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.
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Sustainability in Higher Education: Comprehensive Tool for Assessing the Sustainability in Higher Educational Institutions
- Qatar University
Sustainability has received increasing attention in the Higher Education Institutions nowadays. Several sustainability assessment tools have been identified for higher education through previous research. However, there should be further research …
- Posted Jan. 12, 2021
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Higher education leadership : professionalism in Finnish higher education in departmental level
- University of Jyvaskyla (PO Box 35)
Achieving a highly quality educational system without taking the issue of leadership into consideration would be unattainable. Academic leadership has gained more attention during the past few decades and considered …
- Posted Jan. 12, 2021
- Publications
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Green FSC: Creating a Sustainable Campus
- Florida Southern College (FL)
Colleges and universities account for more than 1.5% of US total annual emissions: understanding how individual institutions can become more sustainable is critical in tackling the existential threat of global …
- Posted Jan. 12, 2021
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Additional Benefits to Sustainability in Higher Education? The Effect of the American College and University President's Climate Commitment on Undergraduate Admissions Outcomes
- Colgate University (NY)
Hart assesses the possible impact that signing a campus climate commitment, specifically the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC), has on college attractiveness, which is measured in terms …
- Posted Jan. 12, 2021
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Higher Education Institutions: a strategy towards sustainability
- University of Lisbon
The purpose of this paper is to guide higher education institutions (HEIs) in accomplishing sustainability goals while strengthening their associated systems and processes. Pursuing this goal, this study proposes a …
- Posted Jan. 12, 2021
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Assessing General Attitudes Towards Sustainability Policies Among Key Stakeholders in Higher Education
- Appalachian School of Law (VA)
- Appalachian State University (NC)
This study investigated, through the use of semi-structured interviews, the general attitudes and perceptions held by key stakeholders at Appalachian State University (AppState) towards sustainability policies. Key stakeholders were determined …
- Posted Jan. 12, 2021
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Campus Sustainability Plans: A Descriptive Analysis of Sustainability Plans from Institutions of Higher Education in the United States
- Texas State University System Office (TX)
As the sustainability movement gains traction around the globe, institutions of higher education are increasingly being looked to for leadership. One established method of improving a campus’s environmental, economic, and …
- Posted Jan. 12, 2021
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Mapping sustainability efforts at the Claremont colleges
- Harvey Mudd College (CA)
The purpose of this study is to map and analyze sustainability activities and relationships at the seven Claremont Colleges and graduate institutions using social network analysis (SNA) to inform sustainability …
- Posted Jan. 12, 2021
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An empirical assessment of administration and planning activity and their impact on the realization of sustainability-related initiatives and programs in higher education
- Bucknell University (PA)
Administrators in higher-education settings routinely create planning documents that help steer the organization in mission-centric ways. In the area of sustainability planning, strategic plans, sustainability plans and climate action plans …
- Posted Jan. 12, 2021
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Wasted Food Solutions: University of Rhode Island Spotlight
- University of Rhode Island (RI)
- Center for EcoTechnology (MA)
With approximately 17,000 students and 3,800 faculty and staff, meal planning across the University of Rhode Island’s (URI) two dining halls, four cafés, and retail dining outlet, means surplus food …
- Posted Jan. 12, 2021
- Outreach Materials
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Higher Education Institutions: Partners in Social & Economic Community Resilience
- Central Community College (NE)
- University at Buffalo (NY)
- Second Nature (MA)
- AASHE (MA)
- Higher Education Associations Sustainability Consortium (HEASC) (PA)
This webinar is is brought to you by the Higher Education Associations Sustainability Consortium (HEASC) with support from Second Nature and the American Society of Adaptation Professionals (ASAP).
