2019-2024 Sustainability Strategic Plan
diversity & inclusion program
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timeline
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letter from president paul c. johnson
SUSTAINABILITY ROADMAP
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This publication is available in alternative format upon request. If you have difficulty accessing any portion of this document or information with adaptive technology, please contact the Disability Support Services Office at 303-273-3297, disabilitysupport@mines.edu or mines.edu/disability-support-services.
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SUSTAINABILITY COMMITMENT
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Campus and public engagement
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Building Energy & Emissions Water Conservation Campus Grounds Transportation Emission Waste & Materials Management Food & Dining
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Sustainability Strategic Plan
Sustainability efforts are embedded in everything we do at Mines, from the design and operation of our facilities, to the courses we teach and the research we pursue. It is a passion for many of our students, being the topic of some of their first-year cornerstone and Thorson Honors program projects through senior design capstone projects. Environmental and humanitarian engineering, green chemistry, and sustainability studies are among our most popular course offerings. It is even the focus of some of our student organizations. For example, in 2019, a Mines-led international team of students won the Solar Decathlon Africa competition for best solar home design tailored to climate. Also, in 2019, we launched a new Advanced Energy Systems graduate degree program in partnership with the Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Our faculty are sustainability experts and are engaged in a broad spectrum of sustainability-related research projects, ranging from water purification to renewable energy technology development, to atmospheric carbon capture, use and storage. Mines is home to 10 sustainability-related research centers. Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in the design and operation of our facilities.We have 10 U.S. Green Building Council LEED certified buildings on campus (1 Platinum, 2 Gold, and 6 Silver, 1 LEED certified). We recycle wastes from daily operations, events, and construction projects as well as hard to recycle items such as paints and oils and electronic waste. In 2020, we installed solar arrays on the Maple Street Parking Garage and our new 1750 Jackson residence hall, which additionally is the first LEED Platinum building in Golden. We are already working on plans to make our sustainability efforts even more visible to our campus community and visitors, and we will continue to challenge ourselves to live up to our aspiration“…that our graduates, ideas, actions, and innovations will have a transformative impact on individuals and society, leading to shared prosperity and sustainable use of the Earth’s resources.” Sincerely, Paul C. Johnson, PhD President and Professor Colorado School of Mines
Vision Mission Sustainability Tracking and Assessment
academic & research
content
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operations
Planning & administration
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Integrating sustainability into campus education and research in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), including Sustainability studies, humanitarian and environmental engineering courses and degree programs New degree programs in advanced renewable energy in partnership with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory Offering courses in sustainable policy development Creation of a Sustainable Design Studio to enhance the undergraduate and graduate student experience Modeling sustainability through the way we construct and operate our facilities, ensuring that our buildings meet energy, water, waste reduction and other health and safety goals Engaging students, faculty, and staff on energy and water conservation and lab safety through our PowerED campaign Establishing sustainability committees, a Green Fund, and using campus sustainability reporting tools to benchmark our accomplishments and assist with finding gaps and setting future goals Incorporating AASHE STARS sustainability goals into our administration plans, which include creating a diverse and inclusive campus environment Advancing knowledge and innovations that lead to sustainable use of the Earth’s resources through academic and research partnerships with national laboratories and agencies, utilities, and city and state governments. Our sustainability strategic planning will be guided by the Sustainability Advisory Council, Sustainability Committee, which consists of faculty, staff, and student government representatives, and the Student Green Team. It aligns with the Mines@150 Strategic Plan and will evolve based on our annual assessment of sustainability reporting data and academic and research focus areas.
mines.edu/sustainability
Sustainability Commitment
A producer of differentiated and highly desired STEM-educated leaders A leader in educating STEM students and professionals A go-to-place for research and innovation needed for challenges facing industry and society Accessible and attractive to qualified students from all backgrounds A great community to learn, explore, live and work A preferred partner for talent, solutions and life-long learning The exemplar for alumni affinity, visibility and involvement.
