POL 04.00.09 – Sustainability Policy

History: First Issued: February 26, 2014.

Additional References:
Wolfpack 2030: Powering the Extraordinary 2021-2030 Strategic Plan
Foundation for Advancing Sustainability: A Strategic Plan for NC State University Climate Action Plan
Climate Action Plan
Physical Master Plan
Sustainability Standard Operating Procedures
Strategic Energy Management Plan
Campus Mobility Plan
Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan
American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment
Session Law 2007-546 (Senate Bill 668)
NC Executive Order 156
NC General Statute 143-58.3

Contact Info: University Sustainability Office (919-513-0211)

1.INTRODUCTION

The Sustainability Policy represents NC State’s enduring commitment to advancing sustainability through the life of the university. The policy enhances the management and growth of NC State’s academic enterprise by becoming a leaner, stronger, and smarter campus. Advances in campus sustainability reflect NC State’s core value of stewardship of economic and natural resources.

The Sustainability Policy accelerates actions called for in Pathway to the Future: North Carolina State University’s 2011-2020 Strategic Plan. NC State transforms lives and provides for social, economic, and technological advancement across North Carolina and the world. The policy also builds on the University of North Carolina (UNC) System Sustainability Policy that establishes sustainability principles across the UNC System. NC State’s Sustainability Policy builds on the University Sustainability Strategic Plan that strengthens the interface of sustainability with the university’s land grant mission of teaching, research and innovation, outreach and engagement, and responsible resource use on campus.

2.POLICY STATEMENT

NC State commits to sustainability as a core value to be integrated into institutional processes, administration, teaching, research and innovation, outreach and engagement, and campus operations. NC State will grow the intellectual and academic scope of the university while using fewer resources. NC State will be a leader in and model for fiscal responsibility, social equity, and environmental stewardship in the local and global community. The university will advance and monitor sustainability through a systems thinking approach. Implementation of the policy institutionalizes sustainability into the university’s mission. The policy calls for proactive management and pursuit of sustainability to reduce life cycle costs, further human well-being, foster sustainability literacy, and produce career-ready graduates equipped with the ability to address complex local and global challenges.

3.PROCEDURES

A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is issued by the Provost and the Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration to provide specific guidance for implementing the policy. The SOP is regularly reviewed and appropriately modified. The Campus Environmental Sustainability Team serves as the lead coordinating body for both the policy and the SOP. Annual reporting of the status of sustainability is conducted by the University Sustainability Office and the Campus Environmental Sustainability Team.