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
Latest News from AASHE Bulletin
New Resources
Upper Midwest Association for Campus Sustainability (UMACS) Networking Session
- South Dakota State University (SD)
This is an opportunity to network with others from the Upper Midwest, including Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Learn about UMACS' mission and discuss campus efforts …
- Posted Jan. 21, 2022
- Conference Presentations
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Fund Strategies to Develop the Most Spectacular Projects Possible
- McGill University (QC)
Campus sustainability fund managers have myriad opportunities to stimulate, encourage, and develop more robust and impactful project proposals. The Sustainability Projects Fund at McGill University is a vibrant example of …
- Posted Jan. 21, 2022
- Conference Presentations
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Comparison of Eco-Rep Program Format Between Three Southeastern Universities
- Clemson University (SC)
- Elon University (NC)
- Furman University (SC)
Which program structure most effectively motivates students in an Eco-Rep program? At every university, Eco-Reps maximize different opportunities for discussing sustainability, structuring educational meetings and events according to tested methods …
- Posted Jan. 21, 2022
- Conference Presentations
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Transportation Demand Management: Arguments for the Diversification of Mobility
- University of Southern Maine (ME)
The statement "we have a parking problem" is all too common on University campuses. However, parking is usually not the root problem. The root problem is the transportation ecosystem serving …
- Posted Jan. 21, 2022
- Conference Presentations
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A Three-Sisters Approach to Sustainability at Santa Clara University
- Santa Clara University (CA)
Santa Clara University (SCU) achieved its first phase of carbon neutrality (scopes 1 and 2) in 2020. SCU employs a "three sisters" approach to climate justice and sustainability. First, its …
- Posted Jan. 21, 2022
- Conference Presentations
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Libraries and Information Centers as Sustainability Partners, Energizers, and Leaders
- Binghamton University (NY)
While issues concerning the topics of sustainability and sustainable development in the library profession didn't first appear in the literature until in the early 1990s, libraries have been engaged in …
- Posted Jan. 21, 2022
- Conference Presentations
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Establishing a Framework for a Scope 3 Emissions Inventory
- Stanford University (CA)
For over a decade, Stanford has calculated and reported its Scope 1 and 2 direct greenhouse gas emissions and has reduced those emissions by 69% since peak levels in 2011. …
- Posted Jan. 21, 2022
- Conference Presentations
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AASHE International Networking Meeting 2021
- Portland Community College (OR)
- University of Texas at Arlington (TX)
Members of the international community and anyone interested in international issues or collaboration are invited to join in our annual networking meeting to share resources, explore challenges, and highlight ideas …
- Posted Jan. 21, 2022
- Conference Presentations
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Making "Cents" of Green Funds: How to Start One, Keep It Going, and Innovate
- George Mason University (VA)
- Hanover College (IN)
- University of Wisconsin-Madison (WI)
Let's put some "FUN" in "green fund!" Come ready to explore best practices for managing a university green fund, how to engage community partners in green fund projects, and ways …
- Posted Jan. 21, 2022
- Conference Presentations
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Sustainability Dashboards: From Hopes & Dreams to Reality & Maintenance
- University of Pittsburgh (PA)
- University of Oregon (OR)
University-wide Sustainability Dashboards can emphasize and juxtapose the various aspects of sustainability, while increasing institutional transparency. Organizing and presenting institutional performance data helps quantify universities' progress as sustainability leaders while …
- Posted Jan. 21, 2022
- Conference Presentations
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Influencing Sustainability Decision-Making: A "Simple" Triple Bottom Line Cost Benefit Analysis Tool
- Ohio University (OH)
Making the business case argument for sustainability initiatives can be the most difficult part of a sustainability leader's job. A group of faculty, staff and students at Ohio University has …
- Posted Jan. 21, 2022
- Conference Presentations
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Community College Networking Session
- Johnson County Community College (KS)
This networking session will allow community college sustainability practitioners to share successes/frustrations as well as have a chance to provide feedback on how AASHE serves its community college members.