COLORADOSCHOOLOFMINES
Colorado School of Mines is dedicated to educating and inspiring students from all backgrounds and advancing knowledge and innovations, with the aspiration that our graduates, ideas, actions, and innovations will have a transformative impact on individuals and society, leading to shared prosperity and sustainable use of the Earth’s resources. Consistent with that, we have a strong commitment to sustainability, which has led to initiatives like the following:
The goals and objectives of this sustainability strategic plan will assist the Mines@150 strategic plan goals listed above by using sustainability to distinguish Mines in our academia, research, and campus by expanding course and research offerings and diversity of projects, growing the scale and impact of our research, helping to strengthen affinity for Mines among students, alumni, and external partners, providing topics and challenges to allow our students to be innovative and entrepreneurial in use of the earth’s resources, and attracting private investment in sustainability projects and centers.
2024 MINES@150 GOALS AND SUSTAINABILITY
In 2015, the United Nations adopted 17 Sustainable Development Goals aimed at ending poverty and hunger, reducing environmental damage to the planet, and promoting diversity and equity. The goals have been endorsed by 193 countries.The UN Sustainable Development Goals are global sustainability goals adopted by many countries while AASHE STARS is specific to higher education institutions. However, the sustainability tracking and measurement metrics used in AASHE STARS contribute to the global goals of the United Nations as indicated by the corresponding numbers listed below. AASHE STARS aligns with the following UNSDGs
Vision Colorado School of Mines is a leader in addressing the worlds challenges related to the Earth, Energy and our Environment. Today, some of the largest sustainability challenges are climate change, water scarcity, and resource depletion, all of which are addressed by the school’s mission. By fully integrating sustainability into our curriculum, research and campus operations, we will actively engage faculty, students, staff, and the community in developing a sustainable environment which inspires best practices and contributes to a sustainable future for all. Mission We provide information, resources, and strategic guidance to administrators, faculty, staff, and students working to integrate sustainability practices into their courses and programs. We develop policies on campus that promote environmentally conscious behavior, manage sustainability programs and events in partnership with other campus departments, establish metrics to track our sustainability performance, and share our sustainability success stories with the world. Sustainability Tracking and Assessment Mines adopted the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) Sustainability Tracking, Assessment, and Rating System (STARS) as a framework for implementation, measurement, and improvement of our campus sustainability practices. STARS, used by most universities in the U.S. and Canada to rate their sustainability, addresses the environmental impact of the campus as well as examines social and economic aspects of a campus’ sustainability. Our goal is to achieve a AASHE STARS Gold rating. The STARS system is a voluntary point-based system that measures sustainability performance in 4 key areas: Academics and Research How is sustainability integrated into curriculum and research? Engagement How are we engaging people? Operations What is our environmental impact? Planning How are programs supported?
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
Academics – 4, 13 Research – 9, 13, 16 Engagement - 4, 12, 13 Public Engagement – 1, 4, 8, 11, 12, 16, 17 Air and climate - 3, 7, 11, 13 Buildings – 3, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12 Energy – 7, 13 Food and Dining – 2, 3, 12, 14, 15 Grounds – 3, 6, 15 Purchasing – 3, 6, 8, 12, 15 Transportation – 3, 9, 11, 12, 13 Waste – 3, 6, 8, 12, 14 Water – 6, 11, 14 Planning and Administration – 5, 11, 13, 16, 17 Diversity – 1, 4, 5, 8, 10 Investment & Finance – 8, 16 Wellbeing & Work – 1, 3, 8 For more information about the UN Sustainable Development Goals, visit https://sdgs.un.org/goals.
Sustainability rOADMAP
Capstone program
Mines received a state grant to install 4 dual-port electric vehicle charging stations in the new parking garage next to McNeil Hall in fall 2020. New EV chargers were also installed at 1750 Jackson Street, bringing to total to 12 chargers on campus.
Charging stations
Sustainability Projects Snapshot
Planning & Administrative Goals Integrate sustainability into the administrative and business practices of the campus Ensure diversity and equity are included in campus initiatives for academics, research, and operations.
Operations Goals Energy & Emissions Reduce campus greenhouse gas emissions from buildings and campus commuters Increase the use of renewable energy on campus Grounds Maintain campus grounds using sustainable practices and preserve nature in open spaces Reduce pollution from storm water runoff Water Conservation Reduce municipal water consumption Develop a resiliency plan for campus water resources Waste & Materials Management Achieve zero waste for all campus events Increase campus recycling and composting rate
Engagement with Community Goals Sustainability is a core value and part of the campus culture Expand student sustainability engagement opportunities in academia, research, and operations
Solar arrays
Mines diverted 95% of its waste for its 2019 summer BBQ to welcome new students and families.
