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
Beyond Campus: Down on the Farm, Opportunities & Challenges for a University Permaculture Project
- Meredith College (NC)
Pacific University's B Street Permaculture Project is an emerging grassroots organization and demonstration site whose mission is to provide inspiration and information about environmentally sensitive, sustainable living practices for Pacific …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Winthrop University: Regenerative Design
- Moseley Architects (VA)
A recent master plan moved the core of campus to a new location. The first building completed is the "West Center." This building pays homage to the 1915 building it …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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The Next Step: Developing and Implementing Climate Action Plans for Reducing Net GHG Emissions
- National Wildlife Federation (VA)
With the challenge so critical and the stakes so high, the need for climate leadership has never been greater. The good news is that the higher education sector is responding …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Against the Wind: How to Fan the Flames of Institutional Transformation.
- North Carolina State University (NC)
Despite the fact that the UN's vision for sustainable development calls for an integration of competing social, economic and ecological interests, the practice in higher education has focused primarily on …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Learning from Experience: Collaboration for Campus Carbon Cutbacks
- Rocky Mountain Institute (CO)
This poster will reveal some preliminary findings from Rocky Mountain Institute's (RMI) new research project: Accelerating Campus Climate-Change Initiatives. RMI is partnering with AASHE to develop a comprehensive research report …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Sustainability from Scratch
- St. Petersburg College (FL)
This presentation will focus on how one "late blooming" college launched a multifaceted sustainability program. From having a fairly embryonic program a year ago, St. Petersburg College formed a Sustainability …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Sustainable Stanford: Leading Campus Sustainability in the 21st Century
- Stanford University (CA)
With sustainability as a core value for Stanford, the progressive projects in operations, buildings, transportation, and IT are indeed defining leadership in campus sustainability in the 21st century.The university has …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Choosing the Right Metrics and Measuring the ROI of Sustainability Strategies
- Strategic Measures, Inc. (NC)
Proving financial value and profitability of sustainability is fast becoming a key performance indicator for the higher education sector however, these outcomes are not often measured for lack of an …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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The College Sustainability Report Card
- Sustainable Endowments Institute (MA)
The College Sustainability Report Card is the only independent evaluation of campus and endowment sustainability activities at colleges and universities. The Report Card is designed to identify schools that are …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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From Operations to Mission: Finding Points of Pedagogical Leverage in Campus Sustainability Initiatives
- University of California, Santa Cruz (CA)
Drawing on case studies and research conducted at the University of California Santa Cruz, this paper discusses the integration of campus sustainability initiatives and academic curriculum in universities. It explores …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Launching Sustainability at the University of Hawaii at Manoa
- University of Hawaii at Manoa (HI)
The Sustainable Saunders initiative at the University of Hawaii at Manoa is an inspiring case study of students leading the way for campus and state-wide sustainability. The interdisciplinary student team …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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The Evolving Role of Sustainability Coordinator: What Do They Do?
- University of Minnesota, Morris (MN)
This presentation will describe the journey of the first campus sustainability coordinator (CSC) at the University of Minnesota, Morris (UMM)-- a small liberal arts college in rural Minnesota over the …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Go Big or Go Home: Branding Canada's Green University
- University of Northern British Columbia (BC)
In 2007, the University of Northern British Columbia trademarked the phrase, "Canada's Green University." In many ways, it's a perfect brand for UNBC: the proportion of environmental teaching and research …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Field Report on The University of Oklahoma Sustainability and Green Initiatives and Actions
- University of Oklahoma (OK)
Green activity at OU has increased significantly over the past two years. A great deal of this is due to the structure that AASHE has provided as well as recent …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Toward Sustainable Decision Making
- Warren Wilson College (NC)
Shaping a sustainable future is the most pressing work of our time. To respond to this challenge, we must account for our profound influence upon the interdependent web of economic, …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Problem-Based Learning for Campus Sustainability: Design and Implementation of Western Washington University's Campus Sustainability Assessment
- Western Washington University (WA)
Campus sustainability assessments using a problem-based learning pedagogy pose a unique opportunity for sustainability education for both higher education institutions and students. Student research teams at Western Washington University were …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Service Learning - Moving from Planning to Action in the First Year
- Wright State University (OH)
During 2005-2006 Wright State University's First Year Experience program was recognized nationally through its inclusion as one of 13 four-year institutions in the Foundations of Excellence in the First College …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Innovation in Action: Leveraging a Whole Systems Approach to Sustainability Planning at UBC’s Okanagan Campus
- University of British Columbia (BC)
Higher education is called to advance, demonstrate and model best practices in sustainability. But how can sustainability leaders move this agenda forward against the backdrop of current funding pressures and …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Sustainability Officers Workshop