There is …
- Posted Oct. 29, 2020
- Videos & Webinars
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Role of Universities Towards Achieving Climate Change-Related SDGs: Case of Chinhoyi University of Technology, Zimbabwe
- University of São Paulo
Institutions of Higher Education, particularly universities contribute immensely to the United Nations landmark 2030 agenda and the achievement of its Sustainable Development Goals—the SDGs. Universities are uniquely placed to broken …
- Posted Oct. 23, 2020
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An Analysis of Greenhouse-Gas Reduction Commitment, Diffusion and Success in the Higher Education Sector
- North Carolina A&T State University (NC)
This research evaluates the GHG reduction progress of higher-education institutions (HEIs) working with these organizations. Data on these HEIs was analyzed statistically to answer four questions: First, do the HEIs …
- Posted Oct. 23, 2020
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Sustainability Performance in American Higher Education: A Multiple Case Study of Four Exemplary Institutions That Participated in the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System
- Florida Atlantic University (FL)
The purpose of this study was to describe the campus sustainability performance at four exemplary higher education institutions, i.e., Doctoral, Master’s, Baccalaureate, and Associate’s, as measured by the Sustainability Tracking, …
- Posted Oct. 23, 2020
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Toward Sustainable Communities: Solutions for Citizens and Their Governments, 4th edition
- Arizona State University (AZ)
- Simon Fraser University (BC)
The need to make our communities sustainable is more urgent than ever before. Toward Sustainable Communities remains the single most useful resource for creating vibrant, healthy, equitable, economically viable places. …
- Posted Oct. 23, 2020
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Developing University-Initiated Offsets and Using Peer Verification
- Duke University (NC)
- University of California, Berkeley (CA)
- University of California, Davis (CA)
- AASHE (MA)
The Offset Network is an online platform for colleges and universities considering the development of their own emission-reducing projects to fulfill carbon neutrality commitments. Self-generated offsets offer greater flexibility than …
- Posted Oct. 15, 2020
- Videos & Webinars
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CSU Monterey Bay - Living Community Challenge - Biophilic Design Study
- California State University, Monterey Bay (CA)
In partnership with an environmental studies research course, CSU Monterey Bay developed a Biophilic Design Framework Study. With this study, we will be able to inform future projects, ensuring that …
- Posted Oct. 14, 2020
- Photographs
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Cornell University Campus
- Cornell University (NY)
Cornell University in Ithaca, NY is a public land-grant institution taking bold leadership action to ensure a climate-resilient and sustainable future for our campus, New York State, and the world. …
- Posted Oct. 13, 2020
- Photographs
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Appalachian State University - The Impact Clinic
- Appalachian State University (NC)
The Impact Clinic - The Impact Clinic at Appalachian State University is an applied learning initiative that partners teams of faculty and students with local business representatives to evaluate the …
- Posted Oct. 8, 2020
- Photographs
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9 Things You Can Do This Week to Address Racial Equity, Social Justice, and Sustainability
- AASHE (MA)
9 things you can do this week to address racial equity, social justice, and sustainability on your campus or at your organization.
- Posted Oct. 8, 2020
- Tools
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The Campus Divestment From Police College and University Toolkit
- UnKoch My Campus (DC)
This toolkit is intended to help students create targeted letter-writing campaigns to call on their respective institutions to cut ties with police, envision a future without police presence on campus, …
- Posted Oct. 8, 2020
- Tools
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Closing Racial Equity Gaps
- University of Southern California (CA)
The Center for Urban Education at the University of Southern California identified five obstacles that stand in the way of racial equity at the system level and present five essential …
- Posted Oct. 8, 2020
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Making the Business Case for Sustainability
- Environmental Association for Universities & Colleges (EAUC) (Gloucestershire)
- University of Edinburgh
Sustainability is key to institutional success over the long-term. It provides critical opportunities for value creation and risk mitigation at a time when universities and colleges are looking for ways …
- Posted Oct. 8, 2020
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Draft Environmental Justice Framework
- Princeton University (NJ)
We in the Office of Sustainability, as a primarily white staff in a predominately white field, recognize the inherent privilege assigned to us by a broken system. While we cannot …
- Posted Oct. 8, 2020
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Making the Business Case for Campus Sustainability
- Gordian (SC)
In this report, Sightlines (a Gordian company) highlights how environmental sustainability programs at higher education institutions would reduce operating costs via increased efficiency measures as well as attract sustainability-minded students …
- Posted Oct. 8, 2020
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Dartmouth Sustainability Office Inclusivity & Diversity Action Plan
- Dartmouth College (NH)
The Dartmouth Sustainability Office challenges and empowers Dartmouth College and our students to solve the human and environmental problems presented by a rapidly changing planet. We do this via hands …
- Posted Oct. 8, 2020
- Publications
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ACUPCC Selected Bibliography
- Second Nature (MA)
Doctoral and Masters theses and peer reviewed research on climate commitments related to the Presidents' Climate Leadership Commitment (formerly the ACUPCC).