- Posted Jan. 21, 2022
- Conference Presentations
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"Who's the Contact Person for That?": Creating Sustainability Hubs for More Effective Connection
- Binghamton University (NY)
The strengths of academic institutions are often related to research, curricula, and pedagogy. While these are critical areas to highlight, there are often several additional innovative initiatives and activities occurring …
- Posted Jan. 21, 2022
- Conference Presentations
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Using STARS As A Change Management Tool
- Arizona State University (AZ)
- Boston University (MA)
- AASHE (MA)
- GreenerU (MA)
STARS has the capacity to inform and encourage organizational change to advance sustainability. This session will provide tools for effectively leveraging a STARS report for tracking, assessing, and informing sustainability …
- Posted Jan. 21, 2022
- Conference Presentations
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Benchmarking Higher Education Zero Waste Programs
- Resource Recycling Systems (RRS) (MI)
Sometimes building a zero-waste program can feel like you are on an island. But according to recent research conducted by RRS that looked at over 300 universities and colleges across …
- Posted Jan. 21, 2022
- Conference Presentations
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Implementing a New Campus-Wide Bin Infrastructure: From Setting Standards to Deploying Bins
- Austin Community College (TX)
- Case Western Reserve University (OH)
- Busch Systems International Inc. (ON)
Have you ever dreamed about completely replacing all of the waste and recycling bins on your campus with shiny new, perfectly selected, and ideally placed bins? What would you do …
- Posted Jan. 21, 2022
- Conference Presentations
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Preparing Our Urban Forests for Our Changing Climate
- Urban Forest Initiative (KY)
Urban forests are vital to mitigating the negative effects of climate change to urban residents. Urban trees help reduce storm-water runoff, cool cities, filter air and water pollutants, sequester carbon …
- Posted Jan. 21, 2022
- Conference Presentations
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SDGs Cities Challenge
- University of Texas at Arlington (TX)
- University of Melbourne (Victoria)
- ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability
The United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development recognizes that local and subnational governments are key stakeholders to implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By aligning local sustainability actions and …
- Posted Jan. 21, 2022
- Conference Presentations
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Coming Together to Address the World's Greatest Challenges
- University of Minnesota System Office (MN)
At the University of Minnesota, sustainability is a priority highlighted by our recent Systemwide Strategic Plan. Learn how our campuses work together to build a fully sustainable future.
- Posted Jan. 21, 2022
- Conference Presentations
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STARS Assessment as a Curricular Opportunity
- Furman University (SC)
The Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System (STARS) is a transparent, self-reporting framework used to measure a university’s overall sustainability performance. In most cases the STARS assessment is conducted by …
- Posted Jan. 21, 2022
- Conference Presentations
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Creating an Equity-Based Climate Action Plan Through Stakeholder Engagement
- Portland Community College (OR)
- GreenerU (MA)
Many college campuses are looking for paths to climate neutrality - that is - reducing and sustaining zero-emissions operations. Climate action planning is one strategy to achieve this goal. But …
- Posted Jan. 21, 2022
- Conference Presentations
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COVID, Climate Action Plans and Resiliency in Davis, California: Leveraging a Town-Gown Relationship
- University of California, Davis (CA)
- City of Davis (CA)
UC Davis and City of Davis sustainability staff will share how the city and campus have repeatedly leveraged our college town-gown relationship for mutual benefit and support, and helped us …
- Posted Jan. 21, 2022
- Conference Presentations
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Conducting a Voluntary University Review to Engage a Campus With the Sustainable Development Goals
- University of California, Davis (CA)
In this presentation, UC Davis Sustainability staff will share how we leverage our sustainability performance assessment as an engagement tool, and we will specifically focus on the process we used …
- Posted Jan. 21, 2022
- Conference Presentations
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Immersion & Collaboration: Engaging Students, Staff, and Faculty in Sustainability Reporting
- Ball State University (IN)
For more than a decade, student teams from Ball State University have applied the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) principles and standards to document the operational management approach and annual sustainability …
- Posted Jan. 21, 2022
- Conference Presentations
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A Beginner's Guide to Developing a Comprehensive Communication Strategy
- Lehigh University (PA)
As sustainability professionals, we tend to wear many hats. This session is designed for those who are new to communications and unsure of where to begin developing a communications plan …
- Posted Jan. 21, 2022
- Conference Presentations
