Coordination & Planning
Introduction
Staff and other resources help an institution organize, implement, and publicize sustainability initiatives. These resources provide the infrastructure that fosters sustainability within an institution. Sustainability planning affords an institution the opportunity to clarify its vision of a sustainable future, establish priorities and help guide budgeting and decision making.
Featured Resources
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New Resources
Green Office Certification at Lane Community College
- Lane Community College (OR)
Many colleges and universities have Green Office Certifications. These programs can be complicated, time-consuming, and confusing. They can also be overly simplistic and not result in any meaningful changes. Lane …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Developing a sustainability brand and visual identity guide for your campus
- Lehigh University (PA)
In this workshop, participants will learn to develop and apply an unique sustainability brand and visual identity for their campus. We will discuss strategies for leveraging this brand to engage …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Stormwater Runoff Management and Green Infrastructure on Loyola University Chicago
- Loyola University Chicago (IL)
Stormwater runoff is a major problem all cities face. The Stormwater Runoff Management Project is a student-led project working with campus sustainability staff who's goal is to reduce the amount …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Big Potato, Hot Potato, Little potato: Start Sub-Metering Utilities with Limited Resources
- Macalester College (MN)
The 'big-potato' task of sub-metering your entire campus can be daunting just thinking about it, let-alone getting it going. Where do you start? Which 'hot-potato' do you meter first? Electrical …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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The Living Principles: A catalyst for driving positive change
- Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MN)
The Living Principles' (LP) is a systems thinking framework, created by sustainability practitioners, as a catalyst for driving positive change both institutionally and culturally. LP distills the four streams of …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Pre conference Officer's Workshop - Leadership Essentials - Strategic Planning
- Stanford University (CA)
This workshop will focus on one of the key leadership and professional development skills - strategic planning. 'Strategic direction' is referred to as directions to position an organization to be …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Stanford reduces emissions by 68% in 2015
- Stanford University (CA)
In late 2011, Stanford's Board of Trustees approved the investment in SESI, of which a key component is a replacement Central Energy Facility for heat recovery, to meet the university's …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Fostering Sustainability Engagement: My Cardinal Green
- Stanford University (CA)
Founded in 2008, Stanford's Office of Sustainability aims to expand upon the success of infrastructure innovation to educate and engage the campus community through seasonal, targeted conservation efforts: Cardinal Green …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Building a Campus-Wide Sustainability Network from the Ground Up, a Case Study
- State University of New York at Geneseo (NY)
In this presentation I will detail the work and progress made in developing our campus sustainability structure. At SUNY Geneseo, sustainability has been part of the conversation on campus for …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Embedding Sustainability across The University of British Columbia
- University of British Columbia (BC)
The poster session will provide a visually engaging overview of how the University of British Columbia is integrating sustainability across teaching, learning and research, operations and infrastructure, and community. Through …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Social Ecological Economic Development Studies (SEEDS) Sustainability Program at the University of British Columbia
- University of British Columbia (BC)
Participants will explore the foundations that underpin our award-winning program which partners operational staff, faculty and students to catalyze campus sustainability efforts. Our program has coordinated more than 1000 diverse …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Automating Key Steps in the STARS Rating Process: Using Content Analysis to Perform Sustainability Course Inventories
- University of Florida (FL)
This presentation focuses on a practical and innovative approach to conducting the sustainability course survey that is required of the STARS rating system. If you are a sustainability coordinator or …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Build a Quick, Convincing Business Plan That Gains Administration Support And Transforms Your Campus Sustainability
- University of Massachusetts Amherst (MA)
Learn the proven mechanics of developing and delivering a plan for your sustainability initiative in the business language and format that decision makers in higher education understand and expect. Presenter …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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College & University Recycling Coalition Annual Business Meeting
- University of Oregon (OR)
The annual business meeting of the College & University Recycling Coalition (CURC) is open to all conference attendees. Everyone is welcome to attend and learn about what CURC has been …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Free-Range Student Employees: How to build a hands-off, highly engaged student employee program
- University of Virginia (VA)
The Sustainability Student Employee program at U.Va. has, over the past 6 years, effectively run U.Va.'s student outreach programs and campaigns, winning national awards and making impactful change at U.Va. …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Putting the Action in a Climate Action Plan: Sustainability Planning with Community Input as the Foundation
- Virginia Commonwealth University (VA)
Virginia Commonwealth University has been a leader in sustainability since signing onto the ACUPCC in 2008. VCU drafted its first Climate Action Plan in 2010, and submitted its first STARS …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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The unusual case of campus sustainability from the top down
- Weber State University (UT)
Weber State University (WSU) in Ogden, Utah, a mainly commuter campus in a conservative state, has made major sustainability accomplishments in the last eight years. This session will outline these …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Meeting Climate Action Plan goals through the introduction of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) at West Chester University
- West Chester University of Pennsylvania (PA)
