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
Accounting for Ecochauvinism: Ideological Challenges and Anti-Environmentalism
- Gonzaga University (WA)
This poster examines 'ecochauvinism,' an ideological and practical counterpart to ecofeminism and conceptual frame that debuted before the Western States Communication Association's Environmental Communication Division in Seattle, Washington, earlier this …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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WWF's Living Planet Leader certificate: Creating your living planet
- World Wildlife Fund (DC)
World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Canada's Living Planet @ Campus program can contribute to overall student success. WWF-Canada is the country's largest international conservation organization, connecting the power of a strong …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
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HEASC: What or How do 14 OTHER MAJOR Higher Education Associations Impact Sustainability?
- National Association of College & University Business Officers (NACUBO) (DC)
- U.S. Partnership for Education for Sustainable Development
Hear about how 14 MAJOR higher education associations all have their own primary purpose but STILL work on sustainability issues. Come and discuss how your president, provost, colleagues in facilities, …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Texas Regional Alliance for Campus Sustainability (TRACS) Networking Session
- Rice University (TX)
- Texas A&M University (TX)
This is a networking meeting for Texans and other parties interested in the Texas Regional Alliance for Campus Sustainability (TRACS) to connect and discuss campus sustainability topics unique to the …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Green Sports Alliance Networking Lunch
- University of Colorado Boulder (CO)
Sustainability professionals that want to expand the impact of their programs into their campus sports programs can benefit from information sharing from established practitioners. Members from collegiate Green Sports Alliance …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Sustainability Communicators Networking Meeting-- part 2
- Princeton University (NJ)
Networking opportunity for anyone engaged in sustainability communications in higher education. All are welcome!
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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How to Structure Collaborations and Communicate Wins Effectively as an Office of One
- Northern Arizona University (AZ)
With diversity and inclusivity at the core, we envision this session serving those who are either new to the industry or have years of experience - students and staff alike. …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Building a Consistent Sustainability Brand
- Lehigh University (PA)
In order to reap the full benefits of consistently communicating the values and messages that are core to your sustainability brand, it is important to design brand guidelines that define …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Upper Midwest Association for Campus Sustainability (UMACS) Networking Session
- Central College (IA)
This is an opportunity to network with others from the Upper Midwest, including Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Learn about upcoming regional events, like the UMACS Conference …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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#Strategy: Creating an Intentional Approach to Social Media
- University of Florida (FL)
Social media is a powerful tool for amplifying sustainability messaging and connecting with audiences of all ages, demographics and interests. All too often, however, managing social media can feel overwhelming …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Cool Campus Challenge - Engaging Campuses in Carbon Neutrality to Create a Culture of Sustainability
- University of California, Office of the President (CA)
- University of California, Berkeley (CA)
The University of California's Cool Campus Challenge is a friendly 4-week competition between all ten campuses in the UC system designed to educate and motivate the campus community (students, faculty, …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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From Energy to Apathy: Maintaining Positive Momentum on Student-Run Initiatives
- Iowa State University (IA)
- University of Northern Iowa (IA)
The greatest non-mandated catalyst for change at a college or university is the organized and educated student voice. A harmonized student voice creates the leaps in programming that are needed …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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How to Mobilize 1,000 Leaders in 13 Months -- 5 Simple Steps for Leaders to Win Massive Change
- Elected Officials to Protect America (SC)
- Sunrise Movement (DC)
First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, and then you win' - Gandhi. Led by a nationally-renown former elected official, this dynamic, interactive workshop …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Interfaith Engagement for Climate Action and Advocacy
- Central College (IA)
We know sustainability challenges are not just technical but deeply human, rooted in our most fundamental values and identities. Too often, however, our sustainability initiatives are disconnected from religious organizations …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Living Planet @ Campus: Graduating Post-Secondary Students with Skills to Lead in Sustainability
- Fleming College (ON)
- Niagara College Canada (ON)
- University of Windsor (ON)
- World Wildlife Fund (DC)
This panel discussion will provide an open dialogue on the benefits and challenges to meaningfully engaging student sustainability leaders on campus, and highlight how World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Canada's Living …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Harnessing the Power and Passion of Others: Four Approaches to Sustainability Engagement
- Northwestern University (IL)
- Ramapo College of New Jersey (NJ)
- University of Michigan (MI)
- Western Washington University (WA)
This session will focus on new and different approaches used to engage students, staff, faculty, and other community members in sustainability efforts. In the first half of the session, representatives …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Why so Serious? Making Space for Silliness, Humor, and Fun in Sustainability Communications
- Appalachian State University (NC)
- Colgate University (NY)
- Princeton University (NJ)
- University of Alberta (AB)
In the age of memes, gifs, and Instagram stories, silliness, humor, and fun are filling newsfeeds and inboxes. At the same time, the challenges we work to overcome as sustainability …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Linking Infamous History and Sustainability - 50 Years Since the 1969 Cuyahoga River Fire
- Case Western Reserve University (OH)
- Cuyahoga Community College (OH)
- Kent State University (OH)
2019 marks 50 years since the last and most well-known time the Cuyahoga River caught fire in 1969. Much has changed for the better in Cleveland and across the United …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Advancing Campus Sustainability Success Through an Interdisciplinary and Solutions-Oriented Approach
- University of North Carolina, Wilmington (NC)
Questions like: Can we build better, more sustainable, and with more resilience? What is the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) doing to reach its goals for sustainability on campus? …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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The Sustainable Development Goals: Needs and Challenges for Student-Led Implementation
- University of British Columbia (BC)
The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) framework is meant to provide a universal roadmap to end poverty and engage nations across the globe on common global issues. Student-led activation …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Design a permaculture garden through a co-curricular and service learning experience.
