Public Engagement
Introduction
Engagement in community problem-solving is fundamental to sustainability. By engaging with community members and organizations in the governmental, non-profit and for-profit sectors, institutions can help solve sustainability challenges. Community engagement can help students develop leadership skills while deepening their understandings of practical, real-world problems and the process of creating solutions.
Featured Resources
New Resources
STARS 2010: A Year in Review
- AASHE (MA)
This report details the sustainability efforts found in the inaugural submissions to the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment, Rating & System (STARS), such as sustainability research opportunities, sustainable dining efforts, and campus-wide ...
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
- Publications
- View more
2011 Higher Education Sustainability Review
- AASHE (MA)
Looking through the lens of AASHE Bulletin stories in 2011, this year's review reveals an increased focus on higher education access, affordability, and success; more green building efforts than ...
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Starting from Scratch: Greening Your Game Day
- AASHE (MA)
- Keep America Beautiful (CT)
- College & University Recycling Coalition (DC)
Supported by AASHE, Keep America Beautiful, and the College and University Recycling Coalition, this toolkit provides a guide for institutions of higher education across the country to implement or improve ...
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Cross-Border Carbon Footprints: University Study Abroad and Carbon Offsetting Programs
- American University (DC)
The progress made in the past decade in incorporating higher education institutions into the carbon emissions reduction equation is remarkable. Organizations like the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in ...
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Real-world learning opportunities in sustainability: from classroom into the real world
Academic sustainability programs aim to develop key competencies in sustainability, including problem-solving skills and the ability to collaborate successfully with experts and stakeholders. These key competencies may be most fully ...
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Creating Carbon Offsets: A New Alternative for Colleges and Universities?
- Whitman College (WA)
Mandatory and voluntary carbon offsets have been promoted as an important part of the solution to the climate crisis. They are touted for their economic and environmental efficiency as well ...
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
- Publications
- View more
2010 Higher Education Sustainability Review
- AASHE (MA)
Revealing new ways of thinking about and incorporating sustainability into campus operations, planning and curriculum, the "2010 Campus Sustainability Review" takes a look at the higher education sustainability movement through ...
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
- Publications
- View more
2009 Collegiate Athletic Department Sustainability Survey Report
- AASHE (MA)
Shows that while sustainability efforts appear to be growing within collegiate athletics, commitment to sustainability is lower among athletic departments than compared to their institutions as a whole and to ...
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
- Publications
- View more
AASHE Digest 2009
- AASHE (MA)
Includes over 1,250 stories that catalog a broadening and deepening commitment to campus sustainability by colleges and universities in the U.S. and Canada. The 380-page report categorizes stories ...
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Appropedia as a Tool for Service Learning in Sustainable Development
Numerous studies have demonstrated that university students are capable of contributing to sustainable development while improving their academic skills. Unfortunately for many institutions, the expense of sending large cohorts of ...
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
- Publications
- View more
SOGreen: An environmental undertaking for the School of Government
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (NC)
In January of 2008, four Masters of Public Administration students launched the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Government's (SOG) initiative towards more sustainable facilities and operations: "SOGreen." The School of ...
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
- Publications
- View more
AASHE Digest 2008
- AASHE (MA)
Includes over 1,350 stories that illustrate the continued expansion of sustainability practices into every sector of campus. Initiatives from nearly 700 institutions are organized into 28 chapters, spanning education ...
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Interview with Senator Bernie Sanders on Federal Support for Campus Sustainability
- AASHE (MA)
In late December, the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 was signed into law. The Act included language introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders (VT) that authorizes $250 million annually ...
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
- Publications
- View more
AASHE Digest 2007
- AASHE (MA)
Includes over 800 stories about higher education institutions that are leading the way to a sustainable future. It is organized into 24 chapters spanning education, research, campus operations, administration, and ...
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
- Publications
- View more
AASHE Digest 2006
- AASHE (MA)
Includes over 600 stories about higher education institutions that are leading the way to a sustainable future. It is organized into 8 chapters covering: 1) institutional change, 2) education and ...
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Community partner indicators of engagement: An action research study on campus-community partnership
- Antioch University (OH)
The central purpose of this research study was to develop common indicators of engagement for civic initiatives between institutions of higher education and their community organization partners. The unique aspect ...
