SANTA CLARA UNIVERSITY
Sustainability Strategic Plan 2019
Table of Contents 2
Our Commitment
4
Our Story
6
Our Approach
8
Our Inspiration
10
Climate Action
14
Responsible Consumption
18
Quality Education
22
Our Mission Sustainable
24
Our Progress
26 Glossary 28 Acknowledgments
Our Commitment Dear Members of the University Community, It is with great pleasure that I introduce Santa Clara University’s Sustainability Strategic Plan. This plan embodies our commitment to climate neutrality in the scope of our values as a Jesuit institution. I invite you to celebrate our accomplishments as a nationally-recognized leader in sustainability as well as contemplate our duty to care for our common home. When I began my tenure as President in 2009, I shared my vision for Santa Clara University. In my inaugural address, I highlighted the position we are in to “lead and participate in Silicon Valley’s fast-growing interest in sustainability, green energy, and environmental protection” by leveraging our University tradition of innovation, ethics, and social justice. Since then, some of the accomplishments I have witnessed include: »» Solar panels extending across campus to provide 15 times more power »» Waste diversion rates climbing from 16% to 68% »» A 10% reduction in water usage per person »» Greenhouse gas emissions cut by one-third »» Sustainability curriculum incorporated in over 1,100 courses at SCU »» The expansion of community-based programs and educational opportunities, such as the Forge Garden and Bronco Urban Gardens In his encyclical on the environment, Laudato Si’, Pope Francis reflects, “Once we start to think about the kind of world we are leaving to future generations, we look at things differently; we realize that the world is a gift which we have freely received and must share with others” (159). By committing to climate action, responsible resource consumption, and quality education for our students, we can respond to the Pope’s call to be advocates for the earth and our marginalized neighbors. Please join me in welcoming and implementing this plan. Its success depends on each of us. See the accompanying Playbooks for ways to take action, and track our progress online at (www.scu.edu/missionsustainable), as we fulfill our mission to build a more humane, just, and sustainable world. Sincerely,
Michael E. Engh, S.J.
President
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Our Story 2018
Climate Action Plan Part II + Sustainabiltiy Strategic Plan
2015
Updated Climate Action Plan Part 1
2014
Elaborated Strategic Plan
2011
STARS Silver
2007
Presidents Climate Commitment
2004
Comprehensive Policy on Sustainability
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STARS Gold
2010
1st Climate Neutrality Action Plan
2017
STARS Gold
University Mission “ Santa Clara University will educate citizens and leaders of competence, conscience, and compassion and cultivate knowledge and faith to build a more humane, just, and sustainable world.” Santa Clara University (SCU) has a comprehensive policy for campus sustainability that is centered around environmental stewardship, education, and service. Sustainability has been a part of the University’s strategic plans over the years, including the most recent Integrated Strategic Plan, Santa Clara 2020, which includes the goal of fashioning a more humane, just, and sustainable world.
Center for Sustainability Mission Pillars:
»» Achieve Climate Neutrality by the end of 2020 »» Practice mindful consumption »» Develop a culture of sustainability among students, faculty, staff, alumni, and visitors »» Use the campus as a living laboratory for developing global solutions The Center for Sustainability advances academic and public understanding of the ways in which social justice and sustainability intersect by integrating principles of social, environmental, and economic sustainability into campus operations, academic and student life, and outreach programs. The Center for Sustainability team includes 4 staff (2 of whom are based at the Forge Garden, SCU’s 1/2 acre organic educational garden), 2 faculty associates, and 14 student interns. Our capacity to transform the campus is magnified by engaged change agents throughout campus: staff associates, sustainability liaisons, sustainability guides, and volunteers. To achieve the audacious goals in this plan, we will need everyone’s participation.
