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
Lead your school to carbon neutrality and 100% renewable energy.
- Second Nature (MA)
- Environment America (MA)
The Climate Leadership Network comprises more than 600 colleges and universities in every state and the District of Columbia who have committed to take action on climate and prepare students …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Transforming Sustainability at Texas A&M University
- Texas A&M University (TX)
- Ayers Saint Gross (MD)
Prior to the master plan update, Texas A&M had a series of district plans to direct campus development. These plans supported various campus districts, but where the plan boundaries met …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Managing for Triple-Bottom-Line Sustainability from the C-Suite to the Front Line Management Team
- Waste Management (TX)
- Butte County Air Quality Management District (CA)
- Dallas College (TX)
Attendees of this networking session will have the opportunity to interact with peers in all areas of sustainability through the lens of management, or 'Sustainability Management.' After a round of …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Stay Rad(ical) Post Grad
- Post-Landfill Action Network (NH)
Are you graduating? Are you panicking? Or maybe you know exactly what you want to do, but it's just a matter of making it happen. Join the staff and founder …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Beyond Diversion - Finding Better Tools to Measure Zero Waste
- Post-Landfill Action Network (NH)
While diversion has been the go-to metric for evaluating waste reduction efforts, it skips over several levels of the waste reduction hierarchy. We end up prioritizing our recycling and composting …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
- View more
AASHE STARS as a Framework for Sustainability Master Planning: Purdue University
- Heapy Engineering (OH)
- Purdue University (IN)
Alignment and integration are two of the key concepts driving Purdue University Office of Campus Master Planning and Sustainability's effort to develop a five year Sustainability Plan for Purdue Physical …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Development of a Sustainability Culture Assessment to Inform Planning
- James Madison University (VA)
Higher education institutions commonly refer to 'a culture of sustainability'; however, until very recently, few institutions have assessed the sustainability culture of the campus community. Instrument development work is nascent …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Sustainability Planning: Year One Into Implementation
- Portland Community College (OR)
- Virginia Commonwealth University (VA)
- University of Virginia (VA)
Virginia Commonwealth University began drafting their sustainability plan in 2015. The planning process relied heavily on input from both internal and external stakeholders. The planning process was so inclusive and …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Sustainability and the Capstone Experience: Lessons from 5 Years of Applied Sustainability at Southwestern University
- Southwestern University (TX)
For the past five years, the Southwestern environmental studies capstone experience has allowed students to engage with salient social, economic, and environmental sustainability issues on their campus. Each year, environmental …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Sustaining Ourselves - A Collaborative Mini-Retreat for Sustainability Professionals
- Carleton College (MN)
- Macalester College (MN)
- University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (MN)
Join sustainability professionals across Minnesota in discovering how a model of stepping away from our various institutions, discovering common challenges and building cross-institution relationships helps us sustain ourselves. The planning …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Using Sustainability-Themed Undergraduate Research Programs to Enhance Student Engagement in Research
- University at Buffalo (NY)
- University of South Dakota (SD)
- University of Nebraska - Lincoln (NE)
Sustainability research provides a framework for engaging undergraduate students from diverse disciplinary backgrounds. This session will discuss recruitment successes and opportunities for several sustainability-focused National Science Foundation Research Experiences for …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Flow State Organizations: Organizational Design for Sustainability
- Harvard University (MA)
- University of Hawaii System Office (HI)
Our existing organization model has proven to be incapable of the pace, depth and breadth of change that the sustainability agenda requires. We need to co-create flow state organizations that …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Throwing in the Towel: Lessons Learned from Launching a Paper Towel Compost Program
- Austin Community College (TX)
Waste diversion is a common thread woven throughout Austin Community College District's sustainability goals. With 11 current campus locations and new facilities added continuously, the footprint of the district is …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Social Learning Platform and Collaborative Design Process for a Net Positive Outdoor Sustainability Learning Center
- Western Michigan University (MI)
The Outdoor Education Space project is a process-centric approach to designing a net-positive education and retreat space that intends to procure community engagement by collectivizing the ideas presented and deliberated …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Learning for Sustainability Core Competencies Through an Evidence Based Internship Program
- Western Michigan University (MI)
The Wesustain Internship Program is a semester-long, paid, discovery-driven opportunity for ambitious students seeking to gain leadership experience while exploring both on and off campus sustainability projects. This program provides …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Sustainability Solidarity on Multi-Campus Community Colleges
- Central Community College (NE)
- Cuyahoga Community College (OH)
Community colleges with a single sustainability office but multiple campuses in different cities and locations face challenges to create a sustainability solidarity that extends to all sites. One main campus …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
- View more
STARS Town Hall
- Colorado State University (CO)
- Loyola University Chicago (IL)
- AASHE (MA)
This interactive session will feature a presentation from AASHE staff about the ongoing technical development of STARS and a high-level discussion about potential improvements to the program. This session will …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Climate Action (re)Boot Camp!
