A set of practical,
intentional, effective,
and economically feasible
ways the University
can be better stewards
of the environment.
Environmental Sustainability Task Force
June 17, 2016
Ferris State University TA B L E O F CO N T E N TS Charge, Members, Introduction 3 Definition and philosophy statement 4 Goals and Metrics 5 Academics 6 Engagement 8 Operations 11 Planning and Administration 18 19 20 Conclusion Summary of survey results Summary of recommendations Appendices Environmental Sustainability Task Force | June 17, 2016
2 Ferris State University Charge •
•
•
Recommend a shared definition for sustainability in the context of the University Strategic Plan Recommend a brief philosophy statement regarding institutional sustainability for Ferris State University Develop a set of practical, intentional, efficient and low cost ways the university can be better stewards of resources and the environment Members Gayle DeBruyn, Kendall College of Art and Design Rafael Dominguez, Custodial Services, Physical Plant Kayla Garrett, Residence Hall Association Harmin Gill, Student Government Katie Hoisington, Dining Services Jennifer Johnson, Social Sciences Bryan Marquardt, Housing, and Residential life Mike McKay; Safety, Health, Environmental and Risk Management Kara Pellerito, Energy Conservation, Physical Plant Alison Popp, Marketing Department Mark Schuelke, University Center John C. Smith, Advancement and Marketing Margaret Wan, College of Health Professions, Public Health Kirk Weller, Provost’s Office Michael Williams, Bulldog Sustainability Alliance Jerry Scoby, VP Administration and Finance, Chair of Environmental Sustainability Task Force Introduction The Ferris State University Environmental Sustainability Task Force was convened by Jerry Scoby, VP of Administration and Finance on behalf of the Presidents Council as prescribed by the Ferris Strategic Plan – Goals and Initiatives Goal 4: Provide a state-­‐of-­‐the-­‐art, sustainable and safe learning, living and working environment. The Task Force represents a cross section of the university community including faculty in Big Rapids and Kendall College of Art and Design (KCAD), administration, and students. Additional insights were gathered through interviews and an all University survey. The Task Force has mapped our current university sustainability practices [Appendix A], benchmarked other university sustainability work and researched professional associations aligning institutions of higher education with others interested in advancing campus sustainability. We thoughtfully aligned our recommendations to the Mission, Vision, Core Values and Master Plan of the University. This Task Force report includes examples of our current efforts and identifies next steps that are achievable, aspirational and inspirational! Environmental Sustainability Task Force | June 17, 2016
3 Ferris State University D E F I N I T I O N O F E N V I RO N M E N TA L S U STA I N A B I L I T Y A N D P H I LO S O P H Y STAT E M E N T Ferris State University is committed to our existing practices and activities across campus that support environmental sustainability, with the full intention to consider new opportunities for improving environmental sustainability in the use of energy, water and material resources. This philosophy is in keeping with the university’s 1
core value of ethical community, and follows the Brundtland Report’s definition of sustainable development, which seeks to meet “the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” This commitment to environmental sustainability includes the engagement of Ferris’ students, faculty, staff and we welcome the support of alumni and community partners, so that we might achieve key targets related to sustainable development: •
•
•
•
•
•
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Increasing energy efficiency Maintaining clean air quality 2
Controlling greenhouse gas emissions Managing water resources Controlling waste streams Encouraging active transportation [walking, biking] 3
Applying environmental life cycle costing 1
The World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED), the Brundtland Report, December 1983 http://www.un-­‐documents.net/our-­‐common-­‐future.pdf 2
Higher Education presidents and chancellors can choose to sign either the Carbon or the Resilience Commitment, or the integrated Climate Commitment. An institution can transition to the Climate Commitment at any time. http://secondnature.org/what-­‐we-­‐do/climate-­‐leadership Regional participants: Aquinas, Calvin, GRCC, GVSU, and WMU 3
Life Cycle Cost Analysis is a tool used to understand the environmental impact of materials over their lifetime from material extraction through manufacture, distribution, use, repair, maintenance, recycle and disposal. Environmental Sustainability Task Force | June 17, 2016
