Goal 4
Identify and activate organizational systems, resources, partnerships, and processes that support weaving sustainability into the fabric of the University.
In order to be truly woven into the fabric of the University, sustainability must be integrated into the disciplines, departments, and activities beyond which it is traditionally found. The strategies and actions in Goal 4 aim to support cross-functional work that will embed sustainability in all levels of the University. Fulfillment of this goal will expand understanding of sustainability so that it includes more than the environment and increase resources so that individuals and offices can more adeptly contribute to the University’s sustainability goals.
A unified vision from leadership also goes a long way toward integrating sustainability. President Crutcher, who provided input and support throughout the planning process, urged UR to achieve the highest external standard for sustainability in higher education, an AASHE STARS Platinum rating. UR has set an ambitious goal to achieve STARS Platinum within five years. Increased collaboration with administrative offices, academic departments, and functional units will help clarify the value of sustainability and the way each student, staff, and faculty member can contribute to the University’s goals. These efforts will create a lens for sustainability through which all Spiders see themselves as stewards of this great place and the world beyond our campus.
Strategies & Actions
-
4.1 Build UR’s capacity to achieve Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) Sustainability Assessment, Tracking & Rating System (STARS) Gold by 2021 and STARS Platinum by 2024.
4.1.1 Increase financial and human resources available to the Office for Sustainability in order to manage institutional sustainability goals, collaborate with administrative, operational, and academic partners, assess and report on UR’s sustainability performance, communicate effectively, and develop new programming.
4.1.2 Conduct a gap analysis to identify what is needed to achieve Platinum status in the AASHE STARS rating system and devise improvements to close the gap by 2024.
-
4.2 Support the ability of departments, offices, and other functional units to create unit-level sustainability plans that utilize their unique abilities to advance sustainability on campus.
4.2.1 By the end of 2020, create online and in-person resources that help interested departments, offices, and functional units develop a shared understanding of sustainability and identify how their work may support implementation of the Sustainability Plan.
4.2.2 Work alongside a cohort of departments, offices, or functional units to pilot at least 3 unit-level sustainability plans that support both the unit’s mission and the goals and strategies outlined in the Sustainability Plan by 2022.
-
4.3 Welcome an expanded definition of sustainability that includes the capacity to create thriving communities and intersects with wellness, justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and work-life balance.
4.3.1 Collaborate with offices, functional units, and departments that work toward a more inclusive, just, and diverse campus and community.
4.3.2 Continue to work with the Center for Civic Engagement to identify and enact strategies that will strengthen community partnerships and advance sustainability initiatives in Richmond and beyond.
4.3.3 Join forces with the Health and Well-Being Advisory Group to support a culture of wellness and the pursuit of a balanced life.
-
4.4 Incorporate sustainability into development, planning & policy, and strategic communications.
4.4.1 Partner with the Advancement Office to clarify the case for sustainability as an important development strategy for the University.
4.4.2 Alongside the Office of Planning & Policy, develop a guide for existing sustainability policies, implement and publicize new policies that support University sustainability goals, and establish a mechanism to communicate, track, and implement sustainability-related policies.
4.4.3 Collaborate with University Communications to develop a common understanding of sustainability and explore the feasibility of a communications plan that increases the ability of the University to tells its sustainability story.