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
- Publications
- View more
AASHE Digest 2005
- AASHE (MA)
Includes almost 250 stories about higher education institutions that are leading the way to a sustainable future. It is organized into 8 chapters covering: Institutional Change; Education & Outreach; Social ...
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Planet U: Sustaining the World, Reinventing the University
- University of Victoria (BC)
Planet U places the university at the forefront of the sustainability movement. Questioning the university’s ability to equip society to deal with today’s serious challenges such as economic ...
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
- Publications
- View more
The Critical Role of Higher Education in Creating a Sustainable Future
- Second Nature (MA)
For the first time in history, humans are pervasive and dominant forces in the health and well-being of the earth and its inhabitants. We are the first generation capable of ...
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Community organization staff perceptions about the importance of selected practices in building effective community-university service and learning partnerships
- Louisiana State University (LA)
The purpose of this study was to explore community organization staff perceptions about the importance of selected practices in building effective community-university service and learning partnerships. The target population was ...
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Green Destiny: Universities Leading the Way to a Sustainable Future
- Pennsylvania State University (PA)
Even as universities teach their students that the vital signs of the Earth are in decline, graduates leave college to begin lives that generally contribute to, rather than mitigate, a ...
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Civic Responsibility and Higher Education
The essays in this volume center around John Dewey's mandate that American democracy requires civic engagement to realize the potential of its citizens and its communities, and that education ...
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
- Publications
- View more
The Reinvention Fund: Project Evaluation & Case Studies for Living Labs for Sustainability
- Pennsylvania State University (PA)
The Penn State Sustainability Institute created the Reinvention Fund to start an innovative "whitespace" to further transform Penn State into a Living Laboratory for Sustainability. At a time when living ...
- Posted June 19, 2015
- Case Studies
- View more
The Partnership for Action Learning in Sustainability
- University of Maryland, College Park (MD)
The Partnership for Action Learning in Sustainability, or PALS, is an innovative program at the University of Maryland that pairs faculty expertise and student ingenuity to tackle sustainability challenges facing ...
- Posted June 11, 2015
- Case Studies
- View more
The Sage Project at San Diego State University
- San Diego State University (CA)
The Sage Project is a partnership between San Diego State University (SDSU) and a local government in the San Diego region, connecting students and faculty with high-priority, high-need community projects ...
- Posted June 11, 2015
- Case Studies
- View more
Ucalgarycares Sustainable Cities Service Learning Program
- University of Calgary (AB)
Sustainable Cities launched in 2014-2015 as an addition to a suite of "ucalgarycares" service-learning programs focusing on social justice issues. This program aims for students to become engaged with urban ...
- Posted June 11, 2015
- Case Studies
- View more
Hayward Promise Neighborhood Service Learning Solutions
- California State University, East Bay (CA)
Hayward Project Neighborhood (HPN) is a place-based initiative lead by California State University East Bay (CSUEB). The purpose of HPN is to significantly improve the educational and developmental outcomes of ...
- Posted June 11, 2015
- Case Studies
- View more
UBC Sustainability Scholars Program
- University of British Columbia (BC)
Offered in collaboration with both on and off-campus sustainability partners, the UBC Sustainability Scholars Program is designed to provide UBC graduate level students - regardless of their academic discipline - practical sustainability ...
- Posted June 11, 2015
- Case Studies
- View more
Smart Communities Initiative at UTK
- University of Tennessee at Knoxville (TN)
The Smart Communities Initiative (SCI) is a new interdisciplinary program at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville which partners faculty and students across campus with one city, county, special district, or ...
- Posted June 11, 2015
- Case Studies
- View more
Prioritizing Energy Conservation and Efficiency with the Help of New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)
- University of Rochester (NY)
The University of Rochester has many competing demands for funding. Unfortunately, energy conservation projects often fall to the bottom of the priority list. By designating a point-person within the University ...
- Posted June 11, 2015
- Case Studies
- View more
Transforming a Rust Belt Community: The Sustainability Campus
- Indiana State University (IN)
Indiana State University and community partners collaborate on the development and implementation of a visionary comprehensive plan for the development of a Sustainability Campus, which transforms abandoned, formerly residential blocks ...