4 Ferris State University G OA L S A N D M E T R I C S We recommend the University follow the framework of the Sustainability Tracking Assessment and Rating System 4
5
2.1 [STARS] developed by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education [AASHE] as a guide for goals to do more in the area of environmental sustainability. This framework has been adopted by many Michigan universities within our region and as such provides comparative data for regional analysis of impact. 6
This framework identifies four key areas that measure triple bottom line (Elkington 1989) attributes of environmental, economic and social impacts. The four areas are: Academics (AC), Engagement (EN), Operations (OP) and Planning & Administration (PA) with an additional Innovation (IN) credit. We have begun to identify university accomplishments in each of these areas and will continue to research additional things being done in these areas. We recognize that many of the initiatives outlined in this framework are outside the scope of this Task Force and are addressed within the strategic plan of the institution as components of other institutional task forces, eg: Diversity & Affordability, Investment, Public Policy, and Health, Wellbeing & Work. We will recommend a method to connect with these areas and include their work into the STARS assessment. R E C O M M E N D A T I O N S 1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Identify and connect champions within the institution who are committed to doing this work | Cost of time | Sustainability Committee Include sustainability strategies in future Strategic Plans and Goals of the University | President’s Council Provide an institutional structure for stakeholders from other university sustainability areas to report-­‐out progress | Cost of time | Sustainability Committee Design a communication strategy, to promote and educate the University community on current and future campus sustainability efforts. Include web, social and print media, fact book, Ferris Magazine, Torch, etc. | Cost of time | University Marketing Become members of AASHE and participate in the STARS reporting system. 4
STARS: The Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System™ (STARS) is a transparent, self-­‐reporting framework for colleges and universities to measure their sustainability performance administered by AASHE. https://stars.aashe.org/pages/about/stars-­‐overview.html Regional participants: Aquinas, Calvin, GVSU, WMU, and MSU
5
AASHE: The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education: AASHE empowers higher education faculty, administrators, staff and students to be effective change agents and drivers of sustainability innovation. AASHE enables members to translate information into action by offering essential resources and professional development to a diverse, engaged community of sustainability leaders. We work with and for higher education to ensure that our world’s future leaders are motivated and equipped to solve sustainability challenges. http://www.aashe.org/about 6
Triple Bottom Line accounting, attributed to John Elkington in 1994, balances traditional accounting measures of profit and loss with social and environmental measures. http://www.economist.com/node/14301663 Environmental Sustainability Task Force | June 17, 2016
5 Ferris State University AC] Academics – Curriculum and Research Ferris State University’s mission statement says that our graduates will be prepared for responsible citizenship, a goal that can hardly be reached if our students are not exposed to sustainability practices in meaningful ways. Our classrooms provide the ideal platform for teaching the importance and value of sustainability. From biology to product design, sociology to health care, marketing to geography, sustainability is a thread that can be woven throughout our curriculum across the university if we make a conscious effort to do so. Understanding the ‘why’ and the ‘how’ is critical to building citizens who are committed to becoming effective stewards of the Earth’s resources. However, sustainability is not a concept that can simply be learned – it must be practiced in order to become a marker of responsible citizenship. If we want sustainability to be a lasting mindset in our graduates, we must make noticeable efforts to build the habits of sustainable lifestyles during the years that they spend on our campuses. Curricular initiatives cannot exist apart from meaningful engagement. This means that the administration, faculty, and staff should model appropriate practices in visible ways. It means that the university must consistently make decisions based on responsible citizenship, even if it sometimes costs more to do so. And it means that everyday practices, such as recycling and energy conservation, must be ubiquitous enough that they simply become the expected norm in every aspect of university life. Empowered with engrained