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
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New Resources
Exploring the Web-based Promotion of Sustainability in KBOR Institutions: Strategies for Design & Implications for Practice
- Pittsburg State University (KS)
To more fully understand how the concept of sustainability is represented by institutions of higher education in the state of Kansas, a scoping review of web-based content through university websites …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
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Comparing Move Out Programs: Sharing Perspectives on Waste Diversion, Campus & Community Collaboration, & Sustainability Goals.
- Colorado State University (CO)
- University of Iowa (IA)
- University of Wisconsin-Madison (WI)
- Wilfrid Laurier University (ON)
Be part of an interactive discussion where 4 universities share their move out program from the perspectives of Housing, Sustainability, Facilities & Surplus & learn ways to advance sustainability, reuse …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
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Aligning Endowment Investments with the Paris Climate Agreement & the Sustainable Development Goals
- Second Nature (MA)
- Trio (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
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Fishing for Solutions: How Sourcing Sustainable and Affordable Seafood Fits into Your Campus Foodservice and Sustainability Programs
- University of Colorado Boulder (CO)
- Monterey Bay Aquarium (CA)
- Sea to Table (NY)
- Changing Tastes (MA)
What's for dinner? Fish! And a chance to promote ocean conservation, increase seafood consumption on campus, and engage students in sustainability. Chefs, nutritionists and food activists have advised an increase …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
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Rookies, Newbies, Imposters, & Not-Yet-Experts: Navigating Newness, Isolation, and/or Competence for Sustainability Professionals in Higher Education
- East Carolina University (NC)
- Emory University (GA)
- Harvey Mudd College (CA)
- Indiana University Bloomington (IN)
- Marquette University (WI)
- University of Illinois Chicago (IL)
- University of Tennessee at Knoxville (TN)
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
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Black Hills State University recognized for sustainability projects
- Black Hills State University (SD)
- AASHE (MA)
Black Hills State University is one of three winners for the international AASHE Sustainability Awards. BHSU is being honored by AASHE for the Black Hills Food Hub, a program launched …
- Posted Nov. 30, 2017
- Publications
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The Key to Sustainable Purchasing - Radical Supply Chain Transparency
- Georgetown University (DC)
- Harvard University (MA)
- AASHE (MA)
- Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council (MA)
By definition, you can’t really know what is happening in your institution’s supply chain if you don’t even know where your supply chain is. Yet, few purchasers demand that level …
- Posted Nov. 7, 2017
- Videos & Webinars
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Learning Our Way Toward Resilience
- Island Press (DC)
- Post Carbon Institute (OR)
This is an excerpt of Chapter 14 from The Community Resilience Reader: Essential Resources for an Era of Upheaval. Resilience education is about building our individual and community capacities …
- Posted Nov. 1, 2017
- Publications
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Market Data: Building Energy Management Systems
This report from Navigant Research analyzes the global market for building energy management systems (BEMSs), examining technology trends, and providing forecasts, segmented by region, offering type, and customer type, through …
- Posted Oct. 25, 2017
- Publications
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Green Chemistry Research Report
This market assessment by Pike Research estimates the current size of the green chemical industry - which includes waste minimization in the chemical production process; replacement of existing products with …
- Posted Oct. 25, 2017
- Publications
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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
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Higher Education’s Anchor Mission: Measuring Place-Based Engagement
- Cleveland State University (OH)
- Drexel University (PA)
- Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Newark Campus (NJ)
- SUNY Buffalo State (NY)
- University of Missouri-St. Louis (MO)
- Virginia Commonwealth University (VA)
The report examines how an ongoing—and expanding—effort to track the impact of colleges and universities on the financial and social well-being of their surrounding neighborhoods is helping these anchor institutions …
- Posted Oct. 25, 2017
- Publications
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Public-Public Partnerships for a New Paradigm in the Civic Role of the University
- California State University, Chico (CA)
Recognizing the need to proactively prepare engaged citizens for the dynamic socioeconomic and environmental conditions of the 21st century, the Institute for Sustainable Development at California State University (CSU), Chico, …
- Posted Oct. 20, 2017
- Publications
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Teaming Up To Fight Blight and Promote Sustainability: An Academic-Governmental Collaboration for Sustainable Development
- Albany Law School (NY)
- University at Albany (NY)
This article describes a town-gown collaboration in the capital region of New York State between two academic institutions, Albany Law School and the University at Albany, and two city governments, …
- Posted Oct. 20, 2017
- Publications
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Sustainability in Science Museums sustainABLE (R) Activity Kits
- Arizona State University (AZ)
The Sustainability in Science Museums program has developed the sustainABLE® Activity Kits to engage families in sustainability practices and principles. More than 70 kits have been distributed worldwide, engaging more …
- Posted Oct. 14, 2017
- Photographs
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Sustainability in Science Museums
- Arizona State University (AZ)
The Sustainability in Science Museums program, one of the Rob and Melani Walton Sustainability Solutions Initiatives at Arizona State University, invites professionals from science museums and centers from around the …
- Posted Oct. 14, 2017
- Photographs
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The Kaleidoscope Project
- University of Calgary (AB)
The Kaleidoscope project at University of Calgary envisions a more pluralistic and inclusive campus community and invites students to engage in learning, conversation and action with others who may have …
- Posted Oct. 14, 2017
- Photographs
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SOU Students Celebrating Arbor Day
- Southern Oregon University (OR)
SOU students and the community came together to celebrate Arbor Day and Bee Campus USA by planting 6,000 native plants for pollinators throughout campus.