- Posted June 11, 2015
- Case Studies
- View more
Game Day Recycling at UTK
- University of Tennessee at Knoxville (TN)
UT Recycling is working in partnership with UT Athletics, Aramark, Office of Sustainability, and Good Sports Always Recycle to eliminate at least 90% of waste created during athletic events through ...
- Posted June 11, 2015
- Case Studies
- View more
Capital Partners Solar Project
- American University (DC)
- George Washington University (DC)
- Coho Climate Advisors (MD)
Capital Partners Solar Project (CPSP) is a solar energy project contracted by the George Washington University (GW), American University (AU), and the George Washington University Hospital (GWUH). Comprised of 52 ...
- Posted June 11, 2015
- Case Studies
- View more
Beyond Campus Roofs: Solar for the Community
- University of Utah (UT)
U Community Solar is an innovative program to give the University of Utah a local, tangible way to offset its carbon footprint over the next 20 years. The one-time program ...
- Posted June 10, 2015
- Case Studies
- View more
Duke University Carbon Offsets Initiative - Working with students, staff, and faculty to reduce GHG emissions through rooftop solar
- Duke University (NC)
In Spring 2015, Duke University launched a pioneering, renewable energy discount program for University employees. This program, developed by the Duke Carbon Offsets Initiative (DCOI) and its partners, helps reduce ...
- Posted June 10, 2015
- Case Studies
- View more
AC Climate Aware
- Algonquin College (ON)
AC Climate Aware is a collaborative grassroots effort designed to promote sustainability and internationalization. Under the leadership of SEATS, the campaign encourages dialogue within the Algonquin College community about these ...
- Posted June 10, 2015
- Case Studies
- View more
The University of Arizona Pac-12 Zero Waste Event
- University of Arizona (AZ)
With inspiration and participation from the Green Sports Alliance, all Pac-12 universities participated in a friendly competition to see who could achieve a zero-waste home basketball game during the 2014-15 ...
- Posted June 10, 2015
- Case Studies
- View more
Building Green Communities: The UA Undergraduate Off-Campus Housing Sustainability Coordinator
- University of Arizona (AZ)
The Undergraduate Off-Campus Housing Sustainability Coordinator (OCHSC) position was created at the University of Arizona (UA) two years ago. The OCHSC serves as a sustainability consultant to 28 apartment complexes ...
- Posted June 4, 2015
- Case Studies
- View more
UA Compost Cats: Students Creating Community Partnerships to Turn Garbage into Gardens and Foster Local Food Security
- University of Arizona (AZ)
Located 60 miles from the largest, landlocked port for food in North America, the student-run Compost Cats program has now forged partnerships with the City of Tucson, San Xavier Co-op ...
- Posted April 12, 2014
- Case Studies
- View more
Turning Trash Into Cash- Sustainable Social Entrepreneurship
- University of San Diego (CA)
In April 2011, the University of San Diego (USD) opened the Electronics Recycling Center (ERC), San Diego's first full-time e-waste collection facility for the public, with the intention of ...
- Posted April 12, 2014
- Case Studies
- View more
Green Impact Goes International
- MacEwan University (AB)
- National Union of Students
Recognizing that staff and student engagement is vital to successfully creating a sustainable campus, MacEwan University sought innovative ways to enable, encourage and empower people to achieve practical, tangible behavioural ...
- Posted April 11, 2014
- Case Studies
- View more
Sustainability Now and Powerful (SNAP!) International Program to Restore Landscapes, Recharge Educators, and Replenish Learning Systems
- Prescott College (AZ)
Students in Prescott College's Doctoral Program in Sustainability Education developed a program to honor and share the stories of outstanding programs across the planet in sustainability education. The program ...
- Posted April 11, 2014
- Case Studies
- View more
Neutral Gator
- University of Florida (FL)
Neutral Gator provides UF with high-impact, local carbon offsets by performing energy efficiency upgrades of low-income families' homes and planting indigenous trees on conservation land in Gainesville, FL. Through this ...