habits and the knowledge of their value, our students will go out into the world not only as mindful consumers, but as capable advocates who can make meaningful impacts through their industries and communities. In the School of Built Environment within the College of Engineering and Technology, students can obtain a degree in Architecture and Sustainability that helps them become professionals who can design buildings in keeping with environmental sustainability practices. Some of the degree programs and courses touch on sustainability related issues in less formal ways, but at this time these have not been documented. Example of Academic Curriculum focused on Sustainability Ferris’ Bachelor of Science in Architecture and Sustainability is shaped in such an organic context in which education in building technology and design is conceived in a social and cultural context of community planning that values responsible approaches to resource management and the environment. This educational framework provides a comprehensive understanding of issues on a social and global scale, highlighting humanity’s role in shaping the community and environment. – From the College of Engineering and Technology web page. Environmental Sustainability Task Force | June 17, 2016
6 Ferris State University R E C O M M E N D A T I O N S F O R A C A D E M I C S 5. AC 1: Inventory of sustainability courses and curriculum containing sustainability related outcomes. Include ‘sustainability’ to Assessment Priorities. See example Appendix B | Cost of time | Academic Affairs and Kendall 6. AC 7: Provide incentives and infrastructure for sustainability-­‐related course design. This may mean development of entirely new sustainability courses or more intentional inclusion of sustainability themes in existing courses. Seek ways to help sustainability permeate the curriculum. Consider working through the Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning to establish a Sustainability Fellows program as a formal way to both initiate and document intentional sustainability outcomes in coursework across campus. This goal may also be achieved through an academic Task Force focused on curricular issues as they relate to environmental sustainability. This goal aligns with the Ferris State University Strategic Plan Goal 1, line 5 that states: “Review the curriculum and increase the emphasis on preparing students for a global society and leadership roles. | Cost of time | Academic Affairs AC 8: Invite prominent guest speakers on environmental sustainability to campus. Partner with community leaders, eg: Wege Foundation | $3,000 – $10,000 per speaker on average depending on degree of prominence AC 9,10: Work with the Institutional Review Board to build a data base of current research projects that align with our sustainability initiatives, for those programs where research is considered in faculty tenure. | Cost of time | Academic Affairs o
7.
8.
Environmental Sustainability Task Force | June 17, 2016
7 Ferris State University EN] Engagement | Campus and Public Engagement The Ferris State University community is involved in many of the initiatives outlined in the STARS area of Campus and Public Engagement. We have identified a few opportunities that align directly with environmental sustainability initiatives and which could also include social and economic sustainability benefits. We recognize 7
that education for sustainable development is formal, non-­‐formal and informal and needs the support of the whole institution. Campus Engagement: “This STARS subcategory seeks to recognize institutions that provide their students with sustainability learning experiences outside the formal curriculum. Engaging in sustainability issues through co-­‐
curricular activities allows students to deepen and apply their understandings of sustainability principles. Institution-­‐sponsored co-­‐curricular sustainability offerings, often coordinated by student affairs offices, help integrate sustainability into the campus culture and set a positive tone for the institution. In addition, this subcategory recognizes institutions that support faculty and staff engagement, training, and development programs in sustainability. Faculty and staff members’ daily decisions impact an institution’s sustainability performance. Equipping faculty and staff with the tools, knowledge, and motivation to adopt behavior changes that promote sustainability is an essential activity of a sustainable campus.” (STARS 2.1) Examples of University engagement in public and campus sustainability efforts: Wege Prize, a partnership between the Wege Foundation and Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University (KCAD), is an annual student [design] competition that gives teams of five the chance to collaborate across institutional and disciplinary boundaries, use design thinking principles and contend for $30,000 in total cash prizes, all while helping to show the world what the future of wicked problem solving looks like. –from www.wegeprize.org The historic five-­‐story Woodbridge N. Ferris building, now part of the Kendall campus was constructed in 1909. Following the move of the museum in 2007, the building sat vacant until Ferris chose to redevelop the building in 2010 and 2011 to provide additional space for Kendall. The renovated building reopened in 2012. The formation of a public/private partnership assisted Ferris in its plan to redevelop and adaptively reuse all five of the floors in accordance with federal and state preservation standards. The fully restored and renovated building provides a cultural/arts center for Kendall and includes an auditorium, materials library, art exhibition galleries, classroom space, student workshops and more. Additionally, the innovative Wege Center for Sustainable Design was incorporated on the fourth floor. The building has garnered multiple industry awards including the Governor’s Award for Historic Preservation 7
The United Nations has defined Education for Sustainable Development to include: Formal – schools and universities. Structured and leading to a diploma / degree. Non-­‐formal – seminars, professional development, continuing studies, and do not lead to a degree. Informal – learning resulting from life activities, work, leisure, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nonformal_learning Environmental Sustainability Task Force | June 17, 2016
8 Ferris State University and the Michigan Historic Preservation Network award, as well as LEED Gold Certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. –From www.KCAD.edu R E C O M M E N D A T I O N S F O R C A M P U S E N G A G E M E N T 9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
EN 2: Include sustainability orientation into the FSUS 100 course required by all students. This could also be the format for the Sustainability Literacy Assessment – base line [AC 6]. | Cost of time EN 4: Develop outreach materials, online teaching tools and publications | Cost of time EN 7: Include the university’s sustainability initiatives and workshops into the employee orientation and professional development | Cost of time | Staff Center for Training and Development or SHERM AC 8: Celebrate a commitment to environmental sustainability improvements through high-­‐impact activities for a campus-­‐wide Earth Day celebration. | Cost estimate $5000 for event planning and activities | Sustainability Committee AC 8: Stimulate thinking through a variety of public avenues, such as ‘Did You Know’ facts on scrolling electronic billboards, silent displays in the quad, or printed or announced at sporting events. | No cost | University Marketing EN 9: Develop a staff professional development opportunity / training. | Cost of time | Staff Center for Training and Development Public Engagement: “This STARS subcategory seeks to recognize institutions that help catalyze sustainable communities through public engagement, community partnerships and service. Engagement in community problem-­‐solving is fundamental to sustainability. By engaging with community members and organizations in the governmental, non-­‐profit and for-­‐profit sectors, institutions can help solve sustainability challenges.” (STARS 2.1) Examples of University involvement in projects of public engagement: Students are actively engaged in a variety of river restoration projects including the Muskegon Watershed and the Grand River in Grand Rapids. Bulldog Homecoming zero waste event Fall 2015 Environmental Sustainability Task Force | June 17, 2016
9 Ferris State University R E C O M M E N D A T I O N S F O R P U B L I C E N G A G E M E N T 15. EN 12: Include opportunities for continuing education in sustainability through courses that address sustainability-­‐themed study | Cost of time 16. EN 14: Institution advocates for public policies that support and advance campus sustainability both in-­‐
state and nationally | Cost Environmental Sustainability Task Force | June 17, 2016
10 Ferris State University OP] Operations | Air & Climate, Buildings, Energy, Food & Dining, Grounds, Purchasing, Transportation, Waste and Water Good practices have been established in most of these areas. The Energy Reduction Task Force recommendations are well underway with good results [Appendix C]. Green House Gas [GHG] is being tracked and efforts are underway to make reductions. The Master Plan sets all new building construction and major renovations at LEED silver. Good progress is being made in recycling, however we see an opportunity to improve waste management and recycling initiatives through stronger sustainability purchasing strategies. For example Dining Services commitment to reduce waste through discontinuing the purchasing of plastics and only purchasing compostable materials, and future