- Pikes Peak Community College (CO)
The Office of Sustainability partnered with a Group Communication Class and local permaculture guild to established a community garden at Pikes Peak Community College's Centennial Campus. Communication students interviewed five …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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A Model for Higher Education Involvement in Land Conservation: The ALPINE Network
- Lincoln Institute of Land Policy (MA)
With their academic roots, the authors of the Wildlands and Woodlands vision recognized that an untapped source of energy, skill, and commitment for land protection lies with the constituents of …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Installing Solar on Campus: A Student-Led Action Plan
- Gonzaga University (WA)
Gonzaga Renewable Investment Group will discuss options for financing renewable investments and describe how we have analyzed Gonzaga's buildings for solar panel installment. These important components are combined into one …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Award Winner Session: Cultivating Environmental Education for Students of Color
- University of California, Berkeley (CA)
The Students of Color Environmental Conference is the first ever conference for students of color that was also created and run by students of color. When traditional environmental spaces are …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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The Collaboratory: Engaging Students to Solve Authentic Problems and Create Tangible Solutions
- Pierce College (CA)
The Collaboratory at Los Angeles Pierce College is an interdisciplinary hub where faculty, students and community stakeholders work together to develop tangible solutions to authentic problems. Environmental sustainability is the …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Advancing Sustainability in Conservative Climates: Top-Down and Bottom-Up Approaches
- Sul Ross State University (TX)
- Wingate University (NC)
This panel will examine the approach to sustainability in higher education at two campuses, one public and one private, situated within challenging political and socio-economic contexts: Sul Ross State University, …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Creating A Sustainability Magazine: A Diverse, Digital Experience
- University of Maryland, College Park (MD)
Everyone wants to find creative ways to tell their campus sustainability story. With so many different options, it can be challenging to identify the best route to take. Further complicating …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Available for Download: Leveraging Generation Z's Impact on the Wellbeing Economy
- Texas A&M University (TX)
The goal of this presentation is to discuss the application of generational theory, specifically Generation Z, to principles of a wellbeing economy within a higher education setting. Generation Z students, …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Mobilizing higher education to respond to the climate crisis - Part 1
- Swarthmore College (PA)
- University of Hawaii System Office (HI)
This special, experiential session is for faculty, staff, and students who are ready to call on higher education to face the realities of climate disruption and to prepare our communities …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Convincing Our Colleagues to Fly Less: Engaging Academics on E-Conferencing
- University of Alberta (AB)
Academic conferences provide invaluable scholarly interaction, yet a reliance on air travel means conferencing has a big carbon footprint. Estimates suggest air travel can make up 15-30 per cent of …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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A proven methodology for calculating air miles traveled and associated emissions
- Columbia University (NY)
Calculating Scope 3 emissions from university related travel can be difficult, especially if data is not being collected by a designated travel agent. Columbia University has implemented a methodology to …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Put A Price On It: Winning Strong Climate Policy on Campus, State and Federal Level
- Our Climate (OR)
We are already experiencing the impacts of climate change, including increased temperatures, changes in rain and snowfall patterns, unprecedented droughts and heatwaves, stronger hurricanes, ocean acidification, sea level rise, and …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Understanding Climate Motivators, Barriers, and Required Resources for Action
- Mohawk College (ON)
Post-secondary institutions are viewed as leaders in their communities; this includes action on climate change to ensure a prosperous future for their graduates filled with opportunities for success. Though high …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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What is Carbon Neutrality for? A Framework for Sustainability Leadership Beyond Offsets
- Amherst College (MA)
- Smith College (MA)
The most important number in climate policy is zero - we need to achieve carbon neutrality as quickly as possible to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. Academic institutions …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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University of Californiac's RFI for Campus-initiated Offsets & the Offset Network Peer Verification
- Duke University (NC)
- University of California, Berkeley (CA)
- University of California, Davis (CA)
- Second Nature (MA)
The Offset Network is an online platform for colleges and universities considering the development of their own emission-reducing projects to fulfill carbon neutrality commitments. Self-generated offsets offer greater flexibility than …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Carbon Pricing on Campus IV: Networking Session for Institutions Advancing Carbon Pricing Solutions