Academics & Research Goals Integrate sustainability into the curriculum and ensure departments are environmentally responsible Expand sustainability research programs
Students in the new Sustainable Environments Design Studio worked with the engineering firm McKinstry on a solar feasibility study for Mines Park, the north section of campus. Students learned to use solar analysis software and other engineering design principles as part of the project.
EMPOWERING PEOPLE
Compost progress
Mines installed two new solar arrays in fall 2020. A 72 kW array on the top of the new parking garage and a 56 kW array on the roof of 1750 Jackson Street.
This Sustainability plan builds a framework toward a more sustainable campus culture by using our past successes and key performance indicators from AASHE STARS for campus sustainability planning. A summary of our goals over the next several years for Engagement, Operations, Academics & Research, and Planning are shown in the tables below.
Sustainability Focus Areas
PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT
Mines students, faculty, and staff are engaged in the sustainable improvement of the campus and understand the importance of sustainable actions. Mines creates a culture of sustainability that enhances education while reducing its environmental impact. Goals and Objectives Create a culture of sustainability on campus Engage new students and staff on sustainability through the People Power Planet campaign and other projects during student and staff orientation events Engage students in sustainability during high visibility events such as E-Days, International Days, and athletic events by ensuring these events are zero waste Create centralized communication on sustainability that includes newsletter, social media, website, etc., and promote successes through them Make visible the value of sustainability to the campus community including positive impacts to their personal lives, and careers Actively engage student participation on the Green Team (Use this 500-plus member team to complete key components of the AASHE STARS performance areas) Using the Sustainability Committee and administrative support to develop detailed action plans to implement this Strategic Plan Add interpretive signs for all LEED buildings that includes top 5 things that make it LEED to raise visibility of green building technologies and projects on campus Add solar powered trash receptacles on Kafadar Commons to engage students on recycling and increase participation in a high use/high visibility area Create a Green Labs Award Program with support from President and High-level administrative staff Implement some PAC12 sustainability measures for the athletics department and engage student athletes to promote sustainability campaigns (e.g., recycling video) Host a solar challenge competition for students and faculty and announce winners on Earth Day Host annual Earth Day Fairs Use Green Move In/Move Out campaigns to educate and engage students Distribute Campus Sustainability Starter Kits at new student orientation events. Expand co-curricular opportunities such as sustainability themed events and speakers Increase the number of zero waste events Create an events/speaker calendar for the year Provide financial and consulting support for student-driven sustainability themed events and projects. Integrate sustainability into the administrative and business practices of the campus as well as community-facing departments like the Library, Athletics and the Museum Create a Green Office Certification program Increase the use of Green Seal certified green cleaning products Work with Procurement to seek purchases that are environmentally friendly By publishing consumption rates, encourage departments to minimize paper use – by only printing when necessary, printing double sided and using recycled paper I&TS purchases Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) Gold computers and monitors Classrooms have projectors programmed to go into sleep mode to reduce the failure rate of projector bulbs. Develop a Mines Park Sustainable Community Work with operations and academia on the aspects of the community’s masterplan Make the Princeton Review’s Green Schools list and the Sierra Club’s “Top 20 Coolest Schools” list Achieve an AASHE STARS Gold or Platinum rating to make these lists Benchmark to determine what school projects are featured in the lists Promote the Mines Park Sustainable Community and other achievements, such as winning Solar Decathlon Africa!
