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
Whole-Campus Behaviour Change: Lessons from a Decade of Green Impact
- National Union of Students
Sustainability professionals know they need to engage their campus communities in sustainability but behavior change continues to be a challenge. Green Impact is a staff engagement and student development program …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Sustainable Procurement: Considerations and Best Practices
- Global Electronics Council (OR)
Strategic sustainable purchasing programs allow institutional purchasers, and colleges and universities in particular to advance the sustainable design of products and services they purchase while realizing environmental savings for their …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Leading with Circular Economy Concepts, Business Cases and Tools
- Stanford University (CA)
- Cascadia Consulting Group, Inc. (WA)
- Interface, Inc (GA)
A circular economy is an economic system aimed at minimizing waste and making the most of resources. This regenerative approach (in contrast to the traditional linear economy, which has a …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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The Design Thinking Process: User-Centered Solutions to Complex and Confounding Problems
- University of Denver (CO)
After a great first year presenting this material at AASHE 2018, we found that a half-day just isn't long enough to give this topic justice! So we're back to discuss …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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State of the Association Address: AASHE Member Meeting
- AASHE (MA)
Come join the AASHE Board and Staff while we present the AASHE 'state of the organization' address. You'll hear highlights from the member survey, programmatic priorities, and AASHE's vision for …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Navigating Employee Turnover: A Conversation with a Human Resources Director
- Davidson College (NC)
Workforce trends such as low unemployment, high rates of staff turnover, and multiple generations in the workplace have significant implications for sustainability programs. The increased mobility of senior leadership, staff, …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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A Proven Upstream Funding Model for Waste Management from the University of Kentucky
- University of Kentucky (KY)
The University of Kentucky funds several of its materials management programs by charging all university accounts a disposal fee each time they purchase materials and supplies. This system has been …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Planning for Zero Waste and Beyond
- Indiana University Bloomington (IN)
- Stanford University (CA)
- Cascadia Consulting Group, Inc. (WA)
Zero waste has been the ultimate goal for many campus recycling and sustainability departments for the last two decades. Stanford has made great strides towards this target, increasing its landfill …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Beyond Diversion: The New Zero Waste Roadmap Strategy - PLAN's Atlas Project
- Post-Landfill Action Network (NH)
While diversion has been the go-to metric for evaluating our waste reduction efforts, it skips over several levels of the waste reduction hierarchy, resulting in the prioritization of recycling and …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Dynamics of Campus Interconnectivity: The Mobility-Energy-Productivity Metric
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory (CO)
Campuses are microcosms of emerging mobility advancement to connect people with opportunities, employment, goods, and services, and where modes such as bike and car shares, electric scooters, ride-sourcing, and ride-sharing …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Charging Ahead: Plan and Collaborate to Support Electric Vehicle Adoption by Commuters and Fleets
- University of North Carolina, Charlotte (NC)
- University of Pittsburgh (PA)
- University of Florida (FL)
Vehicle electrification is creating new demands on universities to provide electrical charging stations for commuters, visitors, and campus-owned vehicles. Rapidly increasing demand for these services is evidenced by the exponential …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Safer Streets: Applying the Volpe National Side Guard Standard for Large Trucks on a Campus
- Harvard University (MA)
In February 2018, Harvard University announced a new initiative to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety by becoming the first higher education institution on the East Coast to install side guards …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Revolutionizing Transportation & Mobility Data Surveys with AI and Smart Phones: A pilot study
- State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (NY)
- B-Line Analytics (NS)
Data science, artificial intelligence and smart phones carry the potential to revolutionize transportation/mobility planning and scope 3 greenhouse house gas inventories. Traditional transportation surveys are conducted by hundreds of AASHE-member …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Getting There from Here: Improving Data Collection and Reporting Related to Commuting Impacts
- Arizona State University (AZ)
- University of Illinois Chicago (IL)
- University of New Hampshire (NH)
- Second Nature (MA)
For more than a decade, tracking greenhouse gas emissions and other impacts of commuting has been one of the more crazy-making aspects of sustainability reporting and planning. In 2019, University …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Research Findings from the Sustainability and Education Policy Network (SEPN)
- University of Saskatchewan (SK)
The Sustainability and Education Policy Network (SEPN), an international research network, has spent the last six years examining the uptake of sustainability in higher education policy and practice across Canada. …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Purchasing With Your Values
- Bow Valley College (AB)
Public institutions have to be conscious stewards of public funds when making purchasing decisions. Passing Sustainable Purchasing Policies or Procedures can help empower employees of schools to be creative and …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Supply Chain Partnerships: MSU and SPLC Pilot BENCHMARK in Higher Ed Operations
- Michigan State University (MI)
- Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council (MA)
