Save Money, Share Your Success, and Inspire Others

MONMOUTH UNIVERSITY 2023

Business Information
Name of Organization: 
MONMOUTH UNIVERSITY
Organization Type: 
Business Description: 
Located along New Jersey’s northern coastline, Monmouth University offers a welcoming and dynamic setting for student development. Innovative academic programs, individual faculty attention and nationally ranked Division I athletics make our private university a great place to find your future. Monmouth’s beautiful coastal campus sits at the heart of a vibrant culture rich in history, the arts, technology and entrepreneurship. Just one hour from New York and Philadelphia, we take pride in preparing students to succeed in life after graduation. Our renowned faculty are actively involved in advancing academic research nationwide while encouraging meaningful community involvement and critical thinking for self-fulfillment. Our commitment to transformative learning is founded on three core principles: an intellectually challenging and rigorous academic experience built on a strong foundation in the liberal arts; learning experiences that are both immersive and that extend beyond the classroom; and preparation for life after Monmouth. To enhance the breadth and impact of our commitment, we offer a high level of personalization for each student, infusing the Monmouth Experience throughout every aspect of campus life. Our signature programming extends from undergraduate studies to graduate programs and preparatory experiences for career advancement outside of the classroom. We ensure that career support for our students, from undergraduate research opportunities to graduate faculty mentorship, is embedded in the curriculum and tailored to fit individual objectives. Our alumni have the preparation, relationships and insight needed to thrive throughout their lives. Together, these principles are the critical components of a Monmouth education. This is what shapes our identity and distinguishes the university from any other. Most of all, these are the indispensable ingredients for how we prepare young men and women for the lives ahead of them.
Contact Person: 
Patricia L. Swannack
Title: 
Vice President for Administrative Services
Business Location: 
400 Cedar Avenue
07764 West Long Branch , NJ
United States
40° 16' 48.1944" N, 74° 0' 19.5192" W
Phone: 
732-571-3546
Email: 
pswannac@monmouth.edu
Number of Employees: 
1542
Website: 
https://www.monmouth.edu/
Renewal Date: 
Tuesday, June 27, 2023
Management and Leadership
Adopt Environmental Policy Statement
Description of Action: 
Monmouth University has contributed in many ways to making our planet greener and more environmentally friendly. We are committed to pursuing green initiatives on campus, and all of us here—from administrators to students—are active participants in this mission. In a collaborative effort, we are constantly developing new ideas and programs to make the University more efficient and less wasteful. Monmouth’s sustainability efforts range from carbon emissions reduction to energy conservation projects, which involve constructing new energy-efficient buildings and retrofitting older ones with new technology. Being “green,” however, doesn’t mean that we wait for the next big project to come along. All across campus, you’ll see that we do the little things that make a big difference, from recycling, to conserving water, to shutting off equipment and lights when not in use. We know that sustainability starts in the classroom. Through academic programs like our minor in global sustainability, we educate students about the importance of forging a greener earth. In addition, through our actions and dialogue, we stress our initiatives to all members of the local and University community.
Identify Sustainability Leader
Description of Action: 
The Monmouth University Sustainability Advisory Committee (SAC) is an interdisciplinary work group made up of members of the University community including faculty, administrators, staff, and students. The SAC mission has always been to promote environmental awareness through education and outreach, and to propose, research, and recommend energy and sustainability policies for the University. The SAC also reviews current practices, policies, and procedures, and recommends changes and actions that will positively impact the sustainability of the University.
Develop Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Plan
Description of Action: 
The University uses Green Seal or EcoLogo products for housekeeping, 100% recycled content for all rest room paper products, 70% post-consumer recycled content for all trash liners, environmentally preferable products for sanitizing/disinfecting applications, and high speed hand dryers for rest room applications. In addition, we call for recycled content in campus-wide purchasing of office papers and energy consciousness in purchase of lighting and electrical devices. Recycled paper “to-go” boxes are used for campus dining operations.
