ACUPCC Reporting System

Implementation Profile for Arizona State University

Submitted on November 14, 2007; last updated on November 9, 2011

Institution Information

Basic Carnegie Classification RU/VH: Research Universities (very high research activity)
Control Public
Location Tempe, AZ
Community Setting Mid-size city
USDOE Climate Zone 2
Current President or Chancellor's Name Michael Crow
Current President or Chancellor's Title President
Main Web Site http://www.asu.edu/
Sustainability Web Site http://sustainable.asu.edu/gios/index.htm

Implementation Structure

Implementation Liaison's Name Betty Lombardo
Implementation Liaison's Title University Sustainability Practices
Implementation Liaison's Department Global Institute of Sustainability
Format of Structure Other
Number of Individuals in Structure 35
Stakeholder Groups Represented Faculty, Students, Staff
Description Through discussions with stakeholders from across the University developed a structure that includes a 9 Working Group Network structure focused on nine different areas of the University, in addition to five Resource Groups. The Network areas include: Energy, Water, Building/Campus Operations, Campus Design and Planning, Solid Waste, Information Technology, Transportation, Campus Living/Dining/Activities/Events, and Procurement. The resource groups are Communications, Education/Literacy, Development, Opportunity and Best Practices Assessment, and Outreach/Engagement. A Carbon task force is facilitating writing the strategic plan and a Sustainability Practices Oversight Group advises the entire process. Participants in all groups will channel information to the task force to support the plan development and will serve as first round reviewers of the completed document.

Tangible Actions

1. Establish a policy that all new campus construction will be built to at least the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED Silver standard or equivalent.

Yes: LEED Silver or above for all university funded buildings as of 2005.

2. Adopt an energy-efficient appliance purchasing policy requiring purchase of ENERGY STAR certified products in all areas for which such ratings exist.

Yes: In place since 1997. All encompassing green purchasing guidelines established and implemented in 2007.

3. Establish a policy of offsetting all greenhouse gas emissions generated by air travel paid for by our institution.

Yes: In place summer 2009 - voluntary for year one, mandatory for each year after that. Program to offset environmental impact of travel with funds directed to the campus supporting projects that reduce overall carbon emmissions. Once Carbon Neutrality is reached - funds to be redirected to public carbon offset purchases.

4. Encourage use of and provide access to public transportation for all faculty, staff, students and visitors at our institution.

Yes: Car-sharing program on campus as of 2007. Free bus passes for all students, subsidized for faculty/staff. Two Light-rail stations located on Tempe Campus. Free Shuttles connect all four campuses.

5. Within one year of signing this document, begin purchasing or producing at least 15% of our institution's electricity consumption from renewable sources.

Yes: Solar installations totaling 11.8 MW have been installed on all four campuses, with a final target of 20 MW. Currently investigating other renewable technologies to add to our energy portfolio.

6. Establish a policy or a committee that supports climate and sustainability shareholder proposals at companies where our institution's endowment is invested.

No: Under consideration.

7. Participate in the Waste Minimization component of the national RecycleMania competition, and adopt 3 or more associated measures to reduce waste.

Yes: Participated in Recyclmania. Currently divert all green waste from Tempe campus for composting (average 12 ton per month), reduced waste through University Surplus Department by over 50%, installing filter watered stations to reduce disposable water bottle purchases, recycle batteries and light bulbs, salvage used paint to be used around campus and on service projects, and investigating options for diverting food waste including docnation programs.