goals and objectives of the purchasing department to including a statement about sustainability in the Purchasing Procedures with the ultimate goal of having it become part of the Board Purchasing Policy. Ferris State University Physical Plant is responsible for the development and maintenance of the University’s physical environment. Within the organization many of our daily practices have sustainability in mind including: energy conservation, Green House Gas metrics, water conservation, recycling, green cleaning practices, as well as Dining and Grounds department recycling. Below we propose initiatives that will improve the environmental sustainability of the University. Examples of University involvement in projects of Operations / Energy: electric / natural gas energy usage Ten Year Trend Campus Area & Electric/Natural Gas Energy Usage 500 3,643,259 3,595,004 3,574,769 3,600,000 Square Footage 3,500,000 389 408 430 409 3,532,401 3,609,973 450 400 375 401 3,475,933 366 386 398 398 3,400,000 3,349,425 350 300 250 3,300,000 3,200,000 200 3,250,946 147 154 150 3,100,000 141 133 142 142 134 129 123 150 Energy (MMMBTU) 3,700,000 Square Footage 100 Electrica
l 50 3,000,000 0 FY06 FY07 FY08 FY09 FY10 FY11 FY12 Year FY13 FY14 Natural Gas FY15 Since July 2006, our total gross square footage is down 6.8%, our natural gas usage has gone down 2.5% and our electrical consumption has gone down 20%. We have made some great progress in electrical energy conservation and it appears that we have more work to do in the natural gas utilization area. Environmental Sustainability Task Force | June 17, 2016
11 Ferris State University R E C O M M E N D A T I O N S F O R A I R & C L I M A T E , B U I L D I N G S 17. OP 3: Provide custodial and dining employee training up to 12 hours per employee / per year. | Cost of time | Physical Plant and Dining Services 18. OP 5: Design and implement a University-­‐wide energy reduction campaign with a focus on behavioral change. This is a carry-­‐over recommendation from the 2009 Energy Task Force. | Cost of time | Physical Plant Examples of University involvement in projects of Operations | Air and Climate The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality ensures that Michigan’s air remains clean by regulating sources of air pollutants to minimize adverse impact on human health and the environment. Goals are to meet and maintain air quality standards, limit emissions of hazardous and toxic pollutants and inform the public about current air conditions. -­‐ http://www.michigan.gov/deq/0,1607,7-­‐135-­‐3310-­‐-­‐-­‐,00.html (Ammonia; CO, Carbon monoxide; NOX Nitrogen Oxides; PM10, Particulate Matter including smoke, soot, salt, acids and metals; SO2 Sulphur Dioxide; VOC Volatile Organic Compounds, chemicals with high vapor pressure.) 19. OP 1: Publish Green House Gas metrics. Metrics are already being monitored and reported to the DEQ. Providing transparency allows for teaching and learning. We recommend building this information into our Ferris and KCAD websites through the use of the dashboard or other appropriate methods. | Cost – none | SHERM, Physical Plant, and Kendall Physical Plant R E C O M M E N D A T I O N S F O R E N E R G Y “This STARS subcategory seeks to recognize institutions that are reducing their energy consumption through conservation and efficiency, and switching to cleaner and renewable sources of energy such as solar, wind, geothermal, and low-­‐impact hydropower. Environmental Sustainability Task Force | June 17, 2016
12 Ferris State University “Implementing conservation measures and switching to renewable sources of energy can help institutions save money and protect them from utility rate volatility.” (STARS 2.1) The work of the 2009 Energy Task Force recommendations have resulted in significant savings to Ferris and we recommend that those recommendations continue to be addressed. [Appendix C] 20. OP 5: Continue work of the Energy Task Force recommendations – 2009. In Process | Physical Plant R E C O M M E N D A T I O N S F O R F O O D & D I N I N G The recommendations of the Food and Dining services of the University are focused on procurement and waste minimization strategies already identified in items 22, 23, 26, 28, and 29 below. They are committed to purchasing locally grown and manufactured foods when possible. They also aspire to meet a zero waste program through eliminating materials that are neither recyclable nor compostable; establishing a composting program and improving their recycling process. 