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
Latest News from AASHE Bulletin
New Resources
Spreading the Word: Crafting Communications Around Large Campus Sustainability Events
- University of Washington, Seattle (WA)
UW Sustainability works with student groups and other organizations across campus in hosting two large-scale campus-wide sustainability events each year: the Sustainability Fair in October as part of Campus Sustainability …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
From Zero Energy to Energy+: Community-University-Industry Partnerships for Sustainable Housing
- Pennsylvania State University (PA)
From community design charrettes to international student design competitions, two housing research organizations at Penn State have collaborated with local affordable housing organizations and home builders to address long-term housing …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Engaging Community Partners in Resilience Planning: Catalyzing Action Beyond the College/University
- Concordia College (NY)
A relatively new part of the Climate Commitment (run by the organization Second Nature) is the mandate to engage in resilience planning. Signatories to the commitment pledge to engage with …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
The Role of Rural Campuses in Building Community Resilience and Responding to Extreme Weather
- Black Hills State University (SD)
- California State University, Chico (CA)
- Central Community College (NE)
- Second Nature (MA)
Rural colleges/universities are often one of the driving cultural and economic forces in their region. As a result of this position, they can be a great resource in the community …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Moving Toward Climate Justice Through Divestment and Community Reinvestment
- Better Future Project (MA)
All colleges have an endowment that they use to invest in a broad range of industries. Divestment is a powerful tactic where institutions can use their political and financial power …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Monetizing Campus Sustainability: Converting Operations Into Assets to Increase Revenues
- University of Colorado Boulder (CO)
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette (LA)
- Learfield IMG College (TX)
During the first couple of decades of growth in campus sustainability, 'green' operations were perceived as causing additional costs with limited direct paybacks. However, as sustainability has grown in college …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
The VCU Pocket Park: Creating a sustainability-oriented green space on a dynamic university campus
- Virginia Commonwealth University (VA)
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is a growing, changing university in the heart of the city of Richmond, VA. Green space is limited on this dense urban campus. The VCU Office …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Menus of Change University Research Collaborative: Collaboration to Change the Food System
- Boston College (MA)
The MCURC is a working group of scholars and campus dining leaders from invited colleges and universities interested in accelerating efforts to move American consumers-and college/university students, scholars, and staff …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Supporting a Sustainable Economy Through Partnership With Local Food Hubs
- Gonzaga University (WA)
- Sodexo USA (MD)
- Puget Sound Food Hub (WA)
- LINC Foods (WA)
This session will showcase how to effectively collaborate with local producers to build a more sustainable economy through increased purchases of local products and to raise awareness about food systems …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Campus Farmers Networking Meeting
- Loyola University Chicago (IL)
- University of Utah (UT)
- University of Wisconsin-Madison (WI)
Join other campus farmers and food system advocates in creating a robust, interdisciplinary network of campus-based growers and partners. Find someone in your region or across the nation to share …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
The Future of Real Food
- Real Food Challenge (MA)
The past ten years have seen a dramatic shift in real food purchasing on college and university campuses. Local food and sustainability are now common conversations in campus dining. Values …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Food Systems Down Under: Lessons from the Australian Context and The Fair Food Challenge
- University of Melbourne (Victoria)
This presentation will look at action in campus food systems in Australian universities. Australia has been slow to adopt action in campus foodscape transformation and there have been recent advancements …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Affordable Renewable Energy for the Developing World that is Creating Jobs
- University of Central Florida (FL)
In our world, there are currently 1.3B people living with no access to electricity. The lack of electricity can have negative impacts on their education, communication, safety and even health. …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Partnerships for Dramatic Energy Use Reduction On-Campus & Off
- Loyola University Chicago (IL)
- University of Pittsburgh (PA)
In most urban areas, buildings contribute at least 75% of local greenhouse gas emissions, representing an opportunity to reduce energy use through benchmarking, conservation, and efficiency. As a result, a …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Local Power: How to Partner With Local Investors to Install Renewable Energy Systems on Campus
- Luther College (IA)
This session addresses the following question associated with the conference theme: 'How can higher education most effectively collaborate with business, government and civil society to create a sustainable economy?' The …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Stronger Together - Aligning Milwaukee's Institutions and Civic Agencies for Large-Scale Renewables
- Marquette University (WI)
- Milwaukee Area Technical College (WI)
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (WI)
Urban land use, regulated utility markets, and up-front financing play into the challenges for renewable energy in Milwaukee, WI, as it does for many institutions across the country. On-site installations …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Bioenergy & Land Use Meetup