West Chester University's President signed the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment in October, 2010 and a Climate Action Plan (CAP) was written. One objective of CAP was to …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Working Differently Together
- University of Wisconsin-Stout (WI)
"Working Differently Together" will examine the differences, similarities, and advantages found in proven as well as up-and-coming Systems Thinking Methodologies as tools for creative thinking and problem solving. Too many …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Including Wellness in the Sustainability Model: A five-year case study
- Bemidji State University (MN)
It is unique to include “wellness” as a component of sustainability. This presentation will describe the visual model we have been using at Bemidji State University since 2009. My introduction …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Assessing a Sustainability Themed Strategic Plan Using STARS Data
- Appalachian State University (NC)
Appalachian State University’s new strategic plan integrates sustainability as its core theme. Setting sustainability targets and identifying metrics used to track the effectiveness of a sustainability-themed strategic plan is a …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Central New Mexico Community College: Journey to sustainability
- Central New Mexico Community College (NM)
This project outlines the evolution of sustainability initiatives at Central New Mexico Community College and explains how our experience can serve as a guide for facilities personnel and faculty at …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Green Certifications: Tailor to Your College
- University of Washington, Seattle (WA)
- Western Washington University (WA)
Changing behavior and engaging diverse audiences are important and challenging aspects of implementing successful sustainability programs in higher education. These programs are easily tailored to engage multiple and varied campus …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Assessing the Culture of Sustainability
- University of Michigan (MI)
This session will provide an overview of efforts at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (U-M) to develop a framework for assessing and advancing a culture of sustainability on campus. Culture …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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The Development of a Campus Sustainability Plan
- California State University, Northridge (CA)
In 2008, initiated by a faculty-driven effort, the Provost and the deans of the colleges formed a new university-wide Institute for Sustainability at California State University, Northridge (CSUN) whose mission …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Sustainability as Appalachian State University’s Strategic Plan
- Appalachian State University (NC)
Sustainability has been a long time core value for the institution. We have made great strides in a number of areas; these are reflected in our STARS scores. This poster …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Operational Effectiveness and Efficiency through Sustainability
- North Carolina A&T State University (NC)
The challenges that the North Carolina A&T state University is facing is not unique to it as an HBCU but is also being faced by other peer institutions ( competitive …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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The first assessment system for campus sustainability in Japan
- Hokkaido University (Hokkaido)
The first campus sustainability assessment system in Japan was created at Hokkaido University in 2013, which covered 4 categories of management, education and research, environment, and local community. STARS by …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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From the experience of the STARS International Pilot
- Kyoto University
Kyoto University established Office for a Sustainable Campus in April 2013 to transform our campus from “Eco-campus” to “Sustainable campus”. Since then, in addition to our conventional efforts such as …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Bridging the Gap Between Students and Administration
- Colorado State University (CO)
There is a disconnect between students and the administration. The disconnect plays out in student and admin vision, in project proposals, and strategies for change and growth. It plays out …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Sustainability Planning on a Decentralized Campus
- University of Denver (CO)
Taking an organized approach to sustainability planning on a university campus can be a challenging and daunting task; however, if managed well, it can also be a fulfilling and unifying …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Analysis of Canadian STARS-rated Campus Sustainability Plans and Policies
- Dalhousie University (NS)
Sustainability governance, including the creation of campus sustainability policies and plans, can help institutionalize sustainability on campus. This study aims to deepen our understanding of Canadian higher education institutions (HEIs) …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Zero Client System: Computing to reduce energy consumption
- University of Arkansas (AR)
This case study demonstrates how a Zero Client System, a type of cloud based computing, reduces energy consumption by at least 88%. The system reduces user and administrative power loads …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Mind Mapping: A Systems Thinking Application for Change Management
- University of Vermont (VT)
- Environmental Leadership Program (MD)
A growing number of students, faculty, and staff are increasingly concerned about their environmental impacts and demand immediate action to be taken. Despite good intentions, these same people can act …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Climate Adaptation & Resiliency in Colgate’s 2013 Campus Master Plan
- Colgate University (NY)
Changing weather patterns due to climate change are beginning to have profound impacts on campus operations and budgets while also disrupting the academic mission, study behaviors, and overall quality of …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Envisioning Sustainable Futures with Scenario Planning
- Lane Community College (OR)
Predicting the future is not easy. We live on a rapidly changing planet that is fundamentally different than it was when any of us were children. Technology is changing fast. …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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The Evolution of an Eco-Reps Program to Advance Institutional Goals
- Lehigh University (PA)
The Eco-Reps program at Lehigh University began in the fall of 2010 as a pilot project by environmentally-minded students. Eco-Reps started out as an informal club but quickly became a …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Sustainability 3.0 - Navigating the New Economic Frontier in Higher Education
- Harvard University (MA)
- University of California, Irvine (CA)
- University of British Columbia (BC)
- Purdue University (IN)
