Waste department installed 18 newly designed compost-recycle dual-litter containers around the Memorial Union and Hassayampa dining halls for the fall 2020 semester.
• Green waste: Green waste increased by 20% to an all-time high, with 1,261 tons diverted across the ASU Polytechnic, Tempe and West campuses.
• Serve: The Zero Waste department refurbished, replaced or installed 143 dual-litter bins, or about 25% of all bins.
0 2, 00 0 4, 00 0 6, 00 0 8, 00 0 10 ,0 00 12 ,0 00 FY2 007 FY2 008 FY2 009 FY2 010 FY2 011 FY2 012 FY2 013 FY2 014 FY2 015 FY2 016 FY2 017 FY2 018 FY2 019 FY2 020 FY2 021 Tons ASU waste composition FY 2007 – FYL2021andfil lDi verted 0 10 ,0 00 20 ,0 00 30 ,0 00 40 ,0 00 50 ,0 00 60 ,0 00 70 ,0 00 80 ,0 00 90 ,0 0054433221150%%0%5%0%5%0%5%0%5%0% FY2 007 FY2 008 FY2 009 FY2 010 FY2 011 FY2 012 FY2 013 FY2 014 FY2 015 FY2 016 FY2 017 FY2 018 FY2 019 FY2 020 FY2 021 On-campusstudentsiiDversonrate T otal diversion rate On-campus st udents ASU waste diversion rate and on-campus students (FTE) FY 2007 – FY 2021 3Sustainability Operations | FY 2021 Review Milestones:•Adapt:
• Donate: 34 tons of donations were collected during FY 2021 through residence hall donation bins, the Treasures for Teachers program and the students’ move-out Ditch the Dumpster program.
Compost and recycle bins on campus
ASU accomplished climate neutrality through a portfolio approach, including:
ASU net greenhouse gas emissions and building space FY
Since FY 2019, ASU has maintained climate neutrality for Scope 1 and 2 emissions1 This was implemented several years before ASU’s 2025 commitment date to recognize the increasing severity of the climate crisis. However, this action does not represent an endpoint. ASU will continue to reduce its gross emissions from all scopes. Compared to FY 2007, ASU has reduced net emissions (Scopes 1, 2 and 32) by 94% per 1,000 gross square feet of building space and 93% per student
• Renewable energy with on-site solar generation.
32211500505050 22110505 FY2 007 FY2 008 FY2 009 FY2 010 FY2 011 FY2 012 FY2 013 FY2 014 FY2 015 FY2 016 FY2 017 FY2 018 FY2 019 FY2 020 FY2 021 (Grosssquarefootageinmillions)(GGNetHMTCDE)per1,000GSF N et emi ss io ns / 1,0 00 G SF Tot al bu il di ng sp ace G SF
• Sustainable building design and construction.
2 Scope 3 emissions primarily occur in third-party commuting and air travel associated with ASU operations.
2021 4 Sustainability Operations | FY 2021 Review
• Purchase of renewable energy and renewable-energy certificates from large-scale off-site generation facilities.
1 ASU's Scope 1 emissions result primarily from combusting natural gas to generate heat and electricity for university buildings and vehicles. Scope 2 emissions come from external utility providers that supply electricity and chilled water to ASU.
FY 2007 –
Tree canopy on the ASU Downtown Phoenix campus
Climate positive
• Carbon offsets coupled with local tree plantings, in partnership with the cities of Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe.
• Installed 90 on-site solar arrays on ASU campuses since 2004, with a 24.2 MWdc-equivalent rated power output.
• Realized $3 million in utility savings in FY 2021 through investments in campus energy efficiency made through the Sustainability Initiatives Revolving Fund. Additionally, SIRF has invested $1.8 million in new energy efficiency and campus engagement projects during FY 2021.
• The Wexford Phoenix Biosciences Core Building 1 was completed and earned LEED Gold certification. The saguaro cactus inspired the building’s innovative design with geometric ribs that shade the structure to mitigate solar radiation.