- Arizona State University (AZ)
- Smith College (MA)
- Yale University (CT)
- Second Nature (MA)
There are now nine higher education institutions in the U.S. that have implemented some form of an internal price on carbon, and many more exploring this strategy. Following up on …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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2019 AASHE Conference & Expo Closing Ceremony
- University of Washington, Seattle (WA)
- AASHE (MA)
- 350.org (NY)
Bill McKibben, author, climate activist and environmentalist, joined higher education sustainability leaders at the 2019 AASHE Conference & Expo. His remarks helped us further explore the conference theme, "Co-Creating a …
- Posted Nov. 26, 2019
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2019 AASHE Conference & Expo Opening Ceremony
- Gonzaga University (WA)
- University of California, Davis (CA)
- AASHE (MA)
- Center for Economic Democracy (MA)
Shevanthi Daniel-Rabkin from The Democracy at Work Institute, Aaron Tanaka from the Center for Economic Democracy, and Marcus Renner from the University of California, Davis, were the opening keynote speakers …
- Posted Nov. 26, 2019
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Evaluating a collaborative governance regime in renewable energy: Wind power and the Lake Erie Energy Development Corporation (LEEDCo)
- Baldwin Wallace University (OH)
Abstract The Lake Erie Energy Development Corporation (LEEDCo) illustrates the leverage that the collaborative governance regime (CGR) brings to start-up renewable energy ventures. Called Icebreaker, the effort to build the …
- Posted Nov. 13, 2019
- Publications
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Webinar: Getting the Most Out of the 2019 AASHE Conference & Expo
- AASHE (MA)
With thousands of attendees, hundreds of sessions on a diversity of topics, dozens of exhibitors and more, AASHE’s annual conference can sometimes feel a little overwhelming. Designed to help you …
- Posted Oct. 16, 2019
- Videos & Webinars
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Managing Behavior Change: Moving Past Barriers
- AASHE (MA)
- GreenerU (MA)
Many of us set goals for ourselves. Some goals—such as losing weight, getting more exercise, or being more sustainable—are set with the best of intentions, but the reality is that …
- Posted Oct. 10, 2019
- Videos & Webinars
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Webinar: Off-Campus Move Outs… Moving in the Right Direction
- University of Cincinnati (OH)
- AASHE (MA)
Many colleges and universities have mastered on-campus move-out diversion, but off-campus student move-out is a much less tackled problem. Apartments, condos and single-family homes located off-campus generate different (and often …
- Posted Oct. 3, 2019
- Videos & Webinars
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Exciting and Effective Community – Higher Education Collaborations
- University of Wisconsin-Madison (WI)
- AASHE (MA)
- Higher Education Associations Sustainability Consortium (HEASC) (PA)
Universities are looking for new ways to benefit their local communities. Communities are looking for smart solutions to constantly changing problems. Both strive to become more resilient, sustainable, and attractive …
- Posted Aug. 15, 2019
- Videos & Webinars
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Sustainability Capstone PISA
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito - USFQ (Pichincha)
Through the Innovation and Sustainability Office, Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) in Ecuador has developed a capstone course called Social and Environmental Project (PISA is the acronym in Spanish). …
- Posted Aug. 5, 2019
- Photographs
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Luther College CSA Reimbursement Program
- Luther College (IA)
Participants in Luther College's CSA Reimbursement Program enjoy a summer workshop about seasonal vegetables.
- Posted Aug. 1, 2019
- Photographs
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Cornell Climate Change Demonstration Garden
- Cornell University (NY)
Climate Change Garden - The Cornell University Climate Change Garden is a permanent campus installation that demonstrates the impact of climate change on plant growth in New York state. Planning …
- Posted Aug. 1, 2019
- Photographs
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UCC Green Campus
- University College Cork - National University of Ireland, Cork (Co. Cork)
University of Sanctuary Status - In 2018, University College Cork - National University of Ireland, Cork was awarded the title of University of Sanctuary by Places of Sanctuary Ireland in …
- Posted Aug. 1, 2019
- Photographs
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UMass Lowell Urban Agriculture Program
- University of Massachusetts Lowell (MA)
Urban Agriculture Program - The University of Massachusetts Lowell Office of Sustainability developed an urban agriculture program in partnership with Mill City Grows, a local food justice organization. The partnership …
- Posted July 31, 2019
- Photographs
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Indigenous Strategy
- University of Calgary (AB)
Indigenous Strategy - The University of Calgary shared its Indigenous Strategy in 2017 after collecting input from over 2,200 individuals and engaging with Indigenous communities and community stakeholders. Entitled ii’taa’poh’to’p, …
- Posted July 31, 2019
- Photographs
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EPA Game Day Challenge
- Bowdoin College (ME)
Bowdoin's Green Athletics club provided education about waste reduction and composting during Bowdoin's EPA Game Day Challenge event.
- Posted July 30, 2019
- Photographs
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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.