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Our Approach A DYNAMIC, PEOPLE-ORIENTED PLAN
This plan was built by 37 staff, 9 students, 7 faculty, and 5 community members working in seven teams. We didn’t want to create a long, jargon-filled narrative that would be outdated and put on a shelf (or lost in computer files) as soon as it was completed; we set out to create a living, people-oriented plan. SCU’s Sustainability Strategic Plan is rooted in this document, which outlines our vision, goals, objectives, and processes for implementation and tracking our progress. Where this big-picture document ends, several platforms lead us through campus engagement and implementation. We are excited to introduce our dynamic, people-centered tools: our implementation roadmap, playbooks, and public dashboard.
Implementation Roadmap
Over 180 strategies were developed by faculty, staff, students, and community members who have a stake in the successful implementation of sustainability solutions in SCU’s academics, campus life, and operations. These implementation teams continue to meet quarterly to provide updates on initiatives and assess collective progress using our indicators reporting platform. Each strategy was prioritized based on existing University commitments, relative impact, cost, and effort. As they are implemented, all strategies will go through regular University decision-making channels and processes. Active and forthcoming strategies can be viewed at our Sustainability Strategic Plan website.
Playbooks
The Implementation Teams can’t do it alone--we rely on the engagement of our entire campus community. We developed audience-specific playbooks (for students, campus residents, faculty, staff, department heads, and more) to identify specific actions we can take to individually and collectively implement the plan. Fellow Broncos who contribute to achieving our collective goals are invited to share their actions on social media using the “#SustainableSCU” hashtag.
Public Dashboard
Each objective in this plan has a performance indicator. These indicators are tracked publicly, so we can watch our progress and be accountable. View our progress at our Sustainability Strategic Plan website.
FINANCING
Implementation funding sources will include University allocations, campus improvement and renewal funds, auxiliary and operations funds, energy incentives, grant funds, as well as donations. To contribute to the implementation of this plan, please make a donation online: Go to: mysantaclara.scu.edu/givenow, select “I want to support Sustainability Initiatives” and choose a fund. 6 >>> Santa Clara University
MORE THAN JUST A PLAN PUBLIC DOCUMENT
Goals and objectives to lead SCU toward our goals
Roadmap
Strategies with implementation leads, timelines, and costs
Playbooks
Specific ways individuals can implement the plan
Dashboard
Dashboards of key indicators, updated quarterly
Engage with our plan: www.scu.edu/missionsustainable
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Our Inspiration Goals and objectives in this plan were influenced by ideals shared in Laudato Si’, solutions identified by Project Drawdown, performance criteria in the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS), and targets in the UN Sustainable Development Goals. We were inspired by these resources and hope this plan will inspire individual and collective action at SCU. This plan functions as a North Star for our sustainability efforts, pushing us beyond “low-hanging fruit” efforts like irrigating with recycled water or starting a composting program. This plan, essential for our future success, pushes us toward practices like reaching climate neutrality by building a robust renewable energy portfolio including solar, batteries, and innovative technologies. These practices will require initial investment, but will lead to a healthier planet, enriched academic experiences for students, and ongoing savings.
“ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), otherwise known as the Global Goals, are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity.”
For more info on SDGs visit the UN Website 8 >>> Santa Clara University
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Climate Action Our Challenge
As a 2007 Charter Signatory of the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment, we are proud of our early leadership and bold commitment to climate neutrality. We have significantly reduced our net contributions to global warming and recognize we need to take new steps to balance our commitment to climate neutrality with a growing campus and expanding global engagement.