- University of Hawaii - West Oahu (HI)
- University of British Columbia (BC)
The purpose of the Sustainability Officers workshop is to:
Provide a space for networking and relationship building amongst higher education sustainability professionals
Build our toolkit of skills to effectively engage …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University: A Case Study in Sustainability
- Saint John's University (MN)
College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University (CSB/SJU) embarked actively on incorporating sustainability into operations and education by declaring 2010-2011 as the Year of Sustainability. This focus was a …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Written in the STARS: Correlations Between Performance & Best Practices
- University of Toronto (ON)
The STARS assessment framework presents a very interesting and informative set of data that measures both environmental performance and adoption of best practices. Gathering both types of information allows for …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Fostering Resilient Communities through Innovative, Integrated Partnerships and Projects: UBC Okanagan Campus Sustainable Community Development
- University of British Columbia (BC)
Universities provide a leadership role by developing and mobilizing knowledge and innovation to meet societal needs. In fulfilling this mission, universities can also serve as agents of sustainable change and …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Implementing Sustainability at Liberal Arts Colleges
- College of Saint Benedict (MN)
- Middlebury College (VT)
- Evergreen State College, The (WA)
- Warren Wilson College (NC)
As they develop their vision and agenda for their campus, sustainability leaders face important, strategic choices regarding the most efficient, effective ways to structure their work to embed sustainability more …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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AASHE, USGBC, NWF and Second Nature Announcement
- National Wildlife Federation (VA)
- Second Nature (MA)
- U.S. Green Building Council (DC)
- AASHE (MA)
Meghan Fay Zahniser from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), Julian Keniry from the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), Jaime Van Mourik from the U.S. Green …
- Posted Feb. 25, 2016
- Videos & Webinars
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CCPS Environmental Management & Assessment Major
- Drury University (MO)
The College of Graduate & Continuing Studies offers an associate of science in environmental management. Courses are designed to provide a basis for understanding the science of environmental management. The …
- Posted Feb. 25, 2016
- Academic Programs
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Environmental Risk Assessment Certificate
- University of Illinois, Springfield (IL)
Risk assessment is a frequently used tool in environmental analysis. The graduate certificate in environmental risk assessment provides students with the professional education necessary to perform risk assessment operations for …
- Posted Feb. 25, 2016
- Academic Programs
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Master of Environmental Assessment Online
- North Carolina State University (NC)
The Master of Environmental Assessment Degree and the Graduate Certificate in Environmental Assessment programs are internet-based Distance Education programs. There are no seated or face-to-face classes, which allows us to …
- Posted Feb. 25, 2016
- Academic Programs
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2015 Higher Education Sustainability Staffing Survey
- AASHE (MA)
AASHE has been conducting a survey of campus sustainability staff since 2008. This report presents the results of the 2015 Higher Education Sustainability Staffing Survey. It examines the nature of …
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
- Publications
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Is STARS Worth the Investment? Furman University’s Point of View
- Furman University (SC)
After devoting much of the past fifteen months to painstakingly completing Furman’s first Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) 2.0 submission, while juggling myriad other professional and personal endeavors, …
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
- Publications
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Listening Project Report: Recap
- AASHE (MA)
Through the ongoing Listening Project (LP), the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) is working to instill a listening culture throughout our programs and operations. However …
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
- Publications
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AASHE’s Board Retreat Insight
- AASHE (MA)
The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) held a board retreat in early March at Stanford University. At the retreat we honed in on AASHE's strategic …
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
- Publications
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The Role of Collaborative Review in Achieving STARS Platinum
- Colorado State University (CO)
- AASHE (MA)
Colorado State University (CSU) has become the first institution to earn a Platinum rating in the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS). This achievement highlights the continuous improvement that …
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
- Publications
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The AASHE Collaborative Vision Tree – A Study in Creative Assessment and Feedback Processes
- Portland State University (OR)
- AASHE (MA)
To build a resilient sustainability movement in higher education, we need to bring together diverse perspectives and work to design collaborative solutions. This paradigm shift includes refining the processes by …
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
- Publications
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Integrating Project Evaluation into Funding Environmental Sustainability at Universities
Initiatives to promote environmental sustainability on American higher education campuses have spurred a wide range of expenditures involving many diverse decision-makers, including new committees led by students serving in short-term …
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
- Publications
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Canadian STARS-Rated Campus Sustainability Plans: Priorities, Plan Creation and Design
- Dalhousie University (NS)
The use of integrated sustainability plans is an emerging trend in higher education institutions (HEIs) to set sustainability priorities and to create a work plan for action. This paper analyses …
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