Organizations around the world have recognized the need for supply chain sustainability in order to reduce the environmental, social and economic impacts of their purchasing while protecting and delivering value …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Leveraging Institutional Buying Power for Sustainable Procurement: A Strategizing Session
- Boston University (MA)
- University of California, Office of the President (CA)
Many colleges and universities have separate conversations with the same suppliers. Imagine the impact we could have on the environment if higher ed coordinated sustainability requests of these companies and …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Spreading the Word: Crafting Communications Around Large Campus Sustainability Events
- University of Washington, Seattle (WA)
UW Sustainability works with student groups and other organizations across campus in hosting two large-scale campus-wide sustainability events each year: the Sustainability Fair in October as part of Campus Sustainability …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Engaging Community Partners in Resilience Planning: Catalyzing Action Beyond the College/University
- Concordia College (NY)
A relatively new part of the Climate Commitment (run by the organization Second Nature) is the mandate to engage in resilience planning. Signatories to the commitment pledge to engage with …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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The Role of Rural Campuses in Building Community Resilience and Responding to Extreme Weather
- Black Hills State University (SD)
- California State University, Chico (CA)
- Central Community College (NE)
- Second Nature (MA)
Rural colleges/universities are often one of the driving cultural and economic forces in their region. As a result of this position, they can be a great resource in the community …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Connecting Consumption with Finance/Business Office to Advance Sustainability
- National Association of College & University Business Officers (NACUBO) (DC)
Many sustainability minded campus folks directly understand consumption issues and relationship to sustainability. That is not true with everyone at the campus, and this presentation will show graphics and projects …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Action in Campus Food: Developing a Framework to Measure Progress in Campus Foodscape Transformation
- University of Melbourne (Victoria)
This presentation will share the results of a systematic review of 23 institutions' campus food policies and projects using a dataset derived from the STARS food and dining reporting category. …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Strategic Planning of Energy Retrofits That Drive Cutting Edge Projects in GHG Reductions
- Humber College (ON)
In 2014, Humber College (Toronto, Canada) faced a challenge familiar to many institutions. Despite years of incremental energy efficiency gains, large reductions in energy use and greenhouse gas emissions remained …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Economies of Scale - Reducing Overhead and Increasing Efficiency Across the Organization
- University of Vermont (VT)
At colleges and universities everyone consumes energy, from the underground classrooms up to the president's office. But only a few of the staff are accountable for the incurred energy costs …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Economically and Environmentally Sustainable Utilities and Energy
- Texas A&M University (TX)
Texas A&M University (TAMU) in College Station, Texas is one of the largest universities in the country, experiencing significant growth while fulfilling a mission of world class teaching, research, and …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Campus Energy Master Planning: Innovations and Best Practices
- Michigan State University (MI)
- Stanford University (CA)
- ICF International (VA)
- United States Department of Energy (DC)
Hundreds of colleges and universities have publicly committed to carbon neutrality, with over 120 targets in the next 15 years. How are schools addressing often the largest source of emissions: …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Incorporating Stakeholder Values: Assessing Renewable Energy Options at Portland State University
- Portland State University (OR)
To determine options for renewable energy development and procurement, the Campus Sustainability Office at Portland State University (PSU) turned to it's Living Lab program to engage students in this key …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Preparing and Implementing an Energy Master Plan
- St. John's University, New York (NY)
- Antares Group Inc. (MD)
The Energy Master Plan completed for the St. John's University Queens campus provided a Roadmap for the campus to meet the GHG and energy reduction targets as a member of …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Institutionalizing Environmental Justice
- University of California, Berkeley (CA)
Are you looking to implement environmental justice at your campus but unsure how to start? How can environmental justice programs and services be institutionalized in higher education? Over the past …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Gender Pay Assessments Ensure Co-Created Economic Empowerment for Women Too
- Emory University (GA)
- Wake Forest University (NC)
No matter how you define it, women are generally paid less than men. In the United States, for example, the unadjusted average female's annual salary has commonly been cited as …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Infusing Equity into the Future We Create
- University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (MN)
How do we use our power within our institutions to help create a sustainable future for all, not just for some? Recognizing that climate change and economic transformation affects communities …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Self-Sustainability Business Model for Degree Programs in Sustainability Education
- University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (WI)
Higher education in the U.S. is experiencing budget cuts, program reductions and a decrease in state funding not to mention a decrease in enrollment and engagement of student. In response …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Preparing Graduates for the Sustainability Economy through an ILO Framework
- Humber College (ON)
We are moving toward increasingly collaborative work environments where everyone can positively impact an organization's contribution to a sustainable economy. At Toronto's Humber College, our post-secondary graduates recognize they need …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Curriculum for (re)Conceptualizing the University Campus as an Ecosystem