- University of New Hampshire (NH)
- Second Nature (MA)
Join us for a climate action boot camp! This workshop will provide a refresher on the basic components of climate action planning, and bring you up to date on reporting …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Learning the Language of Executive Leadership to Increase Sustainability's Value
- Pennsylvania State University (PA)
- U.S. Green Building Council (DC)
- Purdue University (IN)
With higher education facing a new political landscape, ongoing budget cuts and an affordability crisis, among other challenges, sustainability professionals must be able to define and communicate sustainability's value core …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Facilitating Urban Climate Resilience Planning: Experiences from 3 Cities
- Arizona State University (AZ)
- Second Nature (MA)
Climate Resilience in Urban Campuses + Communities (CRUX) is a multi-city partnership created to pilot the implementation of the resilience-related elements of the newly launched Climate Commitment. We have selected …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Sustainability Summer Camps on Campus
- Central College (IA)
- Macalester College (MN)
- University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (MN)
This workshop highlights examples from two schools utilizing the resources of campus during the summer months through sustainability-focused day camps for kids. At the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Sarita Wetland …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Accelerating Sustainability Integration through Strategic Leadership
- Denison University (OH)
- Swarthmore College (PA)
- Unity Environmental University (ME)
- University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (TX)
Positioning the institution's highest-ranking sustainability professional within an executive level leadership team is essential for advancing institutional strategy and readiness for change. C-suite sustainability provides transformational leadership that is urgently …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Diverse Paths to Success: Three High-Impact Infrastructure Projects that Reduced Energy Consumption and Emissions
- Bowling Green State University (OH)
- Rider University (NJ)
- West Chester University of Pennsylvania (PA)
- Gordian (SC)
Despite lower utility costs and longer payback periods, sustainability outcomes across Higher Education continue to improve through investment in utility & systems upgrades. According to data from the joint 2016 …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Advancing ESD Curriculum Development & Faculty Development through a Consortium Approach
- Pennsylvania State University (PA)
- Ramapo College of New Jersey (NJ)
- Sustainability Curriculum Consortium (MD)
- Green Whys Consulting (TX)
At AASHE 2015, we convened a dialogue to identify sustainability educators' challenges and recommendations to address critical needs. That successful workshop informed the launch of the Sustainability Curriculum Consortium. At …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Aligning Endowment Investments with the Paris Climate Agreement & the Sustainable Development Goals
- Second Nature (MA)
- Edison Energy (CA)
- Intentional Endowments Network (MA)
- Global Endowment Management (NC)
The past few years have seen a surge in interest and activity around how endowment investment practices can be better aligned with institutional mission, values, and sustainability goals. In large …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Climate Leadership Commitment Signatory Networking Session
- Second Nature (MA)
Climate Leadership Commitment Implementation Liaisons and those interested in learning about the Climate Leadership Network will hear from Second Nature staff about recent accomplishments, progress, and activities. This includes progress …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Breaking Through the "Green Ceiling": Sustainability as a Path to Executive Leadership
- Princeton University (NJ)
- University of Connecticut (CT)
- National Association of College & University Business Officers (NACUBO) (DC)
- AASHE (MA)
- Korn Ferry International (PA)
One way to measure the value of sustainability in higher education is to determine whether any of our more experienced and successful members have climbed the ladder and been promoted …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
- View more
A Guide to Using the new Campus Carbon and Nitrogen Footprint Tool
- University of New Hampshire (NH)
- University of Virginia (VA)
A new version of the web-based Campus Carbon Calculator will be launched in fall 2017: SIMAP (Sustainability Indicator Management and Analysis Platform). Join us for this session to learn about …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Multiple Approaches to Successfully Sustaining Your Campus as a Teaching and Living Laboratory
- Duke University (NC)
- Furman University (SC)
- North Carolina State University (NC)
- University of North Carolina, Charlotte (NC)
- University of Georgia (GA)
The concept of using campus buildings, grounds, infrastructure, resources, and systems to support research and learning in sustainability is widely accepted and recognized by assessments like STARS. This workshop will …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Strategic Alignment: Communicating Sustainability's Contributions and Value to Mission Level Priorities
- Harvard University (MA)
- Pennsylvania State University (PA)
- University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (MN)
- Second Nature (MA)
- Purdue University (IN)
Given the challenges facing higher education, from ongoing budget cuts and an affordability crisis to new political realities, sustainability professionals must identify and make a case for the ways in …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Rookies, Newbies, Imposters, & Not-Yet-Experts: Navigating Newness, Isolation, and/or Competence for Sustainability Professionals in Higher Education
- Indiana University Bloomington (IN)
- Marquette University (WI)
- East Carolina University (NC)
- University of Tennessee at Knoxville (TN)
- University of Illinois Chicago (IL)
- Harvey Mudd College (CA)
- Emory University (GA)
Panelists and audience members will share perspectives, experiences, and advice as they discuss challenges and support strategies at the intersections of newness, isolation, and competence for sustainability professionals in higher …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
- View more
EMERGE: Mindshifting Through Emergent Leadership
- AASHE (MA)
- The EMERGE Leadership Project (WA)
If mindset is the most important place to leverage change in an institution, that that’s the place we want to intervene, but our own mindset is as important if we …
- Posted Nov. 30, 2017
- Videos & Webinars
- View more
Sustainability: Designing Interdisciplinary Opportunities for Teaching
- Dallas College (TX)
The workbook is not just about sustainability, in and of itself. It is part of a larger sustainability process that: 1) illustrates how sustainability correlates with current courses; 2) provides …
- Posted Nov. 30, 2017
- Publications
- View more
2017 Sustainable Campus Index
- AASHE (MA)
This publication highlights top-performing colleges and universities in 17 impact areas and overall by institution type, as measured by the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS). This report also …
- Posted Nov. 28, 2017
- Publications
- View more
Beyond the Right Thing to Do: The Value of Sustainability in Higher Education
- AASHE (MA)
This document is intended to help higher education sustainability practitioners more powerfully articulate the value of sustainability to higher education leaders as well as the general public. As different points …
- Posted Nov. 28, 2017
- Publications
- View more
Guidelines for universities engaging in social responsibility
The Guidelines are designed to help universities to successfully incorporate USR (university social responsibility) in their strategies and everyday activities. The USR guidelines are available online in a PDF version …
- Posted Nov. 16, 2017
- Publications
- View more
UNH gets top ‘green campus’ status
- University of New Hampshire (NH)
- AASHE (MA)
Fosters.com article captures the University of New Hampshire's STARS Platinum achievement.