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University Leadership: Elevating the Value of Outdoor Spaces Using the SITES® Rating System
- Arizona State University (AZ)
- University of Texas at Austin (TX)
- Green Business Certification Inc (DC)
Landscapes are an integral part of the built environment that provide a multitude of essential services such as flood control, improved water quality, climate regulation, pollination services and improved health …
- Posted Jan. 21, 2022
- Conference Presentations
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Sustainability & Facilities 101: Maximizing Collaboration
- University of Maryland, Baltimore County (MD)
Sustainability and Facilities Management (FM) professionals and departments often are tasked with working closely together on various projects throughout campus. Many of these professionals, by nature of their work, are …
- Posted Jan. 21, 2022
- Conference Presentations
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Additionality: How to Ensure Your Renewable Electricity Procurement Strategy Has Real Climate Impact
- University of Dayton (OH)
Many higher education institutions are pursuing active decarbonization programs to demonstrate climate leadership. A key element in these programs is eliminating the climate impact of an institution's electricity procurement, which …
- Posted Jan. 21, 2022
- Conference Presentations
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From Pledge to Plan: Two Case Studies of Public University Decarbonization Plans
- University of Massachusetts Amherst (MA)
- University of Oregon (OR)
Join two Sustainability Directors as they tell their stories about how they led decarbonization planning efforts on their campuses. UMass Amherst and the University of Oregon are both large R1 …
- Posted Jan. 21, 2022
- Conference Presentations
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Governing Change: Academic-Operational Cultures of Sustainability Governance at 10 Universities Around the World
- University of Toronto (ON)
In recent years, universities around the world have sought to integrate and embed sustainability into their four primary domains of activity: education, research, campus operations, and community engagement. This session …
- Posted Jan. 21, 2022
- Conference Presentations
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The Future is Being Resilient to Climate Emergencies
- Rice University (TX)
- Communities Responding to Extreme Weather (MA)
Resiliency to climate emergencies is necessary to respond to extreme weather events that are occurring more frequently as the climate changes. A climate emergency does not always mean there will …
- Posted Jan. 21, 2022
- Conference Presentations
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From Vision to Action: Lessons in Implementing Sustainability Plans
- University of Illinois Chicago (IL)
The role of a sustainability professional spans the spectrum from educator, planner, fund raiser, project manager, program designer, plan implementer, to progress reporter. Methods for partnering for and achieving success …
- Posted Jan. 21, 2022
- Conference Presentations
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Sustainability Micro-credentials for Higher Education Employees
- Southern New Hampshire University (NH)
Micro-credentials have become an important part of learning for adults and workers who need to acquire specific job-related skills (Gibson et al., 2015). Defined as "a visual representation of your …
- Posted Jan. 21, 2022
- Conference Presentations
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Regional STARS: Challenges and Opportunities
- Indiana University Bloomington (IN)
- Indiana University South Bend (IN)
- Indiana University Southeast (IN)
Do you work at a regional campus whose main campus has a STARS designation? Does your regional campus intend to pursue a STARS designation of its own? Should you? Hear …
- Posted Jan. 21, 2022
- Conference Presentations
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Sustainability Advisory Council - Lessons Learned in Setting a Sustainability Strategy
- University of Wisconsin-Madison (WI)
The UW-Madison Sustainability Advisory Council (SAC) convened in the fall of 2020 in order to leverage the results of the University's first STARS report to develop strategic sustainability recommendations to …
- Posted Jan. 21, 2022
- Conference Presentations
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Towards Sustainability Maturity: A Local-to-Global Approach at a Learning Community
- Bucknell University (PA)
An innovative simultaneous planning/implementation process for sustainability maturity/resiliency has been deployed. Sustainability is the ability of a community to endure and remain resilient socially, technologically and environmentally. At the most …
- Posted Jan. 21, 2022
- Conference Presentations
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The Future is Collaborative: Outcomes From a Network of Sustainability Professionals in Virginia
- James Madison University (VA)
- Radford University (VA)
With an average of just 1.5 - 2.1 paid non-student sustainability staff positions at institutions of higher education, access to a broader network of sustainability professionals with common goals and …
- Posted Jan. 21, 2022
- Conference Presentations
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Lessons Learned from a Homegrown STARS Support Group with Peer Institutions
- University of Wisconsin-Green Bay (WI)
- University of Wisconsin-Madison (WI)
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (WI)
- University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (WI)