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GOALS
»» Reduce single-occupancy commutes »» Provide opportunities for higher fuel efficiency »» Reduce travel emissions
»» Increase energy performance of our buildings »» Decarbonize our energy sources »» Achieve Climate Neutrality
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Objectives transportation
energy
»» R educe single-occupancy vehicle commuting rate for employees to 60% and vehicle miles traveled per capita by 10% by 2025 Indicator: Percent change of single-occupancy commutes & average vehicle miles traveled to SCU
»» D ecrease energy use 50% per square foot by 2020 Indicator: Energy use per square foot
»» I ncrease employee public transit commuters 2% by 2025 Indicator: Percent of employees using public transit as primary commute mode
»» G enerate at least 20% of total energy consumption via on-site renewables by 2022 Indicator: Percent of renewable energy generated on-site
»» I ncrease commuters’ average fuel efficiency 1% annually until 2029 Indicator: Average fuel efficiency of commuters »» I ncrease bicycle ridership 2% by 2022 Indicator: Number of bicyclists commuting to SCU »» D efine how we measure University-funded travel emissions by 2019 Indicator: Process in place to regularly measure University-funded travel emissions
»» M aintain zero growth in grid-purchased energy Indicator: Amount of grid-purchased energy
»» S ource 100% renewable electricity Indicator: Percent of electricity consumed that is renewable »» S ource 100% renewable energy Indicator: Percent of total energy consumed that is renewable
»» R educe University-funded travel emissions as much as possible by 2029 Indicator: GHG emissions from Universityfunded travel »» D evelop programs to engage employees in reducing University-funded travel emissions Indicator: Presence of programs to engage employees in reducing travel emissions
FACES OF SUSTAINABILITY
Suds Jain
Planning Commission, City of Santa Clara
“ As a community that cares deeply about social justice, the leadership at SCU recognizes the threat that Climate Change poses for humanity, particularly for economically disadvantaged communities. I’m very impressed by the deep commitment to energy climate neutrality by 2020 and energy + transportation climate neutrality by 2029.”
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climate »» A chieve energy Climate Neutrality by 2020 Indicator: GHG emissions from energy use (Scopes 1 and 2) »» A chieve Energy + Transportation Climate Neutrality by 2029 Indicator: GHG emissions from energy use and transportation (Scopes 1, 2 and part of 3)
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Responsible Consumption Our Challenge
As a large institution, SCU approaches our resource needs through mindful consumption. We must plan for a not-so-distant future when even recycled water won’t be abundant for landscaping use. Moreover, despite our tremendous gains in diverting waste from the landfill, we must reduce all waste leaving campus by shifting our purchasing practices to eliminate single-use items and foster reuse of materials.
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GOALS
»» Apply sustainability criteria when making procurement decisions »» Landscape in a sustainable manner
»» Strengthen culture of water conservation »» Reduce operational water use »» Reduce total campus waste
»» Reduce waste sent to landfills
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Objectives purchasing
landscaping
»» P ublish sustainability purchasing criteria Indicator: Presence of published sustainability purchasing criteria »» P urchase 95% green cleaning & janitorial paper products by 2020 Indicator: Percent of green cleaning & janitorial paper products used »» A chieve 100% EPEAT Gold equipment purchases by 2020 Indicator: Percent of equipment EPEAT Gold or better »» D evelop an electronics purchasing and reuse/ disposal policy by 2020 Indicator: Presence of published electronics reuse/ disposal policy »» I ncrease proportion of plant-based meals offered by Dining Services Indicator: Percent of plant-based food purchased by Dining Services
»» M anage 100% of campus landscape (except Athletics fields) in accordance with an organic land care standard or sustainable landscape management program by 2020 Indicator: Percent of campus landscape managed organically »» D evelop an Integrated Pest Management Plan by 2018 Indicator: Presence of Integrated Pest Management Plan »» P romote healthy urban forest management and engage the campus community in environmental stewardship Indicator: Number of trees on campus »» M inimize negative impacts of our built environment Indicator: Number of initiatives to improve sustainability of our built environment
»» P urchase 25% Real Food by 2020 Indicator: Percent of food purchases qualifying as Real Food
FACES OF SUSTAINABILITY
Amanda Eason Class of 2020
“ I am constantly inspired by the day to day conversations that I have with peers and Santa Clara faculty regarding waste diversion. I am looking forward to helping the school develop more programs to support reusable materials and reduce our consumption of finite natural resources!” 16 >>> Santa Clara University
water »» D ecrease recycled water use per acre of vegetated grounds 20% by 2020 Indicator: Amount of purchased recycled water per acre »» D ecrease potable water use per square foot 40% by 2020 Indicator: Amount of purchased potable water per square foot »» D ecrease potable water use per capita 35% by 2020 Indicator: Amount of purchased potable water per capita
waste »» R educe food waste 10% by 2020, 20% by 2025 Indicator: Percent of measured food waste »» D ivert 90% of waste from landfills by 2020 Indicator: Percent of waste diverted from landfills »» R educe total waste per capita 5% by 2020, and 5% biannually thereafter Indicator: Amount of waste per person
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Quality Education Our Challenge
SCU has pioneered a robust sustainability across the curriculum program, but we’ll need everyone’s expertise and contributions to truly solve the climate crisis and build a humane, just, and sustainable world. Students will experience their role in creating a sustainable future through expanded use of the campus as a living laboratory in all academic disciplines.