Hayden Library
’s renovation earned a LEED Platinum certification. The project involved careful reuse of the existing building, allowing the library to retain its original character. Upgraded glazing, lighting and HVAC systems enabled the library to reduce energy expenses by nearly 50%
Wexford design inspired by nature
• Received 202,481 MWh of electricity through large-scale solar and wind renewable-energy purchase agreements, enough to power approximately 17,000 Arizona homes for a year.
Climate Milestones:positive•HaydenLibrary
64224680%0%0%0%0%0%0%0% Total netMTCDEemissionsTotal building space On campus students hPercemtcamge Percent change in total building space, on-campus students and total net emissions FY 2021 vs. FY 2007 5Sustainability Operations | FY 2021 Review
• Multiple departments on the ASU Fleet Electrification Task Force worked to continue the transition of ASU’s fleet to zero-emission vehicles by purchasing five plug-in electric vehicles.
• The Novus Innovation Corridor earned Arizona’s first LEED Gold for Neighborhood Developments certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The corridor will feature walkable streets, proximity to public transit and compact development.
• ASU launched a long-term partnership with Salt River Project on Communities of the Future to advance education and workforce and create sustainability and technology innovation.
• The Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory was launched with an audacious goal of transforming the world for a better future. The lab comprises a new college with three individual schools — the School of Sustainability, the School for the Future of Innovation in Society and the new School of Complex Adaptive Systems — and a major research institute and practice arm devoted to solutions. The lab will work to keep our planet habitable and enhance the options for future generations to thrive.
• The Restore the Earth Festival celebrated Earth Day 2021 with 16 student organizations and departments, 130 hours of planning and 160 attendees.
Collaborative action
The Staff Council Sustainability Committee developed a Sustainable Promotional Materials Brochure that assists staff members in purchasing swag and promotional items more sustainably.
• Sustainable Cities Network’s Project Cities program partnered with the city of Peoria and the town of Clarkdale on 20 applied projects with 307 graduate and undergraduate students. The projects promoted research and recommendations on various topics, such as strategic planning for sustainability, affordable housing and sustainable waste management.
• 30 Sustainable Staff Event Planners were trained in FY 2021, representing 24 departments and offices throughout ASU.
• Installed 22 electric vehicle charging ports. There now are 98 charging ports available for use across ASU’s four campuses in metropolitan Phoenix.
Campus activities
Successful examples of collaborative action include:
• A partnership between College of Integrative Sciences and Arts students, faculty, staff and alumni, Facilities Development and Management staff and Wild at Heart raptor rescue relocated four burrowing owls. The owls were rescued and relocated from construction sites in the region and brought to the ASU Polytechnic campus. This project creates a living conservation laboratory so that students can add to the field’s understanding of behavior, biology and habitat needs.
6 Sustainability Operations | FY 2021 Review
SustainablePromotionalMaterials Produced by ASU Staff Council Purchasing Toolkit for 26% 9% 2% 63% 0% Recycled content 10% Recycled content 30% Recycled content 100% Recycled content ASU paper use in recycled content FY 2021
Community efforts
Collaborative action involves multiple departments’ interdisciplinary efforts to advance ASU’s operational sustainability progress and integrate operational sustainability with its research, education and public service missions. ASU embeds sustainability into departments’ daily activities through initiatives, personnel, programs, policies and procedures.
• Organized 265 volunteers and 894 volunteer hours.
ASU seeks to ensure the community is connected with the need for food equity, access and sustainable food choices, such as plant-forward, organic and Fair Trade-certified options. Starting with Sun Devil Dining and incorporated across the enterprise, ASU offers many programs and tools to achieve food system sustainability.
ASU Arboretum Campus Harvest
First-year student enrollment has grown across all populations
18,00016,00014,00012,00010,0008,0006,0004,0002,0000 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Pacific UnknownTwoWhiteHispanicAsianBlackAmericanIslanderIndianorMore First-year enrollment by race/ethnicity — fall 2002 to fall 2021 International
Food reconnection
7Sustainability Operations | FY 2021 Review
Community success
• ASU administered nearly 200,000 COVID-19 vaccination doses at ASU’s Phoenix Municipal Stadium and Desert Financial Arena.