Waste
Waste Reduction
Description of Action: 
Monmouth University has been a member of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s WasteWise Business Network since March 2009. Our waste diversion rate was approximately 10% in 2009 and 58% in 2018, not including construction/demolition recycling and electronic recycling. One method to reduce waste includes the installation of Hydration Stations in high traffic areas to reduce the volume of trash and recyclables, and to encourage the reuse of durable containers. Since 2014, when the University began installing Hydration Stations (to fill reusable containers with filtered water), our collective effort has helped to divert more than 921,408 disposable plastic bottles from a landfill. We are currently expanding the use of hydration stations in all residence halls. We encourage sending correspondence electronically whenever possible and double-sided printing. In addition, our dining operations offers reusable cups and reusable metal straws. They also vow to continue to recycle cardboard, paper and aluminum and to increase the amount of plastic they recycle by at least 10% every year.
Waste Reuse
Description of Action: 
We have partnered with a non-profit organization to repurpose much of our electronic waste. The organization collects, repairs, refurbishes, and redistributes our old computer equipment to children and schools in need, and also uses our donated equipment in its training and educational programs for children. Those computers and electronic devices which cannot be repurposed are recycled. During 2018, we repurposed/recycled approximately 5.41 tons of computer equipment. During dormitory move-out periods, we partner with a local non-profit youth mentoring agency to collect for reuse or recycling, clothing and books that our students no longer need. During 2018, we collected at least 1.06 tons of clothing and books. 100% of landscaping wastes are reused as mulch or soil amendments on the University’s grounds and in the University’s Community Garden, or sent to an area composting facility.
Lbs Saved: 
12,940
Waste Recycling
Description of Action: 
Monmouth University has been a member of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s WasteWise Business Network since March 2009. The University utilizes single stream recycling for paper, cardboard, bi-metal containers, aluminum, glass and plastic containers on campus. We have purchased and provided recycling containers adjacent to all of our campus trash receptacles both inside our buildings and around our campus. 100% of our landscaping wastes are reused as mulch or soil amendments on the University’s grounds and in the University’s Community Garden, or are sent to an area composting facility. Our dining services vows to continue to recycle cardboard, paper and aluminum and to increase the amount of plastic they recycle by at least 10% every year. Other materials that we recycle include steel products, car batteries, tires, used oil, used antifreeze, used light bulbs and printer ink and laser printer and photocopier toner cartridges. During 2018, we recycled approximately 1.13 tons of light bulbs and 268.51 tons of construction and demolition debris. Whenever possible, we look for ways campus materials can be reused. We have partnered with a non-profit organization to repurpose much of our electronic waste. The organization collects, repairs, refurbishes, and redistributes our old computer equipment to children and schools in need, and also uses our donated equipment in its training and educational programs for children. Those computers and electronic devices which cannot be repurposed are recycled. During 2018, we recycled approximately 5.41 tons of computer equipment. During dormitory move-out periods, we partner with a local non-profit youth mentoring agency to collect for reuse or recycling, clothing and books that our students wish to discard. During 2018, we collected at least 1.06 tons of clothing and books. Our waste diversion rate was approximately 10% in 2009 and 58% in 2018, not including construction/demolition recycling and electronic recycling.
Energy
Energy Efficiency
Description of Action: 
The University’s utility costs have either decreased or remained stable continuously since 2007, while having added a total of 433,984 sq.ft. In 2007, utility costs were $4.36/sq.ft., and in 2018, utility costs were $3.11/sq.ft. We contract for energy purchases on an annual basis, and guarantee to purchase at least 15% of our utility-supplied electricity from certified green sources during the performance year (we have done this for several consecutive previous years). The University has participated in a Demand Response Program since 2008, in which an independent operator pays the University for its commitment to reduce its electric load on the PJM electric grid (Pennsylvania, Jersey, Maryland Power Pool) at critical times, called Events, that are identified by the operator. This means that when a Demand Response Event is held, the University is required to curtail a certain electrical load (i.e. 300kW) during a particular time period based on anticipated grid loads. These events are typically held during hot weather months or long periods of extreme cold, lasting four hours per event, and generally transparent to the University community. These efforts assist in stabilizing the local PJM grid to prevent power outages and help meet the demand during these critical time frames. Stabilizing the local grid will also help us prevent mechanical failures due to low voltage. In addition, we have an energy policy in place for building operations (heating, a/c, lighting, glazing). We participate in heating curtailment initiatives during University closures to reduce energy consumption and preserve resources. We also seek to reduce future energy costs in new facility construction and renovation whenever feasible. We have occupancy sensor light switches in all classrooms and other areas, and water-saving devices used in all campus rest rooms, showers, and new plumbing purchases. We practice energy consciousness in purchase of lighting and electrical devices including the retro-fit of LED lighting in the OceanFirst Bank Center, Bey Hall, Plangere Center, Anacon Hall in the Student Center, and various parking lots to reduce energy consumption. (These lighting retrofits resulted in an annual reduction of approximately 890,037 kWh of electricity.)