- Posted Oct. 6, 2020
- Tools
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San Jose State University - Housing Crisis Mitigation Plan photo
- San Jose State University (CA)
SCI 2020 Housing Crisis Mitigation Plan photo submission
- Posted Oct. 5, 2020
- Photographs
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San Jose State University - System-wide single-use plastics policy
- San Jose State University (CA)
2020 SCI. System-wide single-use plastics policy highlight picture.
- Posted Oct. 5, 2020
- Photographs
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Centre for Smart Infrastructure and Digital Construction
- Swinburne University of Technology
Civil infrastructure research at Swinburne is undertaken within the Centre for Smart Infrastructure and Digital Construction (CSI). Infrastructure is critical to the economic wellbeing of Australia with some $30 billion …
- Posted Sept. 22, 2020
- Research Centers & Institutes
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Butterworth Outer Ring Road Community Engagement Day
- Universiti Sains Malaysia
Community engagement day held at the Bagan Dalam Butterworth. The community is a B40 community from different ethnicity such as Malay, Indian and migrant workers. Migrant workers include Rohingya, Nepalese, …
- Posted Sept. 11, 2020
- Outreach Materials
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Higher Education for Sustainability after the Sh*t Hits the Fan
- West Chester University of Pennsylvania (PA)
- AASHE (MA)
This webinar will engage participants in deep dialogue and a thought experiment aimed at articulating transformational climate initiatives and generating momentum for overcoming barriers to action. The science tells us …
- Posted Sept. 10, 2020
- Videos & Webinars
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The role of planning in implementing sustainable development in a higher education context
- University of Beira Interior
- University of Passo Fundo
- University of Applied Sciences Zittau/Görlitz
- Bournemouth University (Dorset)
- Manchester Metropolitan University
- Universität Bonn (Köln)
- University of Malta (Northern Harbor District)
- Amirkabir University of Technology
- University of the Aegean (Lesvos)
- Hamburg University of Applied Sciences
The implementation of sustainable development in higher education is an important goal, and one which requires much planning. The many recurring problems and barriers that hinder the attainment of sustainable …
- Posted Aug. 28, 2020
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Integrative Approaches to Sustainable Development at University Level
- Hamburg University of Applied Sciences
- University of Beira Interior
- University of Passo Fundo
- Manchester Metropolitan University
This book documents and compares the experiences of a wide range of universities across the five continents with regard to sustainable development, making it of special interest to sustainability researchers …
- Posted Aug. 28, 2020
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Universities of Sanctuary Ireland (UoSI) Guidelines on Becoming a University of Sanctuary
- Places of Sanctuary Ireland
Places of Sanctuary Ireland has a Universities of Sanctuary Ireland (UoSI) stream, a sister network to the Universities of Sanctuary UK stream, that encourages and celebrates the good practice of …
- Posted Aug. 28, 2020
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Universities of Sanctuary Resource Pack
- City of Sanctuary UK
The City of Sanctuary organization has a Universities of Sanctuary stream that recognizes and celebrates universities that welcome sanctuary seekers into their communities and foster a culture of inclusion.