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GOALS
»» Mobilize our community to build a more sustainable and resilient world
»» Expand sustainability across the curriculum »» Increase number of scholars engaged in sustainability research »» Use the campus as a living laboratory to develop sustainable solutions
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Objectives engagement
academics
»» I ncrease number of students and employees engaged in sustainability-themed events and activities Indicator: Number of students and employees attending sustainability-themed events and activities »» D efine how we measure student and employee engagement in sustainable behaviors by 2020 Indicator: Process in place to regularly measure student and employee engagement in sustainable behaviors »» Continuously increase the number of students and employees engaged in sustainable behaviors Indicator: Number of students and employees engaged in sustainable behaviors »» C ontinuously increase the number of campus organizations practicing sustainable operations Indicator: Number of campus organizations practicing sustainable operations
»» I ncrease the number of courses with a sustainability component to 33% by 2025 Indicator: Number of courses with a sustainability component »» E xpose 100% of students to sustainability through their coursework Indicator: Number of students exposed to sustainability through academic coursework »» I ncrease number of sustainability-related researchers to 25% Indicator: Number of researchers conducting sustainability-related research »» I ncrease use of campus as a living laboratory Indicator: Number of courses engaged in learning and/or research that advances sustainability on campus
»» I ncrease university-community partnerships for research and teaching about environmental justice Indicator: Number of SCU faculty members engaged in university-community partnerships that include an environmental justice component
FACES OF SUSTAINABILITY
Susan Popko
Associate Provost for International Programs, Global Engagement Office
“ The objectives and strategies laid out in the Strategic Plan establish a foundation for the next phase of SCU’s sustainability efforts. The plan will impact the campus through integration into curricular and cocurricular programs of the university and provide a model for other universities seeking to develop more sustainable practices. It was a privilege to participate on the University Carbon Neutrality Task Force and engage in the planning process with such talented colleagues.” 20 >>> Santa Clara University
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Our Mission Sustainable playbooks To achieve the goals and objectives outlined in this plan, we need every Bronco’s participation! Whether you’re a student, lab manager, faculty member, or a leader of an organization, there are concrete ways you can directly contribute to reaching SCU’s sustainability goals. Find the playbook that best aligns with your role on campus at www. scu.edu/missionsustainable, and choose at least one action. Let the Center for Sustainability know what you pledge, and get a badge!
climate action
responsible consumption
quality education
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Our Progress benchmarking
Measurement is an integral part of this Sustainability Strategic Plan. Our Implementation Teams have identified Key Performance Indicators for every objective, which the Center for Sustainability is tracking and sharing with the public via online dashboards. Track our progress at www.scu.edu/missionsustainable.