kWh Saved: 
890,037
Money Saved: 
150,000
Renewable Energy
Description of Action: 
In 2006, the University performed a 454 kWp solar installation. In 2011, the University installed an additional 568.36 kWp solar photo voltaic system on the rooftops of seven campus buildings. Combined, these University systems have the capacity to generate over 1.02 MW of electricity from renewable sources. Since the installation of our first solar generation system, the University has earned 6,079 Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) as of January 2019. A digital kiosk in the Stafford Student Center lobby streams current information on the 2006 system. In addition, we contract for energy purchases on an annual basis (sometimes multi-year), and guarantee to purchase at least 15% of our utility-supplied electricity from certified green sources during the performance year (we have done this for several consecutive previous years). During 2018, the University purchased 15% of our utility-supplied electricity from certified green sources during the first half of the year (January to June), which we increased to 25% during the second half of the year (July to December).
Transportation
Employee Commute
Description of Action: 
The University participated in the Zip Car program from October 2010 until January 2018, when Zip Car notified us that they would no longer be offering us the opportunity to participate in the program. By the end of the program, we recorded over 168,225 miles driven and 548 members utilizing 2 vehicles (1 hybrid). The University continues to explore other options (i.e. car and/or bike share programs). We also partnered with the Federal Transit Administration and the City of Long Branch to provide a stop on campus of the Long Branch EZ Ride shuttle service from 2013 until September 30, 2018. The Long Branch EZ Ride shuttle service grant was eliminated and the shuttle was discontinued on September 30, 2018. The University will continue to look at ways to improve transportation opportunities that connect our campus with points of interest throughout the surrounding communities in a convenient and environmentally responsible way.
Fleet Vehicles
Description of Action: 
The University currently has 3 hybrid vehicles (2 utilized by our Police Department) and 30 electric golf carts. In addition, we have an on-campus electric vehicle charging station available for use.
Water
Water Conservation
Description of Action: 
The University uses water-saving devices in all campus rest rooms, showers, and new plumbing purchases. We also have web-based monitoring and control of campus irrigation systems based upon daily evapotranspiration data.
Certification Programs
NJDEP Environmental Stewardship Program Recognition
Description of Action: 
The University has been recognized as a NJDEP Environmental Steward since 2008. We were awarded the NJ Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award in the Clean Air category in 2014 and the NJ Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award in the Environmental Leadership category in 2012.
Certification Programs Other
Description of Action: 
Notable Awards & Recognition: Princeton Review Green College most recently 2017; EPA Largest Green Power User in the MAAC 2016-17; Named a member of the Environmental Protection Agency’s 2016 Green Power Club; Merit Award from the Monmouth County Planning Board for its Solar Panel Installation Project 2007; Named the New Jersey Clean Energy School of the Year by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities 2006 Memberships and Partnerships: Monmouth University was the first private institution of higher education in New Jersey to enter into a voluntary Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), documenting our commitment as an environmental steward and pledging to reduce our carbon footprint. Member of the NJ WasteWise Business Network; Member of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE); Member of APPA: Leadership in Educational Facilities, ERAPPA, and NJAPPA; Member of New Jersey Higher Education Partnership for Sustainability (NJHEPS)
Green Building Techniques
Green Building Other
Description of Action: 
Beginning with our solicitations for design work, we specify that we want interested architectural firms to use green building guidelines to help us create buildings which are healthier, more environmentally responsible and resource efficient. We specify that vendors for architectural services design our buildings to incorporate construction practices and building features to reduce energy consumption, improve indoor air quality, increase natural light indoors, reduce water consumption, reduce the amount of wood used in construction, employ materials and goods which incorporate recycled materials, support local manufacturers and suppliers of resource-efficient building materials, minimize construction-related waste, reduce the ground area covered by impermeable or bituminous pavement, preserve mature existing landscape features and minimize impacts on the surrounding site. Throughout the design phase, all submittals for design, construction methods and materials are reviewed by University officials to ensure that the proposed specifications incorporate “greener” and more sustainable characteristics prior to approval. As we move to the construction phase of our projects, these specifications and responsibility to conform to University policies are built into our construction contracts. Adherence to all contract specifications throughout the course of construction is monitored by University officials. We also refer to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) green building guidelines to help us create buildings that are healthier, more environmentally responsible, and resource efficient.