Campus And Public Engagement
Academics & Research
By incorporating sustainability into more courses and research proposals, students will be better equipped to address future environmental and social problems. Goals and Objectives Inventory sustainable coursework and research and increase the visibility of these opportunities Survey faculty on sustainability elements in their curriculum and research using AASHE developed survey Develop additional academic goals once this data is assessed. Increase sustainability learning opportunities in Cornerstone & Capstone projects, field sessions, and research Ensure that the Capstone review committee obtains sustainability project proposals from sustainability staff or from the student Green Team during Capstone project review month Work with Research and Tech Transfer to identify and apply for sustainability related research grants Investigate creating a Capstone course for Sustainability Studies Convene a Sustainability Research Committee. Further utilize infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning Courses adopt projects that use the community or campus as a living lab Work with the PowerED program to incorporate the PowerED campus energy and water use database into courses and create plan to maintain database in the future. Increase the number of and promote both undergraduate and graduate sustainability courses and degree programs Create an academic sustainability committee made up of faculty that offer existing sustainability courses that reports to the Sustainability Committee or invite the Sustainability Coordinator to attend academic committee meetings (e.g., Faculty Senate) to research underrepresented sustainability topics and courses and develop an accepted definition of sustainability for curriculum Add sustainability focus areas to the existing BSE degree program (could be additional focus area) Explore developing sustainability course(s) within each department Create a Sustainability Design Team or Studio for students wanting to work on sustainability design projects on and off campus (virtual) Explore the creation of a “Sustainability Minor” that will serve as centralized location for all sustainability related coursework to make it easier for students to find sustainability related courses and augment traditional degree programs (e.g., degree in mechanical engineering with minor in sustainability studies) Provide funding to send faculty to a Sustainability Education Summit. Adopt one or more sustainable learning outcomes that apply to the entire student body Host a workshop to educate faculty about sustainability and how they can integrate it into their curriculum and determine key learning outcomes Create a Sustainability 101 course requirement for all students. Attract prospective students and faculty to Mines because of the priority on sustainability in earth, energy, and environment tagline Promote Mines’ sustainability story through reports, the Mines website, social media, Mines Magazine, other press releases, and presentations at local and national conferences.
Mines seeks to promote energy options that support human health and reduce its environmental impact due to building operation energy consumption. Mines will work towards a carbon neutral campus by adopting power supplies other than finite fossil fuels. Our energy, water, and waste reduction goals will reduce our environmental impact, augment the engineering studies of our students, and support healthy indoor environments that foster connections among our students, faculty, and staff. Campus energy use includes the following: Campus building energy consumption (3 million+ square feet as of 2019) Utility plant energy generation (campus chiller and heating plants) Backup generators used for utility power offloading and power outages In December 2019, the governor’s office issued Executive Order D 2019 016 replacing EO D2018 026 Concerning the Greening of State Government. We have aligned our goals and objectives for the next 5 years with the new Executive Order. Goals & Objectives Reduce greenhouse gas emissions produced from heating, cooling, and lighting buildings and set long-term goal to become carbon neutral by 2050 Seek and apply for energy efficiency research and other grants Offset 10% of all energy consumed by campus buildings through renewable energy generation or power 5% of buildings with renewable energy, including solar energy and geothermal energy Install a solar garden at Mines park and/or purchase energy from the City of Golden’s solar garden (when completed) Create an energy resiliency plan to evaluate campus growth, explore low carbon energy sources, and identify needs, costs, and supply and management strategies Increase the efficiency of heating and cooling plants on campus Develop a process for converting kitchen oil into biodiesel for backup generators Research the Second Nature Carbon Credit offset and purchasing program as a viable option for carbon offset and funding Consider purchasing carbon offsets to increase LEED points for buildings to raise rating from Silver to Gold or Platinum. Reduce total energy consumption in campus buildings (normalized for weather and adjusted for growth) Use an Energy Performance Contract to achieve energy and water savings Set a sustainable thermal set-point standard for campus buildings by 2025 Continue to use LEED design for new buildings as required by Colorado State Law to implement energy efficiency standards and programs within the buildings and infrastructure design and operational process. Explore using the EPA Portfolio Manager software to benchmark building energy use and make utility data transparent to the Colorado Energy Office to support local benchmarking and transparency ordinances By December 15th of each year, prepare a sustainability report card for the CEO showing progress towards these goals. Look for opportunities to integrate WELL Building Standards into buildings and course work Explore getting one building WELL certified on campus as learning opportunity for engineering students IDevelop sustainability criteria for the maintenance, operation, and occupancy of existing buildings. Develop a Sustainable Community Plan for Mines Park that includes renewable energy and energy efficiency measures and net zero energy goals Partner with academia and research to design and maintain plan and park. Review leased facilities of 10,000 feet or larger to ensure they comply with the Executive Order from 2019.