This …
- Posted Aug. 28, 2020
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Data File: 2020 Higher Education Sustainability Staffing Survey
- AASHE (MA)
Along with publishing the 2020 Staffing Survey Report, AASHE is continuing in the tradition of making respondent data from the 2020 Higher Education Sustainability Staffing Survey available to AASHE …
- Posted Aug. 24, 2020
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2020 Higher Education Sustainability Professionals Survey & Report
- AASHE (MA)
The 2020 report presents the results of the 2020 Higher Education Sustainability Professionals Survey, and serves as an update to our 2017 report. It examines the nature of sustainability positions …
- Posted Aug. 24, 2020
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Arrive as Intern, Depart Further on the Path to Sustainabilista
- Auburn University (AL)
- AASHE (MA)
Change will not happen because we care about or understand sustainability issues. Change will happen because we are equipped and empowered to act on what we care and know about. …
- Posted Aug. 20, 2020
- Videos & Webinars
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On-Campus Composting: How to Start, Evolve, and Overcome Challenges
- Colorado State University (CO)
- Fort Lewis College (CO)
- Princeton University (NJ)
- St. John's University, New York (NY)
- Western Michigan University (MI)
- AASHE (MA)
Is your campus considering starting an on-site composting program, but doesn’t know where to start or which system to choose? Or does your campus want to grow its program or …
- Posted July 16, 2020
- Videos & Webinars
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STARS Aligned: Using the Sustainability Tracking Assessment & Rating System to Report on Contributions to the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals
- AASHE (MA)
This guide demonstrates how institutions can use the Sustainability Tracking Assessment & Rating System (STARS) to report on their contributions to the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals.
- Posted July 13, 2020
- Publications
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Integrating climate and food policies in higher education: a case study of the University of California
- University of California, Office of the President (CA)
- University of California, Los Angeles (CA)
- University of California, Santa Barbara (CA)
Most climate change mitigation policies, including those of higher education institutions, do not include food system greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE). Yet the food system contributes ~30% of anthropogenic GHGE, mostly …
- Posted July 10, 2020
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Addressing Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Business-Related Air Travel at Public Institutions: A Case Study of the University of British Columbia
- University of British Columbia (BC)
Aviation is one of the fastest growing sources of greenhouse gas emissions, yet is not addressed in most national-, regional-, municipal-, or institutional-level climate action plans. There is a tremendous …
- Posted July 10, 2020
- Publications
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UVM’s Roadmap to Zero Waste: Effective Strategies for Enhancing Zero Waste Management Goals at the University of Vermont
- University of Vermont (VT)
This senior thesis seeks to provide effective strategies for enhancing Zero Waste management goals at the University of Vermont by incorporating the needs of campus stakeholders. As the global garbage …
- Posted July 10, 2020
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Assessing the Feasibility, Costs, and Benefits of Transitioning Part of the University of South Carolina Shuttle Fleet to an Alternative Fuel Source and Promoting Anti-idling Strategies
- University of South Carolina (SC)
The current University of South Carolina shuttle fleet is made up of eleven (11) light duty shuttles and thirteen (13) heavy duty school buses, all of which rely on gasoline …
- Posted July 10, 2020
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Achieving Carbon Neutrality at Arizona State University
- Arizona State University (AZ)
In 2019, Arizona State University achieved carbon neutrality for scope 1 and 2 emissions. Through this accomplishment, ASU seeks to inspire immediate action to address the climate emergency. Despite reaching …
- Posted July 9, 2020
- Case Studies
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Sustainability Literacy in a Time of Socio-Ecological Crisis: Using Reaccreditation as a Leverage Point for Innovation in Higher Education
- College of Charleston (SC)
- University of Kentucky (KY)
This article presents a case study of innovation in sustainability education in higher education. It does so by explaining the to-date progress of a multi-year reaccreditation process begun in 2016 …
- Posted June 12, 2020
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National Climate Seminar: How to Solve Climate Change By 2030
- Bard College (NY)
Hunter Lovins discusses how to solve climate change by 2030.
- Posted June 12, 2020
- Videos & Webinars
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Community College Sustainability Guidebook Webinar
- University of Hawaii Kapiolani Community College (HI)
- Global Council Science and the Environment (DC)
- Sustainability Curriculum Consortium (MD)
This webinar will describe the particular challenges and opportunities of teaching sustainability at community colleges. SCC advisory board member Krista Hiser will present a sneak preview of the forthcoming Community …
- Posted May 28, 2020
- Videos & Webinars
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UC Berkeley Move Out Programming 2020 - Safety During COVID-19
- University of California, Berkeley (CA)
The UC Berkeley 2020 Student Move Out Coalition, in partnership with the City of Berkeley and UC Berkeley's Government & Community Relations office, compiled and created resources allowing for students …
- Posted May 28, 2020
- Outreach Materials
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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.