- Colgate University (NY)
- University of New Hampshire (NH)
- Second Nature (MA)
The University of New Hampshire Sustainability Institute (UNHSI) and Second Nature are facilitating a Bioenergy Working Group that is looking to answer the following questions: - Are biogenic emissions carbon …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Partners in Greening the Economy: Clean Energy and Electrification on Campus and in the Community
- Weber State University (UT)
For sustainability, we collectively need to green our economy to improve environmental and human health and wellbeing. One aspect of this larger process is to shift to clean energy sources …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Lots of Watts: Building an Energy Cohort to Buy Big Renewables
- Lafayette College (PA)
- Coho Climate Advisors (MD)
As campuses face climate action targets, or seek to manage energy budgets, large-scale renewable energy power purchase agreements (PPAs) have emerged as a practical and cost-effective way to reduce greenhouse …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
The State of Race: Unpacking Racism in America Today
- Texas A&M University (TX)
As overt racism has intensified across America in recent years, it is important to have meaningful conversations that center race at AASHE. Diversity, inclusion, and equity initiatives are becoming popular …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Seeing Sustainability Through Indigenous Eyes: Collaborative Cross-Cultural Teaching and Learning
- George Mason University (VA)
This presentation will showcase a field course offered by George Mason University in collaboration with the Maijuna indigenous group of the Peruvian Amazon. The authors worked with the Maijuna to …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Disciplinary Associations Network for Sustainability - A Networking Discussion Designed for all Educators and Academics
- U.S. Partnership for Education for Sustainable Development
All academics and educators will benefit from this session! Have fun and meet new colleagues as we explore how to help students gain the knowledge and skills to create change …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Teaching Sustainability Education through the Lens of Leadership Education
- Colorado State University (CO)
Sustainability education is a broad topic that crosses many disciplines. While some institutions offer sustainability-specific degree programs others have placed focus on implementing sustainability education within their current programs. Since …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
The Experiential Learning Lab: Coproduction Through Campus Staff/Faculty/Community Partnerships
- University of Dayton (OH)
Challenges in implementing and sustaining on- and off-campus experiential learning projects continue to deter staff, faculty and community partners from engaging in them. Persistent challenges include: student schedules and time …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Revolutionizing Sustainability Connections: Corporations, Communities, and Higher Education
- Montclair State University (NJ)
The PSEG Institute for Sustainability Studies at Montclair State University advances sustainability by developing community-engaged research projects and building educational programs through academic-corporate-public partnerships. We engage in activities that promote …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Seeing Sustainability in Your Own Backyard: Place-Based Learning and the Liberal Arts
- Goshen College (IN)
Goshen College students have a unique opportunity to live, learn, and research at the 1,189-acre nature sanctuary called Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center. Located near Wolf Lake, Indiana, Merry Lea …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
"Living Labs" that Integrate Sustainability Education, Community Engagement & Workforce Development
- Boston University (MA)
- Indiana University Bloomington (IN)
- University of New Hampshire (NH)
A growing number of sustainability-related internships, practicum and fellowship opportunities are available, and increasingly, such programs are also working explicitly to integrate with community sustainability efforts, becoming network hubs and …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Self-Congratulatory Sustainability/Sustainability Light: Just What Are We Teaching?
- Olympic College (WA)
All over the United States, colleges tout their hyperlocal sustainability and recycling programs. Many do a thoughtful job of introducing students to aspects of sustainability, including the complex, ongoing effort …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Networking Meeting: Sustainability Curriculum Consortium (SCC)
- Sustainability Curriculum Consortium (MD)
The Sustainability Curriculum Consortium (SCC), an AASHE member organization, will convene a networking session at the AASHE 2019 Conference. This session will allow participants in SCC activities to engage in …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Campus as Lab - Networking Session
- Portland State University (OR)
The Campus as Lab Networking Session will provide an opportunity for both new and experienced campus as lab practitioners and researchers to meet, network and share best practices.
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Engineering for One Planet: Join a growing interdisciplinary community to define and foster environmentally responsible engineering
- The Lemelson Foundation (OR)
- VentureWell (MA)
Hosted by The Lemelson Foundation and VentureWell, this panel will provide attendees with an opportunity to learn about and join a multi-disciplinary, multi-sector initiative to co-create a framework to integrate …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Only Connect: Learning English and American Culture Through Service Learning and the SDGs
- Portland State University (OR)
This session will present various ways in which different ESL instructors have come together to engage their students in sustainability work, both inside and outside the classroom. The 17 SDGs …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Sustainability Curriculum: Status Quo or Transformation?