- Publications
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Guide to Creating & Managing Sustainability Internship Programs
- Connecticut College (CT)
- University of Richmond (VA)
- AASHE (MA)
This How-To Guide explores best practices for establishing and managing highly effective Sustainability Internship Programs (SIPs). It presents information for individuals seeking guidance on creating new SIPs (Chapter 2), or …
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
- Publications
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The Unsuspected Teachers: Environmental Identity and Sustainability Education in the Anthropocene
- Pennsylvania State University (PA)
People in higher education institutions are designing, advocating, and implementing curricular changes for sustainability and ecological literacy. This study sought to understand the environmental identities of sustainability education advocates working …
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
- Publications
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2014 Higher Education Sustainability Review
- AASHE (MA)
During its annual analysis of the higher education sustainability movement, the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) found a significant increase in sustainability planning, campus living …
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
- Publications
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Sustainable Development and Quality Assurance in Higher Education: Transformation of Learning and Society
To help address the challenges of sustainable development, higher education institutions must transform themselves, bringing together best practice in quality management for tertiary education with best practice in education for …
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
- Publications
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Growth or Decline? The Form and Function of the Sustainability Agenda in Higher Education
- University at Albany (NY)
Literature on organizational strategy in higher education suggests that colleges adapt to new circumstances based on differing motivations: some colleges are seeking new growth strategies while others are trying to …
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
- Publications
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The University of Hawai'i System Heads Toward its First Sustainability Policy
- Hawaii Pacific University (HI)
- University of Hawaii Maui College (HI)
- University of Hawaii at Hilo (HI)
- AASHE (MA)
This month AASHE was invited to give a keynote presentation and overview of its Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) at the first-ever Hawai’i Sustainability in Higher Education Summit. …
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
- Publications
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2013 Higher Education Sustainability Review
- AASHE (MA)
This year’s Higher Education Sustainability Review highlights the achievements of more than 60 institutions across the globe. You’ll find inspiring examples of regional and global partnerships for sustainability, student-led fossil …
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
- Publications
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Presidential Voices Interview Series: Beverly Daniel Tatum, Spelman College
- Spelman College (GA)
Beverly Daniel Tatum, Spelman College President since 2002, is our guest for this interview. Spelman is America's oldest historically Black college for women, and a leading liberal arts institution. It …
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
- Publications
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Presidential Voices Interview Series: Jo Ann M. Gora, Ball State University
- Ball State University (IN)
Jo Ann M. Gora, our guest for this interview, became President of Ball State University in 2004. She was one of 12 charter signatories to the American College & University …
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
- Publications
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Envisioning the Carbon-Neutral Campus: Planning for Reduced Energy Consumption at St. Olaf College
- St. Olaf College (MN)
- University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (MN)
Four practices impacting campus carbon neutrality are increasingly common at Colleges and Universities in the United States: faculty and students are engaging in hands-on sustainability curriculum, facilities personnel are analyzing …
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
- Publications
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Assessing Sustainability Knowledge of a Student Population: Developing a Tool to Measure Knowledge in the Environmental, Economic, and Social Domains
- The Ohio State University (OH)
Purpose: The purpose of this article is to present a tool for assessing the sustainability knowledge of an undergraduate population.
Design/methodology/approach: Multiple-choice questions were developed through soliciting expert …
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
- Publications
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University of California, Santa Barbara Water Action Plan
- University of California, Santa Barbara (CA)
The University of California, Office of the President, has required that UC campuses prepare a water action plan that defines a strategy for reducing potable water use 20% by 2020. …
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
- Publications
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Presidential Voices Interview Series: Wim Wiewel, Portland State University
- Portland State University (OR)
Wim Wiewel, President of Portland State University, is our guest for this interview. Dr. Wiewel serves on the steering committee of the American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment. Under …
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
- Publications
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Presidential Voices Interview Series: James H. Mullen, Allegheny College
- Allegheny College (PA)
With this interview, AASHE is pleased to launch our Presidential Voices interview series, featuring conversations with inspiring sustainability leaders who play unique roles as heads of higher education institutions or …
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
- Publications
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Resilience vs. Campus Sustainability?
The transition from an exploitive business plan for the planet to a sustainable one has gone through a few iterations—and we are definitely not there yet—but we keep trying. In …
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
- Publications
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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.