Operations
Building Energy & Emissions
Water Conservation
Mines continues to seek measures to reduce campus water consumption through building and grounds water efficiency upgrades. Goals and Objectives Reduce municipal water consumption in buildings and on campus grounds Conduct water infrastructure assessments to identify and improve water management and usage Reduce the use of potable water in grounds irrigation (excluding athletic fields) by 2024 by using natural landscaping in areas not used (the City of Golden does not have the infrastructure to meet Mines’ irrigation needs for non-potable water) Review the controller settings for irrigation to determine if they can be dialed back Include low flow water fixtures in campus design specifications Develop a campus-wide water education and engagement program to reduce water consumption by staff and students by 2024 Develop partnerships with academia and other organizations to explore innovative technologies for water conservation to implement sustainable infrastructure strategies. Develop a resiliency plan for campus water resources Work with Academia to account for all sources and uses of water on campus (e.g., municipal, rainwater, condensate, greywater, blackwater, well water, etc.) and investigate the feasibility of water reuse (student project) Create a joint campus-Golden community water resilience plan that includes shared goals and indicators with City of Golden Develop water measurement and usage standards for the campus.
At Mines, our vision is to design and operate our buildings and grounds to model sustainability best practices that will have a positive impact on the students, faculty, and surrounding community in which we live and work. Goals and Objectives Continue to integrate sustainability into campus cleaning operations Pilot a green cleaning project using new technology Develop campus green cleaning standards by FY 2024 Inventory and track priority chemicals of concern used in campus cleaning and develop a plan to reduce exposure by 2024. Integrate sustainability principles into grounds maintenance and design Ensure all campus landscape projects follow sustainable landscaping practices when possible Develop and implement a plan to support and protect wildlife found on campus and that surround campus grounds, including protection of open spaces used by wildlife Design and build outdoor spaces that enhance the student experience and reduce stress for students Explore a greenhouse for growing plants and/or food by students that can be sold back to campus grounds and dining services (developed and managed by students for students) Increase the use of natural landscaping or xeriscaping with mulch on areas of campus not used by students (such as steep slopes and walkways) Complete a campus Environmental Impact Statement and use this information to support a sustainable Master Plan.
Campus Grounds
Mines takes responsibility for materials procured and used on campus, including electronic materials, furniture, lab equipment, chemicals, paint, oils, shipping materials, and vehicles. We strive to ensure as much of this material as possible is reused or recycled rather than sent to landfill. We are already achieving a 95% waste diversion rate for some of our largest events and will use this success to guide our waste and materials management goals for the campus. Goals & Objectives Set a waste reduction goal for all campus events by 2024 Develop zero waste event guide and promote on campus Create event compost student volunteer group for smaller events (Green Team volunteers) Educate staff and students on zero waste events (workshops or presentations to departments). Increase the campus waste diversion rate Research and pilot a new composting system for academic building kitchens Pilot hand dryers in the bathrooms for one or more buildings to reduce paper towel waste Develop a green guide for meetings that includes guidelines for vendors to reduce plastic waste Increase the number of water bottle fill fountains to reduce plastic waste Give out reusable to go containers Provide recycling/composting training for staff, faculty, and students Send out online training resources for recycling and composting Ensure campus is using standardized paired bins throughout campus Conduct regular waste audits Have students develop an app to streamline waste and recycling hauler pickups Design and develop a composting system for dining services that addresses prior issues Identify methods and goals to reduce campus food waste. Measure and increase diversion of construction and demolition waste from landfill Track and publish contractor waste diversion performance on Sustainability website Include construction waste diversion in campus design standards. Compost or reuse landscape waste Explore using campus generated compost on Mines landscape. Identify resources for greener labs Ensure resources are available online and through workshops Host workshops on green purchasing options for labs and lab recycling Integrate green chemistry into curriculum and purchasing Create a Green Labs certification program Create a “Green Labs” subcommittee with faculty, staff, and students. Reduce campus E-waste disposal in metric tons Increase the number of computers going to state auction Work with I&TS to encourage less frequent turn-over of computers, monitors and projectors Use and repair electronics to reduce the systems purchased annually Track and publish electronics consumption by department, make people aware of the opportunity to reduce their e-waste Investigate computer buy-back programs Create reuse list available online for students, faculty, and staff Explore creating a computer repair shop on campus.