• Hosted three harvesting and date sales events at the ASU Polytechnic Date Grove.
Datessustainablepromotingactivitiesreadyforharvesting
• During FY 2021, ASU’s total spending of $1.47 billion included 14.25% toward federally recognized small businesses. The university also spent 6.88% with Arizona-defined small businesses.
• ASU’s in-state student population demographics continue to reflect the economic diversity of Arizona’s population.
• Harvested 860 pounds of dates and donated them to student events, the Iskashitaa Refugee Network, the Free Farm Stand event and the ASU United Way fundraiser.
Students
• Fertilized 138 date palms at the ASU Polytechnic campus with 2,400 pounds of organic fertilizer made on campus by ASU researcher Zhihao Chen using local food waste.
• ASU developed the state’s first saliva-based COVID-19 test and operated multiple testing sites across Arizona with a capacity to process 16,000 tests per week .
ASU measures its success not by whom it excludes but by whom it includes and how they succeed. Community success examples include:
• The Engrained Café earned a 2 Star certification from the Green Restaurant® Association, reflecting achievements in education, energy, food, water and waste.
• Produced eight sustainability displays in the dining halls for Campus Sustainability Month and Earth Month and hosted five events.
• Hosted three hybrid-learning courses that used the garden as an outdoor classroom for hands-on learning.
Optimizing ASU’s water use involves applying a systems approach to use the correct quantity and quality of water for the proper purpose at the right time. Access to clean water is an increasingly critical global and Southwest regional issue. ASU conducts research, education and engagement in the water domain and works to optimize operational water use.
Sun Devil Dining
• Logged 586 volunteer hours with 120 participants.
Garden Commons
• Managed 10 events with 258 participants totaling 506 hours of engagement.
Optimized water
Completed the installation of 75 building-level water meters on most of the ASU Tempe campus. Data from these meters will enable ASU to identify possible leaks and unusual water-use levels and verify the impact of efficiency measures. The meters will establish individual building water-use baselines and add water data to the Campus Metabolism public building information system.
The latest ASU outdoor classroom was constructed at the ASU Polytechnic campus as a collaborative effort among The Design School, Facilities Development and Management, and University Sustainability Practices. The pavilion was designed and built as part of a design and build course within the School of Architecture and is part of the Garden Commons. This outdoor pavilion space is open to all and available to reserve for classes and meetings.
The Garden Commons is a multifunctional outdoor classroom that embraces sustainable design and focuses on local food systems and community gardening. The garden features 18 raised garden beds, a resource room, a compost area, a citrus orchard and an outdoor pavilion. This space promotes the value of holistic food systems for all students through shared learning, cultural inclusion and personal connections.
8 Sustainability Operations | FY 2021 Review
• Collaborated with the city of Tempe and the town of Guadalupe to measure the community spread of COVID-19. An ASU Biodesign Center for Environmental Health Engineering team used portable sampling techniques. The team also used stations on the ASU Tempe campus and other city locations, reporting data through a community health monitoring dashboard.
• Trained three Student Ambassadors who contributed 39 hours of volunteer work in all aspects of the garden.
The garden has:
Milestones:•
• Served 2,100 students with weekend pop-up pantries.
Pitchfork Pantry
• Donated 356 pounds of organic produce to local food banks and students.
• The Daily Root station at residential dining halls featured creative recipes with products from plant-based food companies, such as Daiya, Field Roast and Sweet Earth, to encourage students to try plant-forward meals.