- Posted Oct. 14, 2017
- Photographs
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Stanford raises environmental standard for Middle Plaza project following concerns
- Stanford University (CA)
Following concerns raised by a local nonprofit, Stanford agreed to raise environmental standards for its Middle Plaza Project in Menlo Park. The new 8.4-acre mixed-use project will include 215 rental …
- Posted Oct. 11, 2017
- Publications
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Campus Engagement; Diversity & Affordability
- Northwestern University (IL)
The Change Makers program at Northwestern University allows professional staff and faculty members to engage in a personal journey to create a more inclusive environment at Northwestern University. Change Makers …
- Posted Oct. 11, 2017
- Photographs
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Sustainability Scholar 2016 - University of Alberta
- University of Alberta (AB)
The Sustainability Scholars program provides University of Alberta graduate students opportunities to work on applied research projects with the City of Edmonton, campus units and other institutions. Successful projects provide …
- Posted Oct. 10, 2017
- Photographs
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Sustainability Scholar 2015 - University of Alberta
- University of Alberta (AB)
Research Report - Executive Summary
The Sustainability Scholars program provides University of Alberta graduate students opportunities to work on applied research projects with the City of Edmonton, campus units and …
- Posted Oct. 10, 2017
- Photographs
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Bike to Breakfast at Utah State University
- Utah State University (UT)
USU bikes to breakfast to celebrate the beginning and end of the National Bike Challenge. USU celebrated its 5th year and 4th win in the National Bike Challenge.
- Posted Oct. 6, 2017
- Photographs
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Core Concepts for Teaching Sustainability: Using “Tips” to Deepen Learning across the Disciplines, Grade Levels and Cultures
- Colorado State University (CO)
- AASHE (MA)
Sustainability is one of those big, complex concepts that defy easy definition or simple responses yet demand attention to our collective well-being. Some Native Americans would judge the worth of …
- Posted Sept. 28, 2017
- Videos & Webinars
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Building commitment to sustainability through habitat restoration: A case study of Valley Forge Christian College
- Valley Forge Christian College (PA)
This sustainability initiative was created to improve the campus habitat for wildlife and to motivate students to begin new sustainability initiatives. A habitat restoration and educational outreach plan called “Habitat …
- Posted Sept. 28, 2017
- Publications
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Global Citizenship Education: Preparing learners for the challenges of the 21st century
- UNESCO
This publication explores the concept of Global Citizenship Education (GCE), which it argues has a critical role to play in equipping learners with competencies to deal with the dynamic and …
- Posted Sept. 28, 2017
- Publications
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#EKULocal Festival
- Eastern Kentucky University (KY)
On September 7th, 2017, the Office of Sustainability at Eastern Kentucky University hosted its second annual #EKULocal Festival. The festival featured live music, fun activites, fresh produce, and a variety …
- Posted Sept. 28, 2017
- Photographs
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Careers in Sustainability: Current Job Trends and Future Growth
This report, based on interviews with 658 Canadian organizations, provides insight on key sustainability employment trends in Canada. It finds that over 50,000 professionals spend 50% or more of their …
- Posted Sept. 21, 2017
- Publications
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Now Hiring: The Growth of America’s Clean Energy & Sustainability Jobs
- Environmental Defense Fund (DC)
This report examines the growth of sustainability jobs in the United States. Key findings include:
- Sustainability jobs represent a large and growing portion of the U.S. workforce across multiple sectors. …
- Posted Sept. 21, 2017
- Publications
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Developing strategies and leaders to succeed in a new era of sustainability: Findings and insights from the United Nations Global Compact‐Accenture CEO Study
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify leading CEOs’ views on sustainability and how they believe it is impacting the business environment, with a particular focus on …
- Posted Sept. 18, 2017
- Publications
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Higher Education Paving the Way to Sustainable Development: A Global Perspective
The International Association of Universities (IAU), a membership organization, which brings together about 650 higher education institutions and organizations from some 130 countries, launched its first Global Survey on the …
- Posted Sept. 18, 2017
- Publications
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Hospitality employers’ perceptions of technology for sustainable development: The implications for graduate employability
This paper investigates hospitality employers’ perspectives of two key interdisciplinary subjects, i.e. sustainable development and information technology in the context of hospitality education, particularly graduate employability. A qualitative approach is …
- Posted Sept. 11, 2017
- Publications
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Solar Energy Technology Licensed
- University of California, Davis (CA)
A new licensing deal between the University of California, Davis and Q1 NanoSystems has established terms for exclusive licensing of a package of jointly-owned intellectual property stemming from inventions both …
- Posted Sept. 11, 2017
- Publications
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The Alt-Right on Campus: What Students Need to Know
Taken from the Aug. 10, 2017 press release (linked at the bottom):
An old and familiar poison is being spread on college campuses these days: the idea that America should …
- Posted Aug. 31, 2017
- Publications
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Sustainability: A Touchstone Concept for University Operations, Education, and Research
- Pennsylvania State University (PA)
Many, both within and outside the university, argue that we need a new paradigm to guide society in the 21st century--a paradigm organized around the principle of "sustainability." Although there …
- Posted Aug. 28, 2017
- Publications
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Global perspectives: aligning agendas?
