2. Goals and Strategy

Determining goals and a strategy for the process

Once the current situation has been established and opportunities identified, developing an underlying policy framework that articulates the University’s overall commitment to environmental improvement and leadership is needed. This plan then sets the stage for the next step, creating an Environmental Management Plan, outlined in step 3.

STEP I. Develop and underlying policy or vision that cements the University’s dedication to a sustainable campus.

What is important to the university community and what format is most comprehensible?

Broad vs. specific

Broad – notes for example that taking reasonable steps towards best practice environmental management is needed
Specific – outlines the key focus areas identified such as energy, water and waste

Stages of sustainability planning

Early – understanding environmental impacts and possibilities
Mid – mainstreaming environmental management
Mature – establishing international leadership

STEP II. Identify goals (short-term) and targets (long-term) for the key performance indicators.

What can be changed/improved on now and what needs long-term development?

Consider:

Which areas are the most critical in terms of environmental impact?
Which areas are the most critical in terms of money spent and potential savings?
Which areas have the best benefit vs. time ratio?
Which items have the greatest level of current public attention?

Take into account:

Existing technology and how this can lead to reasonable achievements
Goals of other universities
National and international requirements/laws etc. with regards to sustainability
Financial and human capital and organizational limitations