- University of Utah (UT)
Can the planning and operations of a university campus be reconceptualized with an ecological and systems approach, viewing the campus environment as analogous to an ecosystem? If so, then an …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Engineering for One Planet: Join a growing interdisciplinary community to define and foster environmentally responsible engineering
- The Lemelson Foundation (OR)
- VentureWell (MA)
Hosted by The Lemelson Foundation and VentureWell, this panel will provide attendees with an opportunity to learn about and join a multi-disciplinary, multi-sector initiative to co-create a framework to integrate …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Growing Strong Leaders: A Collaborative Approach
- Dartmouth College (NH)
Sustainability problems are intersectional and multi-faceted. Solving these problems will require collaboration between stakeholders working in different sectors and communities, and using different strategies. Our approach to training changemakers and …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Advancing University Sustainability via a Co-Creative Process of Assessing Barriers & Change Drivers
- Kennesaw State University (GA)
Higher education institutions increasingly aim to integrate sustainability at all levels including students, faculty, staff, and the larger community. However, universities also face barriers to enacting change towards greater sustainability, …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Institutionalizing Sustainability Literacy: Leveraging Opportunities for Sustainable Development
- College of Charleston (SC)
Creating leveraging opportunities for institutionalizing sustainability is a pervasive issue for institutions of higher education. This presentation will discuss various potential barriers encountered at the College of Charleston and how …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Design Thinking for Campus Sustainability
- University of Vermont (VT)
Design Thinking is a problem-solving approach used by many companies, including Apple - to design the mouse, Citi Bike - to develop a bike share, and Coke - to increase …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Transition Campuses: Can Transition Towns Offer a Replicable Model?
- College of Charleston (SC)
This presentation provides an overview of the recent Transition Town/Transition Movement (TM), both in the US and globally, and then reflects on the strengths and weaknesses of this model of …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Departmental Sustainability Plan: A Game Plan for Sustainability
- Texas A&M University (TX)
Recently, Texas A&M University's Department of Residence Life launched a departmental Sustainability Plan. After researching, nothing existed focusing on Residence Life & Housing; most just worked from the larger institutional …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Climate Leadership Commitments Implementation Liaison Networking Meeting
- Second Nature (MA)
Implementation Liaisons (ILs) of the Presidents' Climate Leadership Commitments and those interested in learning about the Climate Leadership Network will hear from Second Nature staff about recent accomplishments, progress, and …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Strategies for Engaging Students in Meeting Operational Sustainability Goals
- Dartmouth College (NH)
- Middlebury College (VT)
Many colleges and universities either have or strive to develop sustainability plans or goals that are implementable, while still allowing them to achieve their educational mission. At Dartmouth College, Middlebury …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Easier Said Than Done: Developing a Replicable Framework for Implementing CAP's in Higher Ed
- California State University, East Bay (CA)
- California State University, Northridge (CA)
When beginning to execute a Climate Action Plan it becomes apparent that there isn't a 'one-size-fits-all' solution or a readily available replicable framework. Having to create your own tools can …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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STARS 101: Completing Your First Report
- Baldwin Wallace University (OH)
- University of Montana (MT)
- University of St. Thomas (MN)
- AASHE (MA)
In this session, hosted by AASHE staff, first-time STARS participants will share information about how they approached the reporting process. This will be a great opportunity to learn strategies for …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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STARS Town Hall
- Elon University (NC)
- Loyola University Chicago (IL)
- University of California, Davis (CA)
- AASHE (MA)
This session will provide an opportunity for attendees to participate in a high-level discussion about potential improvements to STARS. This will be a great opportunity to learn more about the …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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How to Measure Success of Sustainability Initiatives Without Traditional Data Sources
- Barnard College (NY)
Have you ever avoided or been turned away from a project because you cannot quantify the results? Or have you implemented initiatives but have no way of determining if they …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Starting from Scratch: Facilitation and Planning Tools for New Sustainability Officers
- San Mateo County Community College District Office (CA)
- Contra Costa Community College District (CA)
Sustainability positions are often relatively new additions to higher education institutions, requiring immediate collaboration with internal stakeholders, and community and business partners. Deeply entrenched internal politics, shifting leadership, and changing …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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STARS Reporting Assurance: Multiple Paths to Quality Data
- Arizona State University (AZ)
- Knox College (IL)
- University of Colorado Colorado Springs (CO)
- University of South Carolina (SC)
- University of Wisconsin-River Falls (WI)
- GreenerU (MA)
With the launch of STARS 2.2, the system for ensuring data quality in STARS reporting continues to evolve and mature. This session will consist of a brief traditional panel paired …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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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.