Staring fixedly at new STARS credits? Not sure where to start? Need to assign the daunting task of completing STARS to a student but can't provide all of the support …
- Posted Jan. 21, 2022
- Conference Presentations
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The Future is Co-Created: EfS Through Relationship Building in the Delaware Valley
- University of Pennsylvania (PA)
- West Chester University of Pennsylvania (PA)
- PHENND (PA)
This session will introduce the new PHENND Sustainability network. Starting as a community of practitioners interested in finding partners for real-world Education for Sustainability (EfS), PHENND Sustainability has grown into …
- Posted Jan. 21, 2022
- Conference Presentations
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Creating Sustainable Curriculum Processes for a Sustainability Outcome
- Fleming College (ON)
In 2018, Ontario Colleges Quality Assurance Services (OCQAS) conducted an institutional level quality audit of Fleming College, Ontario, Canada. This audit involved a comprehensive review of the College's quality assurance …
- Posted Jan. 21, 2022
- Conference Presentations
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Advancing Indigenization Through AASHE STARS Adaptation
- British Columbia Institute of Technology (BC)
The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) provides a Sustainability Tracking and Reporting System (STARS) to measure progress by participating post-secondary institutions in their sustainability efforts. …
- Posted Jan. 21, 2022
- Conference Presentations
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Resiliency Planning Through Relationship Building and Appreciative Inquiry
- Bemidji State University (MN)
Located in Northern Minnesota, Bemidji State University (BSU) operates within a dispersed, rural, and diverse community. Bemidji State staff and faculty will be joined by planning consultant Precipitate and a …
- Posted Jan. 21, 2022
- Conference Presentations
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Assessing Campus Sustainability Literacy and Culture: How Are Universities Doing It and To What End?
- George Mason University (VA)
Assessing student, staff, and faculty sustainability literacy and culture poses a challenge to many higher education institutions (HEI). The assessments are essential for providing an understanding of campus sustainability knowledge, …
- Posted Jan. 21, 2022
- Conference Presentations
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Where We're Going, We Don't Need Roads!
- University of Kentucky (KY)
The future of transportation is not going to be found in a parking lot. COVID-19 disrupted the transportation sector across the country, leading to a drop in traffic and a …
- Posted Jan. 21, 2022
- Conference Presentations
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CSU Building Decarbonization: A Framework for Decarbonizing Existing Fossil Fuel Infrastructure on Higher Education Campuses
- California State University, Chancellor's Office (CA)
- Glumac (OR)
The California State University (CSU) provides high quality, affordable and inclusive public higher education throughout California. The CSU system has made significant strides to reduce its impact on the environment …
- Posted Jan. 21, 2022
- Conference Presentations
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Using the Pursuit of Equitable Tree Canopy to Combat Effects of Redlining in Lexington, Kentucky
- University of Kentucky (KY)
The historical housing policy of redlining reflected systemic racism in the home lending industry; it disproportionately impacted people of color and created socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods in intentional and negative ways. …
- Posted Jan. 21, 2022
- Conference Presentations
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A Campus Framework for Justice, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion-Centered Climate Resilience Planning
- University of California, Office of the President (CA)
- University of California, Los Angeles (CA)
- University of California, Santa Cruz (CA)
- Integral Group (CA)
"Climate resilience planning" has been a growing buzz phrase across the country for years. Although many municipalities are beginning to incorporate current and future climate realities into their planning efforts, …
- Posted Jan. 21, 2022
- Conference Presentations
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The University of Iowa Tippie College of Business Principles of Responsible Management Education Report
- University of Iowa (IA)
The University of Iowa Tippie College of Business became signatories of the Principles of Responsible Management Education. As part of that commitment, the college reports on progress every two years.
- Posted Jan. 13, 2022
- Publications
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CSUF Food Pantry
- California State University, Fullerton (CA)
Addressing food insecurity among college students has been a CSU system-wide effort for a number of years. The Pantry is a new and permanent program to the CSUF campus that …
- Posted Dec. 9, 2021
- Photographs
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Summarizing Your STARS Report for Senior Leadership
- Boston University (MA)
- AASHE (MA)
Building off of the “Conversations on STARS as a Strategic Tool for Advancing Sustainability” 2020 GCSHE presentation, this webinar will dive into the creation of the STARS Report Summary (presented …
- Posted Dec. 9, 2021
- Videos & Webinars
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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.