center for sustainability benchmarking platforms
The Center for Sustainability benchmarks our performance against that of our peers using national benchmarking platforms: »» EPA’s ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager® for tracking energy use »» T he Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE)’s Sustainability Tracking, Assessment, and Rating System (STARS) for reporting performance across academics, engagement, operations, and planning and administration »» Second Nature for reporting our greenhouse gas emissions inventory
recognition
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Glossary Carbon neutrality Carbon neutrality refers to achieving net zero carbon emissions by balancing a measured amount of carbon released with an equivalent amount sequestered or offset, or buying enough carbon credits to make up the difference. It is used in the context of carbon dioxide-releasing processes associated with transportation, energy production, and industrial processes such as production of carbon neutral fuel. Climate neutrality Climate neutrality reflects the broader inclusiveness of other greenhouse gases in climate change, even if CO2 is the most abundant, encompassing other greenhouse gases regulated by the Kyoto Protocol, namely: methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFC), perfluorocarbons (PFC), and sulphur hexafluoride (SF6). Second Nature’s Climate Leadership Network comprises more than 600 colleges and universities in every state and the District of Columbia who have committed to take action on climate and prepare students through research and education to solve the challenges of the 21st century. EPEAT EPEAT is a certification for computers and other electronic products. The standard’s evaluation criteria include: energy efficiency, reduction and elimination of environmentally sensitive materials, materials selection, design for end-of-life, product longevity and life cycle extension, end-of-life management, corporate performance, and packaging characteristics. Environmental justice The right of all people to healthy livable environments. It entails ensuring the fair distribution of environmental burdens and benefits, including all people in making environmental and health decisions that affect them, and correcting historical environmental injustices.
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Food waste Food waste can be defined as edible, uneaten food that either users or the university paid for or produced. This differs from food scraps, which describes food materials not meant for human consumption such as banana peels or eggshells. Food waste is one of the top contributors of greenhouse gas emissions globally, requiring the unnecessary depletion of water, energy, land, and labor throughout the food cycle (to grow, harvest, process, package, distribute, refrigerate, prepare, etc.). Greenhouse gas emissions Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions Scope 1 GHG emissions are direct GHG emissions occurring from sources that are owned or controlled by the institution. Scope 1 emission sources include: Combustion of fuels to produce electricity, steam, heat, or power using equipment in a fixed location such as boilers, burners, heaters, furnaces, incinerators and combustion fuels by institution-owned cars, tractors, buses, and other transportation devices. Scope 2 GHG emissions are indirect GHG emissions that are a consequence of activities that take place within the organizational boundaries of the institution, but that occur at sources owned or controlled by another entity. Scope 2 emission sources include purchased electricity, purchased heating, purchased cooling, and purchased steam. Scope 3 greenhouse gas (GHG emissions) Scope 3 GHG emissions are all indirect emissions not covered in Scope 2. SCU currently measures business travel, commuting (employee and student), and waste generated in operations. Integrated Pest Management Plan Integrated pest management (IPM) uses a combination of biological, cultural, physical/ mechanical and chemical management tools to solve pest problems while minimizing risks to people and the environment.
Real Food The Real Food Calculator is a tool to track institutional food and beverage purchasing over time. The Calculator is managed and hosted by the Real Food Challenge, a U.S.- based campaign and network of student food activists. The Real Food Challenge aims to shift $1 billion (20%) of existing university food budgets away from industrial farms and unhealthy food and towards local & community-based, fair, ecologically sound, and humane food sources—what we call Real Food—by 2020. Recycled water Reclaimed or recycled water (also called wastewater reuse or water reclamation) is the process of converting wastewater into water that can be reused for other purposes. Reuse may include irrigation of gardens and agricultural fields or replenishing surface water and groundwater (i.e., groundwater recharge). Renewable energy Renewable energy is from an energy resource that is replaced rapidly by a natural process such as power generated from the sun or from the wind. Most renewable forms of energy, other than geothermal and tidal power, ultimately come from the sun. Resilience Building community capacity to deal with a constantly changing climate and resulting extremes. Sustainability “Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” - Brundtland Report for the World Commission on Environment and Development (1987).