21. OP 8: Work to provide programs and initiatives to support sustainable food systems and minimize food waste. In process | Cost of time | Dining Services R E C O M M E N D A T I O N S F O R G R O U N D S M A N A G E M E N T “This STARS subcategory seeks to recognize institutions that plan and maintain their grounds with sustainability in mind. Beautiful and welcoming campus grounds can be planned, planted, and maintained in any region while minimizing the use of toxic chemicals, protecting wildlife habitat, and conserving resources.” (STARS 2.1) 22. OP 9: Implement a landscape management program that reduces the use of inorganic fertilizers and chemical pesticides, fungicides and herbicides in favor of ecologically preferable materials. | Cost Reduction | Grounds • Lawns cut to 3.5” beginning spring 2016 encouraging longer root growth and reducing weed growth resulting in a reduction of the use and cost of chemicals as well as cost and impact of lawn mowing • Mulch will be used to reduce weed growth and improve water retention R E C O M M E N D A T I O N S F O R P U R C H A S I N G Purchasing is directed by the Board Purchasing Policy and Business Policy Letter [Appendix D]. At the present time there is no statement in that Policy referencing Environmental Sustainability. In practice, however, we do strive to purchase energy star equipment whenever possible, and will evaluate a vendor based upon their social and environmental responsibility if all other factors are equal. This does include recyclable materials and conservation programs. Life Cycle Cost Analysis and Total Cost of Ownership are always part of the evaluation process in analyzing bid proposals. Our biggest success has been in collaboration with Physical Plant regarding Energy Saving Programs, Green Janitorial and Maintenance products, fuels and energy. Regarding future goals and objectives, we are working on including a statement about sustainability in the Purchasing Procedures with the ultimate goal of recommending it become part of the Board Purchasing Policy 23. OP 11-­‐14: Sustainable Procurement. Review the purchasing guidelines and where possible enhance them to meet sustainable purchasing strategies across commodity categories. Consider including Environmental Sustainability Task Force | June 17, 2016
13 Ferris State University preferred vendors, Energy Star rated electronics, green chemistry, elimination of Styrofoam products, and Forrest Stewardship Council certified paper purchasing. In process | Cost of time | Purchasing R E C O M M E N D A T I O N S F O R T R A N S P O R T A T I O N S Y S T E M S “This STARS subcategory seeks to recognize institutions that are moving toward sustainable transportation systems. Transportation is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants that contribute to health problems such as heart and respiratory diseases and cancer. Due to disproportionate exposure, these health impacts are frequently more pronounced in low-­‐income communities next to major transportation corridors. In addition, the extraction, production, and global distribution of fuels for transportation can damage environmentally and/or culturally significant ecosystems and may financially benefit hostile and/or oppressive governments.” “At the same time, campuses can reap benefits from modeling sustainable transportation systems. Bicycling and walking provide human health benefits and mitigate the need for large areas of paved surface, which can help campuses to better manage stormwater. Institutions may realize cost savings and help support local economies by reducing their dependency on petroleum-­‐based fuels for transportation.” (STARS 2.1) Examples of University involvement in projects of Operations / Transportation KCAD partners with the local transit authority to provide students, faculty, staff and administration free bus passes. This is a rich resource for our college community as parking is limited and expensive. This resource also reduces our carbon footprint. The Big Rapids campus also partners with the RAPID to provide bussing from Grand Rapids to Big Rapids and back during the academic year. Ferris State University has contracted with the Big Rapids Dial-­‐A-­‐Ride system to provide a main campus shuttle service. This service is available to anyone with an FSU ID who needs a ride anywhere on the regular campus shuttle route. –www.ferris.edu 24. OP 15: Assess the usage requirements of the Ferris-­‐owned fleet. Make recommendations for greater efficiency. Cost of time | Physical Plant and Auxiliary Enterprises 25. OP 21: Introduce a bike share program for the Ferris Campus. Cost estimate $5000 | TBD Environmental Sustainability Task Force | June 17, 2016