100, 000 20, 000 30, 000 40, 000 50, 000 60, 000 70, 000 80, 000 90, 000 0 864200000000 11,000,200 (Wastewatergallonsinmillions) T otal wastewater gall ons On campus st udents ASU wastewater and on-campus students (FTE) FY 2007 – FY 2021 studentsOn-campus FY2007 FY2008 FY2009 FY2010 FY2011 FY2012 FY2013 FY2014 FY2015 FY2016 FY2017 FY2018 FY2019 FY2020 FY2021 100, 000 20, 000 30, 000 40, 000 50, 000 60, 000 70, 000 80, 000 90, 000 0 864200000000 111,000,200,400 FY2 007 FY2 008 FY2 009 FY2 010 FY2 011 FY2 012 FY2 013 FY2 014 FY2 015 FY2 016 FY2 017 FY2 018 FY2 019 FY2 020 FY2 021 On-campusstudents(Waterusegallonsinmillions) T otal water gallons On campus st udents ASU total water use and on-campus students (FTE) FY 2007 – FY 2021 Athletic fields at the ASU West campus
Optimized water
9Sustainability Operations | FY 2021 Review
• Completed the first full year of ASU and the city of Phoenix’s partnership with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to pilot a hydrogel polymer injection into athletic fields on the ASU West campus. The hydrogel and injection technique resulted in a 20% weather-adjusted reduction in water use by summer season turf. Analysis of water use will continue for the functional life of the hydrogel, which is estimated at seven years. Additional reductions may be possible.
• Completed a pilot project to replace showerheads in a residence hall on the Tempe campus with more efficient fixtures. The project will be expanded to other residence halls if the pilot can reduce water use while maintaining resident satisfaction.
• ASU’s Sustainable Cities Network convenes a Climate and Resilience Workgroup to educate cities and towns on climate action planning, resilience, adaptation and mitigation strategies. The city of Flagstaff and the city of Tempe cochair this workgroup.
• ASU Educational Outreach and Student Services supported 94 sustainability-aligned student organizations to develop leadership skills and advance sustainability projects on campus.
• 500 students and staff voted for their favorite design in the Earth Month Design Contest . A first-year ASU Online student created the winning design.
• 108 students and staff received a Sustainability Certification for their events, housing and office spaces.
Photography by: Jim Brophy, Maddison Harris, John Herrera, Jarod Opperman, Emmanuel Padilla, Elaine Rettger, Matt Winquist.
ASU will adapt, sustain, thrive and regenerate its environment and communities in the face of current and future climate change impacts.
Personal Action
Sustainability Operations | FY 2021 Review10
ASU’s success in sustainability requires individual actions from the entire ASU community. The daily decisions of Sun Devils around food, waste and transportation underpin ASU’s successes in these areas.
| 1,155 people purchased transit passes
• The Arizona Heat Resilience Workgroup is co-convened by the Sustainable Cities Network and ASU’s Healthy Urban Environments initiative. The AHRW assembles stakeholder organizations from around Arizona to monitor heat forecasts and warnings from the National Weather Service, shares heat response and relief best practices and encourages collaboration, coordination and development of novel responses to preparedness and resilience to extreme heat.
Arizona State University Sustainability Operations PO Box 877505 Tempe AZ 85287-7505
• Over 3,000 students and staff participated in Earth Month Trivia via the Sun Devil Rewards program.
• Sun Devils embraced sustainable commuting more broadly in 2021:
Milestones:•ASUinstalled four outdoor rooms, 1,088 chairs, 272 tables and 113 benches across its four Valley campuses to use outdoor spaces better.
Visit cfo.asu.edu/sustainability for more information
Resilience and Regeneration
Programs and milestones:
| 210 bicycles were registered
• University Sustainability Practices students and staff published “A Roadmap for Building Climate Resilience at Higher Education Institutions: A Case Study of Arizona State University.”
Winning Earth Month design
• 11,348 students and staff have completed the voluntary Seeds of Sustainability literacy program since 2016 and earned their "Seedling" certification.
| 145,484 trips were taken by Sun Devils on the intercampus shuttles, a decrease from 2020 due to COVID-19
©2022 Arizona Board of Regents for Arizona State University.
Data in this document reflect reporting through June 30, 2021.