ACUPCC Reporting System

Implementation Profile for Bentley University

Submitted on February 8, 2008; last updated on January 26, 2012

Institution Information

Basic Carnegie Classification Master's/L: Master's Colleges and Universities (larger programs)
Control Private not-for-profit
Location Waltham, MA
Community Setting Mid-size city
USDOE Climate Zone 5
Current President or Chancellor's Name Gloria Larson
Current President or Chancellor's Title President
Main Web Site http://www.bentley.edu/
Sustainability Web Site No information provided

Implementation Structure

Implementation Liaison's Name Amanda King
Implementation Liaison's Title Manager of Sustainability
Implementation Liaison's Department Facilities Management
Format of Structure Task Force
Number of Individuals in Structure 25
Stakeholder Groups Represented Faculty, Students, Executive, Staff, Alumni
Description The Sustainability Task Force is a coalition of faculty, staff, students and alumni dedicated to fostering sustainability initiatives. The Task Force’s mission is to:

• Develop, and assess initiatives to improve sustainability on campus;
• Educate and inform the Bentley community about sustainability efforts; and
• Promote environmental consciousness across campus operations.

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: Sustainable Design & Construction Policy

The Sustainable Design & Construction Policy requires all new building and renovation projects at Bentley University to follow the U.S. Green Building Council's guidelines for LEED sliver certification.

This applies to new construction and major remodels (in excess of 50% of replacement value) in which the total project building square footage meets the criteria given. The US Green Building Council’s LEED rating shall be used as a design and measurement tool to determine what constitutes a sustainable building by national standards.

All new facilities and major capital renovations costing more that 50% of building replacement value shall seek to acquire a LEED Silver rating at a minimum. Higher certification compliance is encouraged.

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

Yes: Bentley University's Energy Star purchasing policy is in place.

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

Yes: Task force will work towards a plan for this.

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

Yes: Task force will develop a formal program for this.

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

No: No information provided.

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

No: No information provided.

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

Yes: A comprehensive recycling program has been developed at Bentley. The program includes increased numbers of recycling receptacles on campus and education and awareness about recycling.

Bentley competed in the 2009 RecycleMania competition and plans to compete in this competition annually.