Progress: Policies Commitments
Laudato Si Action Platform
In Fall of 2022, Aquinas College enrolled in the Laudato Si Action Platform. We are committed to putting Pope Francis' encyclical into action using a 7-year
plan. The Laudato Si' Action Platform highlights seven goals for implementing integral
ecology in a way that is a win-win for both natural and human ecology.
Grand Rapids 2030 District Member
The Grand Rapids 2030 District is a public-private partnership committed to creating high-performing buildings and
smart mobility options that: Drawdown carbon in Grand Rapids' built environment; Increase
marketability and profitability for property owners; and Strengthen the greater community's
vibrancy. Each district commits to meeting 50% reductions in energy, water and transportation-related
carbon emissions. Aquinas officially joined the partnership in September 2019.
St. Francis Pledge, Catholic Climate Covenant
"Today the great gift of God’s Creation is exposed to serious dangers and lifestyles
which can degrade it. Environmental pollution is making particularly unsustainable
the lives of the poor of the world … we must pledge ourselves to take care of creation
and to share its resources in solidarity." - Pope Benedict XVI
Reflecting our institution’s commitment to the Dominican tradition, environmental
consciousness and sustainability, Aquinas College signed the St. Francis Pledge in
2013. In signing the pledge, Aquinas has joined the Catholic Climate Covenant. This initiative was started by the Catholic Climate Coalition in 2009 and reflects
one of the fundamental teachings of Catholicism; caring for the poor. The church recognizes
that poor people are more greatly harmed by environmental pollution and global climate
change, and therefore has set out to establish a promise to address global climate
change.
Campus Zero Waste Policy
As part of the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment, Aquinas
College is working to achieve zero municipal solid waste campus-wide. Our Zero Waste Team assists in educational programs concerning Aquinas’ waste streams. With the collaboration
of faculty, staff, and students, Aquinas is working to incrementally increase our
waste diversion rate, by continuing campus composting and recycling efforts as well
as the added effort of special collection systems. We can become a zero-waste campus
with everyone working together!
Campus-Wide Smoking Policy
Aquinas College is a smoke-free campus. According to the Environmental Protection
Agency, there are approximately 3,000 deaths from lung cancer and 37,000 deaths from
heart disease related to second-hand smoke a year. Aquinas College is doing its part
to clear the air on campus.
Excessive Idling Policy
Aquinas College is an "idle-free" campus, meaning no vehicle is permitted to idle
longer than 5 minutes while on college property. An unattended idling vehicle poses
not only a safety threat but also a security risk. According to the Environmental
Protection Agency, diesel exhaust accounts for up to 78% of the added risk of cancer
in the outdoor air. This includes all other hazardous air pollutants in the United
States. (cleanair.org). By limiting the amount of time vehicles are permitted to idle
to 5 minutes, the policy helps to preserve the natural beauty of campus while simultaneously
supporting AQ's pledge to the Climate neutrality. Certain exceptions have been written
into the policy to accommodate buses and diesel engines in extreme temperatures. The
policy was effective on May 1, 2011.
Energy Star Purchasing Commitment
To help minimize energy use from equipment, Aquinas College has an appliance purchasing
commitment in place. All new appliances that are purchased must be Energy Star qualified. This commitment ensures that the most efficient appliances available on the market
are purchased, helping Aquinas save energy and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
LEED Certified Building Commitment
Aquinas College has adopted a commitment for new building construction and major renovation
projects. All construction projects must be LEED certified by the U.S. Green Building
Council. This commitment ensures that quality, environmentally considerate buildings
and projects are undertaken on campus. LEED buildings encourage designers to integrate
green features in the planning phase, instead of trying to retrofit the structure
later to include them. LEED-certified buildings use local materials, recycle construction
waste, and use building techniques to help reduce energy consumption and waste. Aquinas College hopes to limit the impacts on the environment during campus construction
projects through this policy.
Carbon Neutrality Plan
Aquinas College is committed to becoming a carbon-neutral campus by 2040. To reach
this goal, the campus has completed a baseline greenhouse gas report, a Climate Action
Plan, several progress reports, and updates to the campus carbon footprint. The Center
for Sustainability is working diligently to meet our mid-range goals laid out in the
Climate Action Plan. Learn more
Aquinas College Signs the Talloires DeclarationAs one of his first official acts as Aquinas College president, C. Edward Balog signed
the Talloires Declaration in the summer of 2007. In 2002, the College launched its commitment to sustainability
through the establishment of an undergraduate major in Sustainable Business and expanded
its outreach to the community in 2005 with the creation of the Center for Sustainability.
The signing of the Talloires Declaration further supports Aquinas College’s institutional
pledge to educate, implement, and live the principles of sustainability.
Established in 1990, the Talloires Declaration is an official commitment by presidents,
rectors, and vice chancellors of universities and colleges to integrate environmental
sustainability into the curriculum and processes of higher education. It includes
ten specific actions, such as fostering environmental literacy for the entire campus
and involving all stakeholders in the process. Aquinas College joins approximately
356 institutions in over 40 countries that have made a commitment to the Talloires
Declaration.
CONTACT INFO
Center for Sustainability
Albertus Hall, Rm 129
(616) 632-1994
sustainability@aquinas.edu