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
The INDICARE-model – measuring and caring about participation in higher education's sustainability assessment
The implementation of sustainability in higher education has been advanced over at least the last two decades and brought sustainability assessment on the research agenda of Education for Sustainable Development …
- Posted Nov. 14, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Embodying Tao in the ‘Restorative University’
- Universiti Sains Malaysia
- Schumacher College
This paper proposes a new generative metaphor, the ‘Restorative University’ which embodies an associated Taoist human–nature narrative. It aims to counter what is contextualized here as the bio-cultural disconnection of …
- Posted Nov. 10, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Participatory processes in sustainable universities – what to assess?
Purpose
This paper aims to connect participatory sustainability implementation with sustainability assessment, exploring learning theories, the principles of Higher Education for Sustainable Development (HESD) and respective indicators applied in the …
- Posted Nov. 10, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Communities of Opportunity: Smart Growth Strategies For Colleges and Universities
- National Association of College & University Business Officers (NACUBO) (DC)
- Ayers Saint Gross (MD)
This publication provides an overview of smart growth strategies and the better outcomes that these strategies have yielded when adopted by colleges and universities and communities across the country. It …
- Posted Nov. 3, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Validating the Need to Include the Economic Returns of Graduates as a Metric of a Higher Education Institutions Level of Sustainability
- Eastern Michigan University (MI)
- Technische Universiteit Delft
Higher education institutions play an important role in sustainability, in their own management and operation, in research and education, and in the undergraduate and graduate degrees they deliver. Often ignored, …
- Posted Nov. 3, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Stakeholders Perceptions of a Universal Sustainability Assessment in Higher Education - A Review of Empirical Evidence
- Eastern Michigan University (MI)
- Technische Universiteit Delft
The progress of sustainability within higher education has steadily increased in focus over the last decade and has increasingly become a topic of academic research. As institutions investigate, implement and …
- Posted Nov. 3, 2016
- Publications
- View more
UCSB and Campus Sustainability Group Come to Agreement
- University of California, Santa Barbara (CA)
This article describes an agreement regarding University of California, Santa Barbara's Long Range Development Plan between the University and Sustainable University Now (SUN), a coalition of community organizations). The agreement …
- Posted Nov. 1, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Campus prosociality as a sustainability indicator
- Arizona State University (AZ)
- University of Maine (ME)
Purpose - Prosociality may in part determine sustainability behavior. Prior research indicates that pro-environmental behavior correlates with prosocial attitudes, and separately, that prosociality correlates with social support in homes and …
- Posted Nov. 1, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Comparative Analysis of Ecological Footprint on Ecological Campus of an Urban University in China
- Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology
The componential method of ecological footprint is applied to estimate the ecological footprint of the Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology (XAUAT) in 2011. An EF value for the urban …
- Posted Oct. 28, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Use of Life Cycle Assessment methodology in the analysis of Ecological Footprint Assessment results to evaluate the environmental performance of universities
- Universitat Politècnica de València (Valencia)
The assessment of the environmental performance of an organization is an essential part of the decision-making process of an Environmental Management System. Having robust indicators enables a reliable assessment. The …
- Posted Oct. 28, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Application of the componential method for ecological footprint calculation of a Chinese university campus
The componential method of ecological footprint is applied to estimate the ecological footprint of Northeastern University (NEU) in 2003. The components considered in this study include energy (coal, natural gas, …
- Posted Oct. 28, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Composite indicators for a sustainable campus—Design rationale and methodology: The case of the Catholic Institute of Lille
Having first appeared in the mid-1990s, policy actions for improving how sustainable development principles are put into practice on university campuses have been growing more and more. This has taken …
- Posted Oct. 28, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Using ecological footprint analysis in higher education: Campus operations, policy development and educational purposes
- UC Leuven-Limburg
- KU Leuven
Ecological footprint analysis has been used worldwide in a variety of organizations (enterprise, public authorities, non-governmental organizations, (higher) educational institutions) and at different levels (personal level, (parts of) organizations, cities, …
- Posted Oct. 28, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Framework for the inter-comparison of ecological footprint of universities
The ecological footprint (EF) method represents the suitability of a given population on the carrying capacity of the total system. It was developed in order to measure the relationship between …
- Posted Oct. 28, 2016
- Publications
- View more
An urban university’s ecological footprint and the effect of climate change
- University of Illinois Chicago (IL)