Emergency Preparedness
Be Prepared for Emergencies
Description of Action: 
The Monmouth University Crisis Management Team and the Monmouth University Police Department, in coordination with the West Long Branch Office of Emergency Management, provides a wide range of services and programs to promote community safety and well-being. Although it is difficult to anticipate every kind of emergency situation that could occur, the following plans can act as a guide in most situations. Emergency Policies and Resources: 1) Regroup: Emergency Notification System, 2) Guide for a Safe Campus, 3) Our Emergency Management Guide includes the latest information regarding the following policies, procedures and resources: Active Shooter, Bomb Threat Procedures and Bomb Threat Checklist, Letter and Parcel Bomb Recognition Policy, Security Levels in Detail,Emergency Shelter at Monmouth University, 4) Crisis Management
Community
Support the Well-Being of Your Employees
Description of Action: 
The Institute for Health and Wellness (IHW) emerged as a priority from the development of the Monmouth University Strategic Plan, which calls for ongoing expansion in the health sciences at the University. It will be a forum for education, research and collaboration on issues of human health and wellness delivered through scholarship, supported programs, community engagement, and local partnerships. With nearly half of our academic offerings directly related to the health professions, Monmouth University is uniquely positioned to partner with hospital systems and other healthcare organizations to advance and amplify initiatives that will positively impact the health and well-being of our region. The IHW will harness the diverse resources of academic expertise and practical experience available to us as the region’s premier private coastal university. Working with our partners, the Institute will advance a broad spectrum of healthcare initiatives, including advocacy, education, policymaking, and workforce development. Our Dining Service states: Our essentials program incorporates our drive toward sustainability, nutrition and wellness, all in sync with our initiative to provide the campus with high quality food and service! We will continue to work with students, faculty, staff and the administration to find and implement sustainable solutions. We will also build on our marketing campaigns to increase engagement on issues of nutrition, eco-friendly products, local food, and overall sustainable living. Our Dining Service has a registered dietitian on staff full-time to meet with students and employees, and employees’ spouses/partners to counsel in a variety of nutritional areas such as weight reduction, gluten-free, vegan, low sodium, diabetic, healthy heart diets and just healthy eating on a budget. Sustainable development is one of our top priorities. We place a strong emphasis on local and sustainable food, through the use of local products from regional farmers and suppliers. By sourcing food from NJ farms, we will serve more local food to our campus communities. We will continue to build stronger and tighter relationships with local farmers, relationships that are mutually beneficial. We will create and maintain organic vegetable and herb gardens on all the campuses we serve and integrate more perennials (berries and fruit) in the gardens over time. We will continue to recycle cardboard, paper and aluminum on every campus. We will increase the amount of plastic we recycle by at least 10% every year. We will also source alternative materials to replace the plastics used in our operations.
Improve Indoor Air Quality
Description of Action: 
The University’s air emissions consultant submitted the University’s 2017 Emission Statement to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. There has been an overall reduction in most of the air contaminants. The University’s NOx emissions were 5.70 tons for 2017, 5.57 tons for 2016, 6.09 tons for 2015, and 6.08 tons for 2014. These figures show that while there has been growth, new/renovated equipment is certainly more fuel efficient and energy saving. Through the use of solar power, since August 2006 we have reduced our NOx emissions by 9,503 tons to date. As of December 2018, the University’s original solar installation generated electricity that has reduced emissions of carbon dioxide by over 4,270 tons, which is equivalent to planting 880 acres of trees, removing 752 cars from the roads for a year, or not driving a total of 8,920,632 miles. University mechanics regularly monitor all building air intakes and air handlers. Ductwork is inspected and air filters are changed quarterly using high-efficiency filter media. The University is transitioning from our current air filters to filters that double their length of use. In addition, they are more efficient throughout the life of the filter and will reduce energy consumption. The cost of the new filters is approximately the same cost as the filters we have been using. We are also trying out UV light systems in two (2) air-handling units. UV light systems provide increased HVAC system efficiency, occupant comfort, indoor air quality (IAQ) improvement, and positive environmental and economic impacts. If these systems perform well, we will consider installing additional UV light systems throughout the campus’ larger HVAC air handling units. Fresh air is introduced into all campus buildings built or significantly renovated since 1996 in accordance with ASHRAE guidelines; buildings built prior to 1996 comply with the applicable codes at the time of construction. Fume hoods are inspected weekly and tested, calibrated and certified annually. Detectors which continuously monitor CO2 levels and adjust the introduction of fresh air into indoor spaces are used in campus buildings. CO levels are continuously monitored in all building spaces in which combustion occurs and in all spaces adjacent thereto; low or no VOC paints, coatings and adhesives are used during the renovation of interior spaces. In addition, the University maintains and enforces a no-smoking policy inside or within 25 feet of campus buildings. We also enforce an idling policy for vehicles on campus.