14 Ferris State University R E C O M M E N D A T I O N S F O R W A T E R M A N A G E M E N T “This STARS subcategory seeks to recognize institutions that are conserving water, making efforts to protect water quality and treating water as a resource rather than a waste product. Pumping, delivering, and treating water is a major driver of energy consumption, so institutions can help reduce energy use and the greenhouse gas emissions associated with energy generation by conserving water. Likewise, conservation, water recycling and reuse, and effective rainwater management practices are important in maintaining and protecting finite groundwater supplies. Water conservation and effective rainwater management also reduce the need for effluent discharge into local surface water supplies, which helps improve the health of local water ecosystems.” (STARS 2.1) Examples of University involvement in projects of Operations | Water Funding: Great Lakes Fishery Trust, Consumers Energy Foundation, Ferris Foundation, Wege Foundation “For two years beginning in 2009, Muskegon River Watershed Assembly Program Coordinator Terry Stilson, and FSU Instructor Cindy Fitzwilliams-­‐Heck, worked with different FSU departments in planning a storm water project for the campus. Eighty percent of the campus’s storm water drains to an Ives Avenue stream. This stream flows for approximately a quarter mile and enters the Muskegon River. Storm water carries pollutants and contributes to the river’s thermal pollution. Because of the fluctuating water level after storm events, erosion is taking place on the hill alongside the stream.” – from the college of Arts and Sciences website http://www.ferris.edu/htmls/colleges/artsands/biological-­‐sciences/faculty-­‐staff/cindy-­‐
fitzwilliams-­‐heck.htm#!prettyPhoto http://mrwa.org/mrwa_projects/ferris-­‐state-­‐university-­‐rain-­‐garden
”Ferris State University Biology Professor Cindy Fitzwilliams-­‐
Heck and students working with the Muskegon River Waterway Assembly [MRWA] have been focusing attention on increasing forest cover in the priority areas of the watershed. It was recently awarded funding by Haworth, Inc. to purchase the large trees to be planted in the Big Rapids area. Terry Stilson, MRWA program coordinator, worked with Mark Gifford, public works director for the city of Big Rapids and Roger Schneidt deputy director, to choose the tree species and location of the planting. “ – from the college of Arts and Sciences website 26. OP 22: install water bottle refill stations in university buildings to encourage the use of refillable water bottles over single use plastic as well as measure water use. | Cost of $3000-­‐3500 per unit, installed | Physical Plant and Kendall Physical Plant 27. OP 23: Rain Water management. Consider installing rain gardens on KCAD campus. | Cost of time, curriculum integration and $5,000 | Kendall Environmental Sustainability Task Force | June 17, 2016
15 Ferris State University R E C O M M E N D A T I O N S F O R W A S T E M A N A G E M E N T “This STARS subcategory seeks to recognize institutions that are moving toward zero waste by reducing, reusing, recycling, and composting.” (STARS 2.1) Examples of University involvement in projects of Operations |Waste Ferris’ core values of ethical community, learning, and opportunity are exemplified by promoting awareness of, and participation in, campus recycling. Introduced to the campus in January of 2016, 11 new recycling containers are the second phase of the FSU recycling plan. Recycling volumes have doubled over the past 7 months. Residence halls are currently recycling and have recycling containers in each room. There are nine, six yard recycling trash dumpsters in the vicinity of all residence halls. 28. OP 19: Conduct periodic on-­‐site audits at external recycle and waste disposal facilities to ensure Ferris State University material is handled according to acceptable best practices.| Cost of time | SHERM 29. OP 19: Continue campus recycling plan by providing standardized [branded] campus recycling containers in all academic buildings. In-­‐process • For academic buildings: Estimated 8, 6 yd recycling dumpsters. $1500 for cement pad for each dumpster. $125 per container pick up fee. Estimated: $12,000 • For academic buildings recommend replacing red 50 gallon trash containers with one single 23 gallon recycle container and one single 23 gallon trash container. Cost for each container is $120. See samples below. Cost of $12,000 for each 100 containers. 30. OP 19: Work to establish a paper reduction strategy which might include: campus printers defaulted to two sided printing, paperless forms, increased use of Blackboard by faculty, and encouraging an ‘opt-­‐
out’ for paper payroll stubs | Sustainability Committee 31. OP 21: Implement a college / department chemical inventory system. | Cost of time | SHERM and Academic Lab Safety The Physical Plant to assess and recommend standardized waste management system for classrooms, offices, hallways, public areas and outdoor grounds. Some examples under consideration: Interior Corridors Interior Classrooms and public places and offices Exterior grounds Interior Classrooms Environmental Sustainability Task Force | June 17, 2016
16 Ferris State University Interior Corridors and Public Places Environmental Sustainability Task Force | June 17, 2016