Ecological footprint analysis (EFA) has been used since the early 1990s as a measure of sustainability for geographical regions, products, and activities. EFA is used as a measure of land …
- Posted Oct. 28, 2016
- Publications
- View more
From Ecocity To Ecocampus: Sustainability Policies In University Campuses
- Universidad Autonoma de Madrid (Madrid)
Cities generate environmental impacts that have focused the global interest of scientists and authorities on the search for environment-friendly alternatives. The ‘Ecocity’ concept provides an innovative and sustainable vision of …
- Posted Oct. 26, 2016
- Publications
- View more
2016 Sustainable Campus Index
- AASHE (MA)
The 2016 Sustainable Campus Index (SCI) recognizes top-performing colleges and universities in 17 distinct aspects of sustainability, as measured by the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS). In response …
- Posted Oct. 24, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Climate & Energy Strategy
- University of California, Santa Cruz (CA)
UC Santa Cruz convenes staff, students and faculty to discuss how to meet the UC systemwide goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2025 and next steps for implementation of the …
- Posted Sept. 14, 2016
- Photographs
- View more
UBC Sustainability - University Boulevard
- University of British Columbia (BC)
Using our campus as a living lab model, we are treating our campus as one interconnected system. We are continuously implementing strategies to effectively manage campus energy, water, waste, food …
- Posted Sept. 12, 2016
- Photographs
- View more
Western Michigan University Office for Sustainability Engagement Initiatives
- Western Michigan University (MI)
Western Michigan University's Office for Sustainability
- Posted Sept. 12, 2016
- Photographs
- View more
UBC Sustainability - Canadian Flag
- University of British Columbia (BC)
A first university in Canada to open a sustainability office and develop a sustainable development policy, UBC developed a 20-year sustainability strategy as a long-term framework to embed sustainability across …
- Posted Sept. 12, 2016
- Photographs
- View more
UBC Sustainability
- University of British Columbia (BC)
The university is working to embed sustainability across teaching, learning and research, operations and infrastructure, and the community.
- Posted Sept. 12, 2016
- Photographs
- View more
Mills Sustainability Center Grand Opening
- Mills College (CA)
The Grand Opening of the Mills Sustainability Center in 2008. The Sustainability Center serves as a hub for sustainability education and collaboration.
- Posted Sept. 12, 2016
- Photographs
- View more
Climate Ready BU - Assessing the Campus for the Impacts of Climate Change
- Boston University (MA)
Much of the Boston University campuses are located less than five feet above today's high tide. With projections for sea level rise a cause for concern this century, the University …
- Posted Sept. 12, 2016
- Photographs
- View more
A proposal for measuring sustainability in universities: a case study of Spain
Purpose
Numerous sustainability assessment tools are being created and applied in the higher education sector. In light of such diversity, there is a need to provide a common guideline for …
- Posted Sept. 12, 2016
- Publications
- View more
The comprehensiveness of competing higher education sustainability assessments
- Davidson College (NC)
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the comprehensiveness of competing higher education sustainability assessments. Higher education institutions (HEIs) have been increasingly communicating their sustainability commitments to the …
- Posted Sept. 12, 2016
- Publications
- View more
SUNY Polytechnic Institute Sustainability Path
- State University of New York Polytechnic Institute (NY)
Solar PV and small wind turbine demonstration project funded by SUNY Small Grant Sustainability Fund
- Posted Sept. 12, 2016
- Photographs
- View more
UNCG Collaborative Planning for Key Thoroughfare
- University of North Carolina, Greensboro (NC)
Model community engagement that resulted in a mixed use village-style development on a major municipal thoroughfare in Greensboro, North Carolina.
- Posted Sept. 12, 2016
- Photographs
- View more
Sustainable Business Roundtable at UBuffalo
- University at Buffalo (NY)
The University at Buffalo initiated a partnership in recent years with Erie County and a small group of key business leaders throughout the region to assess the feasibility of creating …
- Posted Sept. 12, 2016
- Photographs
- View more
New Student Sustainability Fee Impacts Buildings, Research, and Student Activities
- Frostburg State University (MD)
A part of the newly implemented Student Sustainability Fee was allocated to competitive grants open to students, faculty and staff. In the first round of competition, the fee was able …
- Posted Sept. 9, 2016
- Photographs
- View more
Solar field and rooftop installations at the David Ames Clock Farm at Stonehill College
- Stonehill College (MA)
The 15 acre solar field and two rooftop installations include 9,625 panels with a combined production of 3.384 million kWh per year, which covers 20% of Stonehill’s annual electrical consumption.
- Posted Sept. 9, 2016
- Photographs
- View more
Ecoroof Management Plan
- Portland State University (OR)
The Broadway Residence Hall at Portland State University received LEED Silver certification in 2004,with a combination of sustainable construction practices and green building features, including a 18,000 square foot ecoroof, …
- Posted Sept. 9, 2016
- Photographs
- View more
Making an Impact with STARS Benchmarking
- AASHE (MA)
STARS is more than just a rating system, and can also be used for benchmarking, gap analysis, and celebrating progress. This session explores features and tools from the STARS website, …
- Posted Sept. 8, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
A Practical Guide to the United Nations Global Compact for Higher Education Institutions
This publication offers guidelines for higher education institutions in implementing the ten principles of the UN Global Compact within the organization and then leading their global adoption.