- Bournemouth University (Dorset)
- University of London
In recent years there has been a growth in interest amongst a number of universities in the UK and elsewhere in the world on reflecting upon the contribution of higher …
- Posted Aug. 28, 2017
- Publications
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Greening Technical and Vocational Education and Training: A practical guide for institutions
- UNESCO
This Guide is designed to help leaders and practitioners of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in improving their understanding and implementation of education for sustainable development (ESD) using …
- Posted Aug. 28, 2017
- Publications
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Parks and Sustainability
- Kent State University - Stark (OH)
Picture of a student in Kent State University at Stark's Introduction to Watershed Studies. This course was created through a park and campus partnership.
- Posted Aug. 15, 2017
- Photographs
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Asian deals for UNSW solar technology
- UNSW Sydney (NSW)
This press release describes three new technology licensing agreements between and the University of New South Wales and solar cell manufacturers in Asia. The first, a $1.7million licensing agreement with …
- Posted Aug. 14, 2017
- Publications
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The World Climate Simulation
- University of Massachusetts Lowell (MA)
The importance of sustainability will only grow during our students’ lifetimes, as will the need for sustainability-literate citizens and professionals of all types. We have developed an interactive and engaging …
- Posted July 21, 2017
- Course Materials
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Not Business as Usual: Fostering Civic Engagement on Climate Change
- AASHE (MA)
- U.S. Partnership for Education for Sustainable Development
- Higher Education Associations Sustainability Consortium (HEASC) (PA)
- Citizens' Climate Lobby (CA)
Scientists are in consensus that the world needs to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions in order to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, and this cannot be accomplished by …
- Posted July 13, 2017
- Videos & Webinars
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Breaking Through Gridlock: The Power of Conversation in a Polarized World
Think about the last time you tried to talk with someone about political, social, or environmental issues who didn’t already agree with you. How well did it go?
All too …
- Posted July 7, 2017
- Publications
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Toward sustainable educational travel
- Southwestern University (TX)
- Franklin University Switzerland (Ticino)
In the past decade, sustainability and global citizenship have emerged as two of the most prominent themes in contemporary higher education. Literature that specifically merges the two themes has, however, …
- Posted June 22, 2017
- Publications
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The University and the Moral Imperative of Fair Trade Coffee
This paper examines the relationship between the university and fair trade coffee campaigns in North America. In recent years, fair trade coffee sales internationally have increased substantially but have still …
- Posted June 20, 2017
- Publications
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Strengthening Knowledge Co-Production Capacity: Examining Interest in Community-University Partnerships
Building successful, enduring research partnerships is essential for improving links between knowledge and action to address sustainability challenges. Communication research can play a critical role in fostering more effective research …
- Posted June 20, 2017
- Publications
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Maximising the local economic, environmental and social benefits of a university: Lancaster University
The paper presents the main conclusions from an in-depth study of the local economic, social and environmental impacts of Lancaster University in 1991/92. The likely impacts of further expansion at …
- Posted June 20, 2017
- Publications
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Experiences of environmental professionals in practice
- Utrecht University
The purpose of this paper is to explore the labor market position of environmental science graduates and the core competencies of these environmental professionals related to their working practice.
The …
- Posted June 19, 2017
- Publications
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Employers Expectations of Graduates of Environmental Programs: An Australian Experience
The graduates of Australian tertiary environmental programs have been finding employment, yet there is little information about whether their tertiary experiences were related to the actual needs of their employers. …
- Posted June 19, 2017
- Publications
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Urban Design for Sustainability Syllabus
- Lesley University (MA)
What would a truly sustainable society look like? We will address that question, starting with a look at the rise and decline of societies and how the ideas of sustainability …
- Posted June 9, 2017
- Course Materials
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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.
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.