- Posted Oct. 25, 2017
- Publications
- View more
Integrating and Unifying Competing and Complementary Frameworks
- University of Georgia (GA)
- York University
In the field of business and society, several complementary frameworks appear to be in competition for preeminence. Although debatable, the primary contenders appear to include (a) corporate social responsibility, (b) …
- Posted Oct. 20, 2017
- Publications
- View more
Preparing Today for a Sustainable Future
- American Chemical Society (DC)
Business leaders and their academic trainers must embrace the concept of sustainability to prepare future leaders with the understanding and tools necessary to make key decisions based on more than …
- Posted Oct. 20, 2017
- Publications
- View more
Portland State University All Gender Restroom Campaign
- Portland State University (OR)
In 2015 PSU implemented an all gender restroom policy. Working with a student in our College of Art + Design, a marketing campaign was established to advertise the policy.
- Posted Oct. 20, 2017
- Photographs
- View more
JMU’s Student Outdoor Adventures Program Follows "Leave No Trace" Principles
- James Madison University (VA)
JMU’s University Recreation Department’s (UREC’s) many contributions to environmental stewardship include Adventure Program hiking, kayaking, skiing and canoeing activities that teach and follow "Leave No Trace" principles.
https://www.jmu.edu/recreation/adventure/index.shtml
- Posted Oct. 14, 2017
- Photographs
- View more
Sustainability in Governance at McGill University - 2017 Sustainable Campus Index
- McGill University (QC)
In November 2015, the template used at McGill University for Board and Senate memorandum was expanded to include a question on sustainability issues that are to be considered for motions …
- Posted Oct. 14, 2017
- Photographs
- View more
Yale Sustainability Action Planning poster session
- Yale University (CT)
Operational units and academic units celebrate their sustainability action planning efforts in a poster session event.
- Posted Oct. 12, 2017
- Photographs
- View more
Niagara College Sustainability Engagement
- Niagara College Canada (ON)
The following images depict various events and initiatives that take place at Niagara College that can be used towards students' Co-Curricular Records, and the LEAD Sustainability stream. These events include …
- Posted Oct. 11, 2017
- Photographs
- View more
Smith College Study Group on Climate Change
- Smith College (MA)
Here are several photos that we were utilized in the Report of the Smith College Study Group on Climate Change to illustrate campus work and initiatives in sustainability, including the …
- Posted Oct. 10, 2017
- Photographs
- View more
Highlights from the 2017 Higher Education Sustainability Staffing Survey
- AASHE (MA)
The 2017 Higher Education Sustainability Staffing Survey Report examines the nature of sustainability positions at colleges and universities, providing insights into salaries, funding, supervision, job satisfaction, challenges and more. AASHE …
- Posted Oct. 6, 2017
- Videos & Webinars
- View more
University Reputations and the Public: A Roadmap for Higher Education Leaders
Edelman, a public relations firm, surveyed academics and the general public to understand how the U.S. public evaluates the reputations of higher education institutions, and how these reputational drivers vary …
- Posted Sept. 18, 2017
- Publications
- View more
Getting Started with the SDGs in Universities: A guide for universities, higher education institutions, and the academic sector
The guide from the Sustainable Development Solutions Network Australia/Pacific aims to accelerate action on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It highlights the role universities specifically in Australia, New Zealand and …
- Posted Sept. 18, 2017
- Publications
- View more
Sustainability in the Higher Education System: An Opportunity to Improve Quality and Image
In view of the increasing importance attributed to social responsibility and stakeholder relationship management, more universities have expanded their research topics and their educational programs through the years. High attention …
- Posted Sept. 11, 2017
- Publications
- View more
Redacted Data: 2017 Higher Education Sustainability Staffing Survey
- AASHE (MA)
For the first time, AASHE is making a redacted version of the Higher Education Sustainabilty Staffing Survey available to AASHE members for further analysis. Our hope is that this resource …
- Posted Sept. 1, 2017
- Tools
- View more
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.