- Posted Sept. 6, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Sustainability reporting and performance management in universities: Challenges and benefits
- Monash University (VIC)
Purpose
This article aims to provide a perspective on sustainability reporting and performance management in the university sector making a case for increased accountability, improved (management of) performance and greater …
- Posted Sept. 6, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Rebranding the WKU Office of Sustainability
- Western Kentucky University (KY)
Since its inception in 2008, the WKU Office of Sustainability has struggled with general program and initiative awareness as well as student engagement in university sponsored sustainability activities. Attempts to …
- Posted Sept. 6, 2016
- Publications
- View more
CSR Reporting and the University
- Western Kentucky University (KY)
There is currently no mandatory Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) reporting standards for institutions of higher learning (universities) in the U.S. There is also no established governing or regulatory body designated …
- Posted Sept. 6, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Higher education: the quest for the sustainable campus
- Harvard University (MA)
In this article, the author reflects on her experiences the founding director of Harvard University’s Green Campus Initiative. She describes how the campus sustainability movement has evolved from an initial …
- Posted Aug. 29, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Health Educators Climate Commitment
- Columbia University (NY)
The Health Educators Climate Commitment is a pledge by 118 medical, public health, and nursing schools from 15 countries to train their students to address the health impacts of climate …
- Posted Aug. 23, 2016
- Tools
- View more
Leadership in Collaboration for the Higher Education Sector: HEASC 2008 Annual Report
- Second Nature (MA)
- Higher Education Associations Sustainability Consortium (HEASC) (PA)
This report describes the collective and individual activities of each of the members of the Higher Education Associations Sustainability Consortium (HEASC), a network of higher education associations working together to …
- Posted Aug. 19, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Understanding the Management of Sustainability on One Public Midwestern College Campus
- Eastern Illinois University (IL)
Environmental sustainability is a substantial issue within our world today that is on the forefront of policy makers' minds. Implementation of sustainability initiatives on a college campus comes in many …
- Posted Aug. 18, 2016
- Publications
- View more
From theory to practice : an analysis of transformative social innovation at the University of British Columbia
- University of British Columbia (BC)
Higher education institutions are striving to become both models and leaders in innovation for sustainable development, as sustainability is becoming a growing priority around the world. The approaches adopted by …
- Posted Aug. 18, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Sustainability Assessment of Higher Education Institutions in Saudi Arabia
- King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals
Universities are paramount change drivers in bringing about a culture of sustainability in society by setting themselves up as models and nurseries for sustainable development. Thus, assessment of sustainability integration …
- Posted Aug. 12, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Net Zero Water Planning Toolkit
- Brendle Group (CO)
The Net Zero Water (NZW) Planning Toolkit is intended to standardize and simplify water analysis and planning, while also maximizing economic returns and environmental benefits. The toolkit includes four phases …
- Posted Aug. 12, 2016
- Tools
- View more
Sustainability in higher education through the perspective of CSU campus presidents
- California State University, Long Beach (CA)
Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) play a central role in global efforts toward environmental sustainability. With 23 campuses, the California State University (CSU) is the largest higher education system in …
- Posted Aug. 8, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Open Letter to Sustainability Evaluating Organizations
- AASHE (MA)
Below is the Open Letter to Sustainability Evaluating Organizations, posted to the AASHE Discussion Forums on July 19, 2010 (FAQs included). Original signatories are indicated in the PDF, and the …
- Posted Aug. 4, 2016
- Publications
- View more
HBCU Green Report 2014
- Clark Atlanta University (GA)
The 2014 HBCU Green Report, which is based on a survey of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), indicates that there is significant activity underway on HBCU campuses to promote …
- Posted Aug. 2, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Minority-Serving Institutions Green Report: 2010 Campus Sustainability Survey
- United Negro College Fund (GA)
The Minority-Serving Institutions Green Report shares the results of a 2010 survey of minority-serving institutions administered by the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Institute for Capacity Building and the Sustainable …
- Posted Aug. 2, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Campus Diversity and Inclusion resources website
- American Council on Education (DC)
The Campus Diversity and Inclusion resources website from the American Council on Education (ACE) showcases regularly updated featured content on the following campus diversity and inclusion topics:
- Racial/ethnic minority students …
- Posted July 29, 2016
- Tools
- View more
Communicating Sustainability Online: An Examination of Corporate, Nonprofit, and University Websites
- Pennsylvania State University (PA)
Sustainability, here defined as environmental quality and well-being, has emerged as a core business strategy and a focal area of investigation among communication scholars. This study analyzed sustainability landing pages …
- Posted July 28, 2016
- Publications
- 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.