- Posted April 10, 2014
- Case Studies
- View more
Envisioning Sustainability: Implementing a Campus Community Food System at Virginia Tech
- Virginia Tech (VA)
Virginia Tech, founded in 1872 as a land grant institution, has not lost its local roots. With a nationally recognized college of Agriculture & Life Sciences, the campus has its ...
- Posted April 10, 2014
- Case Studies
- View more
Green Book: Creative Sustainable Action
- Delta College (MI)
Green Book: Creative Sustainable Action is a joint venture of the Sustainability Office and Humanities Department. Focusing on the triple bottom line—people, planet, profit—the publication is a collection ...
- Posted March 31, 2014
- Case Studies
- View more
A Unique Hawaiian Learning Approach to Sustainable Living, Island-wide
- University of Hawaii Kauai Community College (HI)
A three prong approach to providing students with campus and community-wide learning at the UH Kauai Community College encompasses and concurrently implements:
1) Curriculum review ongoing, applying the General Electric ...
- Posted March 28, 2014
- Case Studies
- View more
Sustainability@FIE ~ What can YOU do?' Holistic embedding and communication for maximum impact and engagement
- Loyola Marymount University (CA)
- FIE: Foundation for International Education (London)
Sustainability@FIE ~ What can YOU do?' - a holistic embedding and communication project, implemented in the 2013-2014 academic year in order to fully engage all Foundation for International Education (FIE) stakeholders ...
- Posted March 28, 2014
- Case Studies
- View more
GreenHouse Food Buying Club
- University of Vermont (VT)
- Sodexo USA (MD)
A student initiated program that allows on-campus students from a specific Residential Learning Community (RLC) to use a portion of their mandated meal plans to purchase a "CSA". The "CSA ...
- Posted March 28, 2014
- Case Studies
- View more
Green Leadership Program
- University of South Carolina (SC)
Sustainable Carolina's Green Leadership Program allows students to graduate with Leadership Distinction in "Professional and Civic Engagement." This comprehensive, interdisciplinary program broadens students' understanding of leadership and sustainability. During ...
- Posted March 28, 2014
- Case Studies
- View more
Strategic Sustainability Planning to Synergistic Results
- Lake Superior College (MN)
The purpose of the project was to engage primary campus stakeholders in a community training based on the internationally recognized Natural Step framework. Locally, Sustainable Twin Ports has been leading ...
- Posted March 18, 2014
- Case Studies
- 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.
EN 10: Community Partnerships
- Description of a formal community partnership to advance sustainability (first partnership)
- Description of a formal community partnership to advance sustainability (second partnership)
- Description of a formal community partnership to advance sustainability (third partnership)
- Website URL - Community partnerships to advance sustainability
EN 11: Inter-campus Collaboration
- The national or international sustainability network(s)
- The regional, state/provincial or local sustainability network(s)
- Description of sustainability conference(s) and presentation(s)
- Description of sustainability resource center or awards program and submission(s)
- Description of sustainability board or committee appointment(s)
- Description of sustainability-related mentoring relationship and activities
- Description of sustainability-related peer review activities
- Website URL - Sustainability-related inter-campus collaborations
EN 12: Continuing Education
- Percentage of continuing education courses that are sustainability course offerings
- Inventory of continuing education sustainability course offerings (upload)
- Inventory of continuing education sustainability course offerings (description)
- Description of sustainability-related continuing education certificate program(s)
- Website URL - Continuing education courses and programs in sustainability
EN 13: Community Service
- Percentage of students engaged in community service
- Number of annual community service hours contributed per student
- Description of program(s) to support employee volunteering
- Website URL- Community service programs
EN 14: Participation in Public Policy
- Description of sustainability public policy advocacy at the municipal/local level
- Description of sustainability public policy advocacy at the state/provincial/regional level
- Description of sustainability public policy advocacy at the national level
- Description of sustainability public policy advocacy at the international level
- Website URL - Sustainability advocacy efforts
EN 15: Trademark Licensing
- Description of the independent trademark monitoring and verification organization
- The labor rights code of conduct for licensees (upload)
- The labor rights code of conduct for licensees (description)
- Website URL - Trademark licensing initiatives
Additional analysis on scores and quantitative fields can be conducted using the STARS Benchmarking Tool.