Roadmap Definition of sustainability Why sustainability? UAA pledges – external UAA pledges – internal UAA UAF Sustainability Cup Energy policy What can you do to help?
What is sustainability?Definitions:
1. Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs
-UN World Commission on Environment and Development
2. The long-term health and vitality of economic, ecological, and social systems.
-Sustainability Communities Network
3. The ability of a system (society, ecosystem, business) to continue functioning into the indefinite future without being forced into decline through exhaustion of key resources.
- The Context Institute
Pledges Generated ExternallyTalloires Declaration
1) Increase awareness of Environmentally Sustainable Development
2) Create an Institutional Culture of Sustainability3) Educate for Environmentally Responsible Citizenship4) Foster Environmental Literacy For All5) Practice Institutional Ecology6) Involve All Stakeholders7) Collaborate for Interdisciplinary Approaches8) Enhance Capacity of Primary and Secondary Schools9) Broaden Service and Outreach Nationally and
Internationally10) Maintain the Movement
Actions Faculty intensive (2007) Curriculum Development Group (2009) Pushing to build new buildings to LEED
Silver New Environment & Society degree Survey results of paper usage Survey results of transportation survey
Paper UseFACULTY (154) STAFF (324)
Duplex print - 84%Reuse paper - 61%Recycle - 82%Email and scan -
88%Recycled content paper - 84%
66%65%90%89%
89%
Transportation Survey 523 responses 90% said it is important to reduce their
carbon emissions
American College and University Presidents’ Climate
Commitment (ACUPCC)1. Initiate the development of a comprehensive plan
to achieve climate neutrality as soon as possible.2. Initiate two or more of the following tangible
actions to reduce greenhouse gases while the more comprehensive plan is being developed.
LEED silver buildings, green star appliance purchasing policy, offset greenhouse gases emitted by travel, public transportation, 15% of electricity consumption from renewable sources.
ACUPCC cont’d Calculate carbon baseline within one year
of signing. Develop a climate action plan within two
years of signing. Develop a Sustainability Plan within four
years of signing.
Carbon Footprint
Natural Gas Main16%
Natural Gas Off Campus
3%Natural
Gas Student Housing
5%Electricity Main
24%
Electricity Off Campus4%
Electricity Student Housing
4%
Air Travel
8%
Em-ployee Com-mute3%
Student Commute32%
Percentage of Emissions
Carbon Emission Reduction and Management Plan (CERM)
Other actions: Public transportation Chancellor’s Sustainability Council (now
the Sustainability Action Board) established
Hired a Sustainability Director HSB designed to LEED Silver standard Working on a green cleaning policy Expanding recycling Next academic year – Green Star policy
U Med Green District Collaboration among the organizations in
this geographic area for the purpose of “collaborating in creating an environmentally sustainable district in Anchorage, Alaska.”
4 working groups – energy and infrastructure, active transportation, 3Rs (reduce, reuse and recycle), and procurement
Internal Policies Academic Plan Strategic Plan UAA UAF Sustainability Challenge Energy Policy
Academic PlanThe purpose of the plan includes “ . . . To use our resources to serve society, most especially to assure a socially, environmentally, and economically sustainable future.”
Strategic Plan 2017UAA Vision for 2017
UAA will be a university of first choice distinguished for: Commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
UAA Core ValuesSustainability and Stewardship
UAA UAF Sustainability Challenge
Based on the Green Report Card http://www.greenreportcard.org/report-card-2010/schools/university-of-alaska-anchorage UAA C+ to B- UAF C- to C-
Energy Policy 1ENERGY CONSERVATION1] Switch off lights when they are
not needed.2] Call Maintenance to remove
excess light tubes and ballasts.3] Switch off computers when they
are not being used within two hours.4] Upgrade computer displays with
LCD flat screens instead of old-style CRTs.
5] Use electronic equipment that goes into an energy saving mode when not being used.
6] Don’t use electric space heaters... call Maintenance to fix heat problems.
7] Centralize and share beverage and food machines rather than having duplicate equipment in each office.
8] If chilly and the current office temperature is between 68° F and 75° F, consider wearing more or heavier clothing rather than turning up the heat.
MATERIAL CONSERVATION1] Make double-sided copies
whenever possible or practical.2] Use the backs of single-sided
copies for scratch paper prior to recycling.
3] Avoid making copies by using electronic distributions.
4] Make good use of scanning technology and e-mail attachments instead of faxing.
5] Use paper with high post-consumer content.
6] Avoid using Styrofoam and plastic products...
Energy Policy cont’d7] Don’t print draft materials...
proofread off of your computermonitor.
8] Encourage the use of online forms rather than paper forms.
10] Recycle office paper, cardboard and newsprint.
11] Use re-usable containers and utensils rather than single-use items.
12] Don’t discard paperclips and rubber bands... reuse them or give them to others who might need them.
13] Recycle toner cartridges by returning them to the purchase point or to General Support Services.
WATER CONSERVATION1] Don’t run water to get a cooler
drink... use ice cubes or refrigerated water.
2] Don’t run water continuously when brushing teeth or washing. Only run the water when actually using it.
3] Use cold water instead of hot water whenever possible.
TRANSPORTATION CONSERVATION1] Ride U-Pass, Seawolf Shuttle or
carpool.2] Use engine block heaters when
the temperature drops below 20° F.3] Consolidate and coordinate supply
trips.4] Commit to one or two days per
week of not using your car.5] Don’t leave vehicles idling for
excessive periods.6] Walk, bike, skate or ski if
practical rather than drive.
Working Groups Curriculum development Electricity use reduction Paper use Single occupancy vehicle
What you can do Individual action – pledge or report Join a working group!
Questions?