Transportation Emissions
Mines seeks to promote transportation options that support human health and contribute to a carbon neutral campus. Transportation in this section includes any operational practice that emits airborne emissions, including Fleet vehicles Staff and student commutes to campus Staff air travel to conferences and meetings Goals & Objectives Reduce greenhouse gas emissions created by Mines fleet vehicles Develop an enforceable idling policy for campus fleet and vendor vehicles Increase campus fleet use of alternative fuels or electric vehicles by 2030 Track fuel consumption and identify additional reduction measures. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions for vehicles categorized as special use Reduce greenhouse gas emissions created by campus commuters Create a sustainable commuting incentive program for students and staff Create a bike friendly campus – work with the City to designate bike lanes, install bike lockers and electric bike charging stations Increase the number of electric vehicle charging stations on campus to encourage alternative vehicle use by commuters Develop a Travel Carbon Offset program to offset carbon emissions from travel by faculty, staff, and students Purchase commuter carbon offsets for employees. Develop a parking space finder app for faculty, staff, and students to reduce emissions from parking space searches (under development) Increase the number of parking spaces wired for electric vehicles Explore the feasibility of meeting the EO 2019-016 requirement for new construction: 20% parking spaces be pre-wired for charging and 5% or more to have EV chargers installed.
Waste & Materials Management
Food & Dining
Mines contracts with Sodexo for most of its dining services, except for some events where outside vendors are used. Sodexo maintains a sustainability management targeted to reduce food waste, recycle materials, and a commitment to purchasing locally and/or sustainably produced farm produce and meat. Additional opportunities exist to reduce waste in our dining areas by educating students, faculty, and staff on their sustainability role. Goals and Objectives Reduce dining-related waste by exploring the following: Introduce composting to Mines Market for food waste and disposable service ware (during periods when reusable plates and cups are used) Have a student team identify opportunities to use compostable dining ware in place of plastic ware, for example compostable ice cream cups Design and implement a composting program for the Student Center and Mines Market and provide program support through education, equipment and student work study labor Introduce tray less dining in dining centers to reduce plate waste Introduce compostable or reusable to go containers in the Student Center (Mines Market already provides compostable to go containers and cups) Introduce a high-tech, quick process, in-vessel composting system for Mines Market (e.g., the Rocket or EarthFlow used by other universities) purchased with grant funds from the state and/or City of Golden (Soil produced can be secondary income stream.) Students design and build a smaller campus composting vessel as part of their senior design project (non-electric system) for Mines Park and other areas that is managed by a student work study program (soil produced by the system would be sold to City of Golden or reused on campus for landscaping and/or food garden) Develop a campus composting service using new technology and provide equipment and student work study support (grants could pay for some equipment) Develop a campus-wide composting education campaign, including education about greenhouse gas emissions from food waste, especially at orientation events Recycle cooking oil from all dining centers to make biodiesel (partner with local company). Reduce food waste at athletic events Introduce composting to Marv Stadium Have a student team identify opportunities to use compostable service ware at games. Divert all food waste Conduct a food waste audit for Mines Market and the Student Center Work with students and faculty to develop a food waste app for campus (e.g., the app tells people where there is leftover food from meetings and events) Donate leftover, unserved food from the dining centers to a local food bank Renew annual membership in the Food Recovery Network. Purchase sustainable foods Review Sodexo’s policy on sustainable food purchases and make improvements where necessary Continue to increase local and organic food in dining centers Increase the purchase of local, sustainable, and plant-based foods Make nutritious food available for all, no matter economic or social background (could be part of diversity and inclusion goal).