17 Ferris State University PA] Planning & Administration | Coordination & Planning, Diversity & Affordability, Investment, Wellbeing & Work This STARS category seeks to “recognize colleges and universities that are dedicating resources to sustainability coordination, advancing diversity and affordability, fostering an inclusive and welcoming campus culture and ensuring academic and social success of all campus community members.” (STARS 2.1) Additionally, this category considers investment decisions that promote sustainability. The university’s understanding of the investment impacts that are both local and global in scope. Institutions with transparent and democratic investment processes promote accountability and engagement by the campus and community. The 8
Rockefeller Sustainable Endowments Institute , recommended by the Wege Foundation are footnoted below as a resource for consideration in investing strategies for a more resilient response to climate and social impacts. Finally, wellbeing and work are assessed. “This STARS subcategory seeks to recognize institutions that have incorporated sustainability into their human resources programs and policies. An institution’s people define its character and capacity to perform; and so, an institution’s achievements can only be as strong as its community.” (STARS 2.1) As many of these initiatives are being addressed by others, we see environmental contributions through: R E C O M M E N D A T I O N S F O R P L A N N I N G & A D M I N I S T R A T I O N 32. PA 1: Expand the duties of an existing position at the university to include campus sustainability coordinator related duties. By way of example, this might be the Energy Conservation Manager position, or another position. |Cost TBD 33. PA 2: Update and revise University Business Policies to support sustainability goals through sustainability committees, formally adopted plans, and adopted frameworks for engaging faculty, students, and staff. | Cost of time 8
Rockefeller Sustainable Endowments Institute: SEI’s facilitation of green revolving funds is transforming energy efficiency improvements from being perceived as expenses to recognition that they can serve as high-­‐return investments. Recommended by the Wege Foundation, and Aquinas College http://rockpa.org/page.aspx?pid=321 Environmental Sustainability Task Force | June 17, 2016
18 Ferris State University CO N C LU S I O N In this document we identify 32 recommendations in areas of Academics, Engagement, Operations and Administration. Particularly interesting are the results of our surveys with over 1200 responses where we learned: [Appendix E] •
•
•
83% of the students and 78% of faculty, staff and administration consider sustainability to be somewhat to very important to them 64% of the students and 74% of faculty, staff and administration feel it is somewhat to very important to know about university sustainability actions 73% of our students and 55% of the faculty, staff and administration feel that understanding sustainability is critical to their future careers Based on the survey results and comments and conversations with members of the university community, this Task Force recommends the following items as highest priority: •
•
•
•
•
We recommend an ongoing discussion regarding the full topic of “Sustainability” at the highest levels of the university, including strategic initiatives and communications planning going forth. [Recommendations 1-­‐4, 16,31,32] Make visible our work through university wide recycling, waste minimization and energy reduction strategies including food, water, electronic, and chemical waste management, as well as emerging technologies in renewable energy strategies. [Recommendations 18,19 and 20-­‐30] Share our progress to the broad university audience through a communication strategy. [Recommendation 4] Work within existing academic councils and committees and governing groups to advocate sustainability into the curriculum. [Recommendations 1,6] Establish a committee that continues the work forward and consists faculty, administration, staff, and students. [Recommendations 1, 3, 32] Thank you for your interest and attention to this document. Our Task Force is available to answer questions and assist you in pursuing these goals. We are interested in continuing this conversation and are committed to working with the university community to build a more sustainable Ferris State University. We take seriously the obligation to lead by example, provide transparency in reporting impacts and to prepare our graduates to be best equipped to contribute to a more sustainable world. Environmental Sustainability Task Force | June 17, 2016
19 Ferris State University A P P E N D I C ES A] STARS | FSU asset alignment matrix B] Curriculum matrix examples C] Energy task force update D] Purchasing Policy documentation E] Surveys and results Environmental Sustainability Task Force | June 17, 2016
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