Like many organizations, higher education is going through a time of transformation. We are called to action to respond to competing demands, funding pressures, risk mitigation and governance, all while …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Plenary Session 4: Data to Action: Advancing Sustainability Investment Decisions
- Denison University (OH)
- Lane Community College (OR)
- Pacific Lutheran University (WA)
- Sustainable Endowments Institute (MA)
Discover how data and metrics play pivotal roles in generating positive sustainability investments through stories of field-tested best practices on two data-driven programs that encourage bold sustainability investments: STARS 2.0 …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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STARS Strategies for Large/Public Universities
- Colorado State University (CO)
Since Colorado State first submitted a full report under STARS in 2011, the question has been continually raised about how the reporting framework might favor small private schools. After all, …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Captain of the Canoe: Leading a 1 Man Office with FREE Digital Resources
- St. Thomas Aquinas College (NY)
You’re either at a very small school with one person departments or at a lean institution where it’s hard to get additional help to run your unit. Either way, many …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Engage. Inspire. Act.- Pioneering Mid-Course
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (WI)
Sustainability at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee grew from the middle, up and out across campus over the years. Beyond the Office of Sustainability there are champions in facilities, student life, …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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ECOPUMA, the strategy for Sustainable University of UNAM
- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (DF)
The National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) is the main cultural project of Mexico and the most important university in Latin-America. Attends 330,382 students and produce 35.2% of the scientific …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Institutionalizing Sustainability Bringing Academics & Operations
- Lane Community College (OR)
At Lane Community College, Sustainability is one of six Strategic Directions. Lane has embarked on a process to develop policies and procedures that support and encourage students and staff to …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Sustainability Committee Structures
- University of North Carolina, Charlotte (NC)
Committees are a common organizational tool for sustainability on campuses and in our communities and businesses. Leaders and sustainability staff have needs that can be met by committees, including expertise, …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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STARS 101: Everything You Need to Know
- Santa Clara University (CA)
- AASHE (MA)
Since 2006, the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), a membership organization of colleges and universities committed to building a sustainable world, has engaged in a …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Can you Hear me Now? Metrics for Sustainability Communications
- American University (DC)
- College of Charleston (SC)
- Duke University (NC)
- Northwestern University (IL)
- Pennsylvania State University (PA)
- Princeton University (NJ)
Whether you are marketing an event, campaign, or simply advertising a service your office offers, tracking your communications success is essential to growing your audience and engaging your community. Every …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Sustainability Officers’ Workshop: Essential Facilitation Tools & Technology to Advance Communication Skills, Leadership, and Project Management on Your Campus
- University of California, Santa Cruz (CA)
- University of Hawaii at Manoa (HI)
Having strong facilitation skills enables sustainability staff and leadership to engage their communities in designing and implementing successful programs. From effectively facilitated meetings to purposeful project designs, these skills are …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Building a Statewide Sustainability Strategy in Higher Education (2014)
- University of Hawaii at Hilo (HI)
This case study will describe the first two years of developing the system-wide University of Hawaii (UH) Sustainability Strategy. In January 2014 the Board of Regents of the University of …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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At the Intersection of Wellness and Sustainability is your Worksite
- Lane Community College (OR)
This workshop will define the links between worksite wellness and sustainability. Employees spend a large portion of their daily lives at work. Workplace wellness is a key element in the …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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This tab provides access to data collected through AASHE’s Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System™ (STARS). STARS is a transparent, self-reporting framework for colleges and universities to measure their sustainability performance. STARS enables meaningful comparisons over time and across institutions using a common set of measurements developed with broad participation from the campus sustainability community.
All responses reference content from reports under the latest version of STARS, version 2.2. AASHE membership and log-in is required.
PA 1: Sustainability Coordination
- Description of the sustainability committee(s)
- Description of the sustainability office(s)
- Description of activities and accomplishments of the institution-wide coordinating body or officer during the previous three years
- First sustainability position (upload)
- First sustainability position (text)
- Second sustainability position (upload)
- Second sustainability position (text)
- Third sustainability position (upload)
- Third sustainability position (text)
- Website URL - Sustainability Coordination
PA 2: Sustainability Coordination
- Published measurable objectives - Academics
- Published measurable objectives - Engagement
- Published measurable objectives - Operations
- Published measurable objectives - Planning & Administration
- Website URL - Highest Guiding Strategic Plan
- Sustainability plan (upload)
- Sustainability plan (website URL)
- Website URL - Sustainability planning
PA 3: Sustainability Coordination
- Description of participatory or shared governance bodies
- Percent of official members of the highest governing body that are women
- Website URL - Institution’s highest level governing body
- Description of campus-community council or equivalent body that gives external stakeholders a regular voice in institutional decisions
- Website URL - Institutional governance body
PA 4: Reporting Assurance
Additional analysis on scores and quantitative fields can be conducted using the STARS Benchmarking Tool.