Serve Customers with Disabilities
Description of Action: 
At Monmouth University, there are several offices designated to provide services for people with disabilities, through which documentation of disability and determination of reasonable accommodations are provided. These offices provide, arrange, or coordinate accommodations for students, employees and visitors to the campus. The Office of Human Resources is the designated office that obtains and files disability-related and medical documents, certifies eligibility for services, determines reasonable accommodations, and develops plans for provision of such accommodations for employees. The Department of Disability Services for Students collects student disability documentation, determines accommodations related to academic course work and programs, and assists faculty, staff and students with information and resources relating to psychiatric/psychological, health/medical, physical disabilities and learning disabilities. The Department of Disability Services for Students also serves as the point of contact for requesting sign language interpreters. The Office of Counseling and Psychological Services provides confidential personal and psychological counseling to all Monmouth University students on a first-come, first-serve basis, and assists faculty, staff and students with information and resources, both on and off campus, relating to psychological concerns. The Director of Equity and Diversity serves as the University’s ADA/504 Coordinator. The ADA/504 Coordinator is available to assist faculty, staff, and students in gaining a greater understanding of the requirements of the laws involving disabilities, to assist in identifying external resources, and to provide clarification of the University’s obligations under the law to provide particular accommodations that may be requested by students, employees and visitors to the campus.
Support Community Initiatives
Description of Action: 
The University hosts a variety of activities and events annually during the week of and on Earth Day. Various departments and student groups, including our Sustainability Advisory Committee, host these events including in conjunction with outside vendors. To help quantify our recycling and make it more salient for the University community, we participate in annual recycling tournaments. These tournaments engage our students and reinforce recycling and energy reduction practices. In addition, the Virginia A. Cory Community Garden at Monmouth University is a group of citizens who work together to create a successful garden and improve their community. The garden provides the opportunity for participants to grow their own produce, following organic practices, and donate produce to local organizations for individuals in need. The garden provides educational opportunities for all ages to learn about gardening, sustainability and wellness. It also serves as a resource for the University for student learning. Our dining services program incorporates sustainability, nutrition, and wellness, to provide our campus community with high quality food and service. There is a registered dietitian on staff full-time to meet with students and employees, and employees’ spouses/partners, to counsel in a variety of nutritional areas such as weight reduction, gluten-free, vegan, low sodium, diabetic, healthy heart diets and just healthy eating on a budget. They place a strong emphasis on local and sustainable food, through the use of local products from regional farmers and suppliers.
Adopt a Cause or Project in your Community
Description of Action: 
The Virginia A. Cory Community Garden at Monmouth University is a group of citizens who work together to create a successful garden and improve their community. The garden provides the opportunity for participants to grow their own produce, following organic practices, and donate produce to local organizations for individuals in need. The garden provides educational opportunities for all ages to learn about gardening, sustainability and wellness. It also serves as a resource for the University for student learning. The Big Event is the single largest community service project that takes place at Monmouth University annually for the past ten years, becoming a signature program for the Student Government Association (SGA). Every fall, approximately 400 to 500 members of the campus community sign up to be a volunteer at one of the 30 to 35 Big Event work sites in the towns that surround campus. Anyone affiliated with Monmouth University is encouraged to become a Big Event volunteer. The Student Government Association (SGA) also created The Nest food pantry to support Monmouth University undergraduate and graduate students. Students who do not have any form of meal-plan can come to the nest to select non-perishable food items (i.e., pasta, canned foods, cereals, crackers, etc.) beverages, and toiletries (i.e., toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, toilet paper, etc.).
Finished Application: 
1
required_descriptions: 
7
Member Since: 
Thursday, June 27, 2019