Implementation Profile for Brandeis University
Submitted on July 21, 2008; last updated on January 7, 2011
Institution Information
| Basic Carnegie Classification | RU/VH: Research Universities (very high research activity) |
| Control | Private not-for-profit |
| Location | Waltham, MA |
| Community Setting | Urban fringe of mid-size city |
| USDOE Climate Zone | 5 |
| Current President or Chancellor's Name | Frederick M Lawrence |
| Current President or Chancellor's Title | President |
| Main Web Site | http://www.brandeis.edu/ |
| Sustainability Web Site | http://www.brandeis.edu/campussustainability |
Implementation Structure
| Implementation Liaison's Name | Janna Cohen-Rosenthal |
| Implementation Liaison's Title | Sustainability Coordinator |
| Implementation Liaison's Department | Facilities Services |
| Format of Structure | Committee |
| Number of Individuals in Structure | 12 |
| Stakeholder Groups Represented | Faculty, Students, Executive, Staff, Alumni |
| Description | The Brandeis Environmental Sustainability Team (BEST) is a campus-wide environmental group encompassing all sectors of the university - students, Facilities Services, staff, faculty, and administrators. Its undertaking is to help move Brandeis forward as a community of true environmental citizenship and sustainability. |
Tangible Actions
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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:
Capital Projects is building new projects to LEED silver standards.
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2. Adopt an energy-efficient appliance purchasing policy requiring purchase of ENERGY STAR certified products in all areas for which such ratings exist. No: New computer and dorm appliance purchases are Energy Star |
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3. Establish a policy of offsetting all greenhouse gas emissions generated by air travel paid for by our institution. No: The University is interested in reducing air travel and investing in efficiency before purchasing offsets. |
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4. Encourage use of and provide access to public transportation for all faculty, staff, students and visitors at our institution. Yes: Brandeis currently provides shuttles for student transportation and tax free purchase of T passes for Employees. The University will prioritize providing more transportation alternatives and work towards higher rates of public transport usage. |
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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: We purchased GreenE certified RECS from Energy supplier for FY 2008, but will discontinue due to budget shortfalls. Looking into purchase of renewable energy through on campus generation. |
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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. |
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7. Participate in the Waste Minimization component of the national RecycleMania competition, and adopt 3 or more associated measures to reduce waste. Yes: Brandeis will continue and increase it's participation in RecycleMania. The University is taking strong action to reduce purchase of bottled water, supports move out donation drives, and is renewing efforts to publicize recycling methods. |