Mines uses sustainability planning to review our past and current successes and where we want to be in the future. Strategic planning also provides a guide for both short-term and long-term goals and how to implement those goals to achieve our vision for sustainability. Goals and Objectives Incorporate sustainability into the University Strategic Plan and verify the 10-year Master Plan is sustainably aligned Continue to offer professional development funds to faculty, staff, and students for sustainability continuing education Develop and pilot sustainability trainings and workshops for faculty and staff Sponsor student/faculty to attend sustainability related conferences such as AASHE, Sustainable Labs, or USGBC Green Build. Fund student/faculty projects with Green Fund Create annual report to benchmark progress and provide transparency on activities Achieve a STARS Gold or Platinum rating from AASHE and publicize with press release and other methods of promotion Define standards for sustainable purchasing and integrate into vendor guidelines by 2025 Offer sustainable purchasing options in vendor contracts Increase accessibility to the Sustainability Office by students, faculty, and staff by establishing a Sustainability Center in a centralized location on campus Create a student work study program to hire student Eco-Reps to help with student sustainability outreach Create funding mechanism to expand sustainability infrastructure and programs on campus (e.g., create a student green fee, work with Mines Foundation and alumni) Develop a nature-based stress reduction initiative for students (e.g., weekly hikes, indoor botanic garden or bio-dome or greenhouse) that can be incorporated into academic and/or research studies Reduce carbon emissions from commuters to and from campus by increasing remote working conferencing and other working tools and flexible work arrangements, which reduce carbon emissions from transportation and utility bills/rent for space Make the campus smoke free in five years via an anti-smoking and vaping campaign and phase out designated smoking areas over 5 years Ensure the campus has an occupational health and safety management plan for employees Conduct an annual anonymous survey that allows employees to give feedback on management Create policies to support underrepresented groups on campus, including creating a diversity and inclusion committee Environmental sustainability serves as a guiding principle in planning and decision making Host a Sustainability Summit for students, faculty, and staff with speakers, workshops, and awards ceremony (e.g., could be part of Earth Day Week) Expand sustainability training for managers Establish an Alumni Sustainability Committee Establish more regional and national sustainability organization partnerships Integrate sustainability objectives into performance plans for employees Work with departments to develop department-specific sustainability plans Support planning of sustainable events across campus Increase the amount of sustainable investments and make investments more transparent Explore a living wage and affordable housing initiative for all employees Host or support a formal body through which external stakeholders can have a voice in institutional decisions.
planning
Colorado School of Mines is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive campus environment that inspires creativity and innovation by learning with and from people with different backgrounds and experiences. In February 2019, Mines officially released its Strategic Plan for Diversity, Inclusion and Access to help make progress toward these goals. The priorities outlined in the plan have spurred a mentoring program, an ambassador program to help provide diversity and inclusion workshops on campus, numerous events, resources and more. In 2020, the American Society of Engineering Education (ASEE) recognized Mines for its work to improve campus diversity, inclusion, and access. The ASEE Diversity Recognition Program was created to publicly recognize those engineering colleges that make significant, measurable progress in increasing the diversity, inclusion and degree attainment outcomes of their programs. Mines was one of 21 universities and colleges determined to meet the requirements of Bronze Level status. Program Goals Attract, retain and graduate a thriving and diverse student body Attract, retain, develop and promote a thriving and diverse employee community Cultivate an inclusive campus culture that promotes and celebrates inclusion and achievement Inspire shared responsibility, participation and accountability for DI&A efforts across the Mines community. For more information about the diversity program at Mines, visit https://www.mines.edu/diversity/
Diversity & Inclusion
2012 1st LEED Gold Building
2010 1st Energy Upgrades Completed Annual GHG emissions savings 2,600 tons/year
2020 First Solar Arrays Installed
2018 New Chiller Plant Built
PowerED Program launched
2019 First Earth Day Fair
sustainability TIMELINE
2017 Sustainability Office/ Green Team established
2017 New Heating Steam Plant Built
2018 PowerED Implemented Estimated Annual GHG emissions savings 4,400 tons/year
2020 First LEED Platinum Building Built
An environmentally sustainable university
“Mines is a place where we welcome, respect and support people of all backgrounds. The responsibility for ensuring that inclusive community extends to us all.”
Mines Core values
Inquiry and Innovation • Inspiration Challenge • Openness • Respect Diversity • Compassion • Collaboration