- Ripon College (WI)
In the last several years, we have witnessed a growing number of sustainability undergraduate programs across the United States. Often stemming from the work of existing departments, these programs address …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Preparing Students for Success Through Sustainability Competencies, Community and Hope
- University of Georgia (GA)
As sustainability educators we need to prepare students to address the challenges of sustainability in every field and for positions that have not even been developed yet. In addition to …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Catalyzing Careers in Sustainability: Benefits of Community Engaged Course Design
- Indiana University South Bend (IN)
As Nathan Hensley of Bowling Green State University described in the March 24, 2017 issue of The Journal of Sustainability Education, sustainability education should be based on 'transformative, experiential, and …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Learn to Lead the World Climate Simulation, a Mock UN Climate Negotiation
- University of Massachusetts Lowell (MA)
- University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (MN)
Learn to lead a World Climate Simulation - a mock United Nations (UN) climate negotiation meeting - on your campus or community. As a facilitator for the World Climate Simulation, …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Ivy+ Meeting
- GreenerU (MA)
This session will act as the monthly Full Consortium meeting for the members of the Ivy+ Sustainability Consortium. During this meeting, the group will discuss consortium projects, updates, and governance. …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Transition Campuses: Can Transition Towns Offer a Replicable Model?
- College of Charleston (SC)
This presentation provides an overview of the recent Transition Town/Transition Movement (TM), both in the US and globally, and then reflects on the strengths and weaknesses of this model of …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Sustainability Partnership of the Northern Rockies (SPNR) Networking Meeting
- Gonzaga University (WA)
- University of Montana (MT)
The Sustainability Partnership of the Northern Rockies (SPNR) is a regional network that brings together sustainability practitioners from Eastern Washington, Idaho, Montana, and other smaller schools in and around this …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Climate Leadership Commitments Implementation Liaison Networking Meeting
- Second Nature (MA)
Implementation Liaisons (ILs) of the Presidents' Climate Leadership Commitments and those interested in learning about the Climate Leadership Network will hear from Second Nature staff about recent accomplishments, progress, and …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Canadian Networking Session
- University of Calgary (AB)
Meet with other Canadian conference attendees for an informal networking session. Put faces to some familiar names and create new contacts along the way as well. Feel free to bring …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Starting from Scratch: Facilitation and Planning Tools for New Sustainability Officers
- San Mateo County Community College District Office (CA)
- Contra Costa Community College District (CA)
Sustainability positions are often relatively new additions to higher education institutions, requiring immediate collaboration with internal stakeholders, and community and business partners. Deeply entrenched internal politics, shifting leadership, and changing …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
STARS Reporting Assurance: Multiple Paths to Quality Data
- Arizona State University (AZ)
- Knox College (IL)
- University of Colorado Colorado Springs (CO)
- University of South Carolina (SC)
- University of Wisconsin-River Falls (WI)
- GreenerU (MA)
With the launch of STARS 2.2, the system for ensuring data quality in STARS reporting continues to evolve and mature. This session will consist of a brief traditional panel paired …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Community College Networking Meeting
- Johnson County Community College (KS)
This annual networking session will encourage community college staff/students/faculty to share their accomplishments from the previous year. Further, structured networking around certain topics will encourage practitioners to share best practices …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
International Networking Meeting 2019
- Georgia Institute of Technology (GA)
- Portland Community College (OR)
Members of the international community and anyone interested in international issues or collaboration are invited to join in a networking meeting to share resources, challenges, and ideas from our countries, …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Green Events: A Student Intern Approach to Sustainable Campus Gatherings
- University of Wisconsin-Madison (WI)
This informational session will provide attendees with an in-depth look at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Office of Sustainability Green Events Program. This program began in 2018 as a collaboration between …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
The State of Sustainability in Higher Ed: Managing to Make a Difference
- Smith College (MA)
- Stanford University (CA)
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (NC)
- University of Connecticut (CT)
Managing a college or university sustainability program is a tough job under normal circumstances. But in the current era of political divisiveness and ideological extremes, sustainability issues and goals can …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Climate Resilience and Economic Development: Unlikely Bedfellows in a Small Community
- Black Hills State University (SD)
- Verdis Group (NE)
In 2018, Black Hills State University began a climate resiliency planning process for the campus and surrounding community of Spearfish, South Dakota (pop. 12,000). With the help of Verdis Group, …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Best Practices for Inter-Institutional Emissions Benchmarking
- Duke University (NC)
- Harvard University (MA)
- Stanford University (CA)
- University of Pennsylvania (PA)
- Yale University (CT)
The Ivy+ Sustainability Consortium is a collective of 14 higher education universities that share and develop best practices for sustainability. In an effort to better understand the consortium's collective emissions …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
The Book of Fails - Learning from our mistakes through pictures and storytelling (and a few laughs)
- Johnson County Community College (KS)
Working in campus sustainability can put you into all kinds of strange situations. From learning that powdered cheese doesn't mix well into wet food scraps in the compost mixer, to …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- 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.