Sustainability Policy

Purpose

The University of Dayton, as a sustainable learning community, has a duty to maintain environmental, economic and social sustainability for current and future students and employees. This duty stems in part from our distinct Catholic and Marianist identity which calls us to an awareness of environmental integrity, our membership in a global community, and how our use of resources impacts the poor and disadvantaged. Because it is integral to our identity, sustainability must be infused through the entire institution - programs, practices, and decision-making processes. Furthermore, each individual and department of the University of Dayton community provides a unique and valuable contribution and must participate in the transformation towards a sustainable future.

The University of Dayton is committed to maintaining, and wherever possible, to improving the quality of the natural environment, both for the people who live and work at the University and for the wider community. This commitment is reflected in minimizing the use of resources through the most effective and efficient practices, and encouraging individuals within the university community to approach their work and lifestyle in ecologically sound and sustainable ways.

Our UD community values sustainability as a means to:

1. “Achieve greater efficiency through sustainable and environmentally sound practices throughout the institution" as outlined in the University of Dayton Strategic Plan (2006)

2. Foster a collaborative learning culture that increases awareness of our impact on the world.

3. Create meaningful learning opportunities for our students.

4. Make all members of the University community aware of their environmental impact as it relates to their daily activities.

5. Adopt, wherever practical, methods of living and working which reduce our impact on the earth's biophysical systems.

6. Collaborate with off-campus organizations, including local governments, businesses, citizen groups, agencies, and schools in cooperative efforts to create a healthy regional environment.

7. Address global issues of justice and poverty in ways consistent with Catholic Social Teaching and our Marianist charism.

Scope

This policy applies to campus operations; activities and programs taking place on the University of Dayton campus; and activities under the authority and/or direction of the University at other locations. Non University groups using university facilities are expected to also follow these guidelines.

Policy History

I. Effective Date: September 2006

II. Approval: March 17, 2014

III. History: 

• Approved in its original form: September 2006
• Approved as amended: March 17, 2014

IV. Maintenance of Policy: Vice President for Facilities Management

Policy

The University of Dayton will pursue the following programs of action:

1. Energy: Maximize the efficiency of energy use by eliminating waste, upgrading inefficient equipment, and encouraging energy conservation within the UD community.

2. Material Use and Disposal: Minimize waste by diverting recyclables, compost and other materials to better uses. Maintain and expand programs to collect recyclable items such as commingled recycling, batteries, electronics, scrap metal, ink and toner cartridges and other materials.

3. Custodial Services & Cleaning Supplies: Work with both contracted and in-house cleaning providers to utilize "green" products and cleaning materials which are biodegradable and environmentally friendly throughout the campus.

4. Creation and Maintenance of Campus Space: Design all new construction and major renovations to meet LEED standards, and when feasible, have projects certified. Also, consider sustainable outcomes in decisions on planned maintenance, minor renovations, and daily campus operations. Create and maintain safe, healthy working and residential environments across campus.

5. Grounds: Maintain university land in an ecologically appropriate manner for our climate and region; minimize the need for irrigation and chemical inputs, and use native species and natural pesticides/fertilizers.

6. Water: Minimize the waste of potable water and water used to heat and cool campus buildings. Install and maintain water saving equipment in campus restrooms and mechanical spaces. Manage stormwater discharge to reduce negative impacts on the health of local waterways.

7. Purchasing: Give preference, whenever possible, to the purchase of sustainable products and materials that will cause the least harm to the environment and which will generate the least amount of waste. Encourage vendors to adopt sustainable practices and offer sustainable products. Support the local economy by working with suppliers, contractors, and other businesses in the greater Dayton community when possible.

8. Transportation and Travel: Minimize the negative impacts of automobile transportation by creating and maintaining a pedestrian- and bike-friendly campus with alternative transportation access connecting UD to the greater Dayton community. Recognize and mitigate the impacts of campus-sponsored travel, both domestic and international.

9. Education and Promotion: As an institution, promote awareness and education about sustainability, both on campus and in the greater Dayton community, and provide opportunities to pursue the study of sustainability. Celebrate successes and share best-practices. Consider creative partnerships to achieve greater impacts.

10. Student Development: Infuse sustainable practices in co-curricular programs, living spaces and organizations. Ensure that student activities and organizations have access to and use sustainable resources and practices.

11. HR / Employment: Recognize and celebrate the value of diversity in our campus community. Offer equal opportunity for hiring and advancement to all qualified candidates. Consider the value of work, cost of living, and dignity of all persons in setting compensation rates and benefits. Offer opportunities for employees to grow, learn new skills, and participate fully in the UD community.

12. Monitoring: Monitor use of resources and efficiency of practices to continuously improve performance across all areas described in this policy. Use an annual carbon footprint analysis to monitor impacts on the local and global community. Publicly report data through nationally recognized tracking and assessment tools.

13. Commitment of University Resources: Align university investments with our sustainable values. Allocate a level of funding, administrative support, and resources to sustainability that matches our level of commitment and status as a nationally-recognized green campus.

Reference Documents

1. The University of Dayton Strategic Plan (2006)
2. STARS Reports
3. Carbon Footprint analyses
4. Mission and Identity Documents
5. Building Design Guidelines
6. Campus Design Standards