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Acknowledgements carbon neutrality task force
buildings implementation team
C.J. Gabbe, Environmental Studies & Sciences Department
Don Akerland, Planning & Projects Department
Kaz Joseph, Information Technology
Greg Davis, Facilities Department
Lindsey Kalkbrenner, Center for Sustainability Millie Kenney, Transportation Services
Jeff Charles, Facilities Department Lindsey Kalkbrenner, Center for Sustainability
Joe McCarthy, University Finance Office
Dave Machado, Housing and Building Operations & Conference Services
Chris Mendoza, Athletics
Chris Shay, University Operations
Susan Popko, Global Engagement Office
James Wang, ‘19, Center for Sustainability Intern
Payton Dizney Swanson, ‘20, Associated Student Government
Chris Watt, Utilities Department
James Wang, ‘19, Center for Sustainability Intern
water & grounds implementation team
Chris Watt, Utilities Department
Jeff Charles, Facilities Department
transportation demand management task force
Andy Hernandez, Facilities Department
Laura Ceja, Transportation Services John Davidson, City of Santa Clara
Dave Machado, Housing Building Operations & Conference Services
Jonna Delgado, Human Resources
Chris Mendoza, Athletics
Debby Fernandez, City of Santa Clara
Katharine Rondthaler, Center for Sustainability
C.J. Gabbe, Environmental Studies & Sciences Department
Gary Vargas, Facilities Department
Eric Hagle, ‘19, Law Student
James Wang, ‘19, Center for Sustainability Intern
Calyn Hart, City of Santa Clara Andrew Ishak, Communication Department Suds Jain, Planning Commission, City of Santa Clara Helen Kassa, ‘20, Associated Student Government Millie Kenney, Transportation Services Erin Ronald, ‘19, Transportation Services & Center for Sustainability Intern Cara Uy, Center for Sustainability John Veargason, Planning & Projects Department
Lindsey Kalkbrenner, Center for Sustainability
Chris Young, Facilities Department Chris Watt, Utilities Department waste & purchasing implementation team
Thierry Bourroux, Dining Services by Bon Appetit Lisa Chatelle-Watt, Purchasing Department Sean Collins, Environment, Health & Safety Amanda Eason, ‘20, Center for Sustainability Intern Henry Ferguson, ‘18, Center for Sustainability Intern Andy Hernandez, Facilities Department Lindsey Kalkbrenner, Center for Sustainability
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Evelyn Lopez, Facilities Department Dave Machado, Housing Building Operations & Conference Services Ed Merryman, University Support Services Joe Pereira, Facilities Department Laurry Wailes, Dining Services by Bon Appetit Chris Young, Facilities Department
steering committee
Michael Crowley, Finance & Administration Amy Shachter, Research & Faculty Affairs Chris Shay, University Operations sustainability strategic plan team
sustainability curriculum advisory council
Sammi Bennett, ‘19, Center for Sustainability Intern
Greg Baker, Leavey School of Business James Bennett, Undergraduate Studies
Gisselle Delgadillo, ‘20, Center for Sustainability Intern Lindsey Kalkbrenner, Center for Sustainability
Ruth Davis, School of Engineering
Vanessa Shin, ‘19, Center for Sustainability Intern
John Farnsworth, Environmental Studies & Sciences Department, Center for Sustainability
James Wang, ‘19, Center for Sustainability Intern
Andie Filler, ‘18, Center for Sustainability Intern Leslie Gray, Environmental Studies & Sciences Department, Center for Sustainability Lindsey Kalkbrenner, Center for Sustainability Sarah MacGregor, School of Education & Counseling Psychology Kate Morris, College of Arts & Sciences Chad Raphael, Communication Department Amy Shachter, Research & Faculty Affairs Tseming Yang, School of Law
Cara Uy, Center for Sustainability
graphic design
Elena Jorgensen, Center for Sustainability Project Assistant photo credits
Front cover photo: Doug Plummer
Table of contents photo: Joanne Lee Climate Action
Bike to Work Day: Vanessa Shin Solar Panels: Chuck Barry Responsible Consumption
staff associates
The Forge Garden: Chuck Barry
Janice DeMonsi, Campus Recreation Lisa Fabiny, Global Engagement Office Julia Clare Santos, Campus Ministry
Quality Education
Eco-Fashion Show: Joanne Lee Glossary: Chuck Barry
Bill Mains, Leavey School of Business Ali Reimer, Leavey School of Business Brent Woodcock, Civil, Environmental, & Sustainable Engineering Department
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