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.
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Putting the U in Community Solar: Creating a local, meaningful offset program
- 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 Feb. 26, 2016
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Symbiotic Sustainability: Oberlin Town and Gown Collaboration
- Oberlin College (OH)
College towns across the country are facing growing economic, social, and environmental challenges. A shared vision to build a more sustainable community between city and college leaders can be a …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Fostering Social Change through Action and Recognition Programs
- Western Washington University (WA)
Sustainability is often approached from economic and environmental viewpoints which, while exceptionally valid, can be restrictive when approaching a project with limited quantitative data. Through the Residents’ Resource Awareness Program, …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Strengthening Rural Community Health through Collaboration
- Black Hills State University (SD)
Nestled in the northern Black Hills of South Dakota, Spearfish is a small town of about 10,000 and home to Black Hills State University (BHSU). BHSU is spearheading a community-wide …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Stanford’s Building Level Sustainability Program: A Retrospective
- Stanford University (CA)
Formally launched in 2009, Stanford’s Building-Level Sustainability Program harnesses the actions of individual building occupants to achieve resource savings. Over the past five years the program has matured to the …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Creating a Green Economy in a Red County in a Blue State
- McHenry County College (IL)
- Southwestern Illinois College (IL)
Growing Partnerships The Illinois Green Economy Network (IGEN) is a consortium of Illinois community colleges working to grow the green economy of Illinois. IGEN’s unique statewide cooperative approach leverages the …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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What’s Hope Got to Do With It? A Research Collaborative
- Appalachian State University (NC)
- Colorado Mountain College (CO)
- Prescott College (AZ)
Sustainability educators often hear they must be careful not to share too much distressing information with their students and colleagues because they risk sending them into a passive, shut-down mode, …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Partnerships for Developing Community Sustainability Indicators
- Emory University (GA)
- Florida International University (FL)
- University of Texas at Austin (TX)
- Wake Forest University (NC)
Developing Community Sustainability Indicators through Campus-Community Partnerships In the words of social ecologist Peter Drucker, “What gets measured, gets managed.” Whether with the STAR Community Index or AASHE’s STARS, local …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Innovation & Partnership for Landfill Waste Diversion
- Emory University (GA)
Creativity, innovation, and partnership are essential for successful campus waste minimization and landfill diversion efforts. A series of collaborative efforts have recently emerged in order to work towards meeting Emory …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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The Art of Hearing: the journey of AASHE’s Listening Project
- Ball State University (IN)
- Princeton University (NJ)
The Listening Project, launched in 2013, was the first collaborative organizational and member-driven effort of its kind for AASHE and has since been the subject of keen interest by other …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Learning for Sustainability Scotland
- Environmental Association for Universities & Colleges (EAUC) (Gloucestershire)
There is an undeniable need for a world that is sustainable: where people and communities value and are engaged with the natural environment; societies are inclusive and equitable; and a …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Bioregional Urbanism on Campus: Building Regional Leadership Models
- EcoMotion (CA)
- Earthos Institute (MA)
Bioregional Urbanism is a practice methodology that helps cities and regions become more resilient and self-sustaining in ways that measurably contribute to global sustainability. Campus communities are influential centers for …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Curricular Engagement in Building Sustainable Communities
- Dickinson College (PA)
Dickinson College is leading the way in integrating sustainability across the curriculum. As an innovative liberal arts college, over 90% of our graduating students are taking sustainability-focused and related courses …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Liberal Arts Institutions Networking Meeting (2014)
- Dickinson College (PA)
- Linfield College (OR)
- Lewis & Clark College (OR)
- Sewanee - The University of the South (TN)
- Willamette University (OR)
A lunch meeting for representatives of liberal arts colleges and universities. A similar lunchtime networking event was hosted by others in Nashville with approximately 100 attendees.
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Health Promotion: a vehicle for partnerships
- Carnegie Mellon University (PA)
Public Health and Health Promotion on campus is uniquely positioned to partner and provide leadership on sustainability goals for higher education. Through a public health lens, we can offer support …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Local APPetite: Partnering with Rural Farms to Grow Our Economy
- Appalachian State University (NC)
During the fall of 2013, Appalachian State University Food Services launched Local Appetite, a partnership that brought together farmers, community organizations and the university to grow our economy. Being self-operated, …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Campus Models for Sustainability from Audubon International
- University of Florida (FL)
- Audubon International (NY)
During this presentation, AI staff will describe how two of its programs, the Signature Program and the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program, have promoted sustainable practices at educational institutions. The presentation …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Say Goodbye to Green: How to Mainstream Sustainability Messaging
- Pennsylvania State University (PA)
Over the 50 years since the publication of Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring, sustainability has been linked primarily with environmentalism—and guilt. The earth has been hurt, and we are to blame. …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Repair Fairs: Promoting waste reduction in community involvement
- Oregon State University (OR)
One of the largest challenges in engaging students in sustainability is creating meaningful experiences. Encouraging students to practice reuse is particularly challenging, as it requires a personal commitment. Likewise, educating …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Building a Statewide Sustainability Strategy in Higher Education (2014)
- University of Hawaii at Hilo (HI)
This case study will describe the first two years of developing the system-wide University of Hawaii (UH) Sustainability Strategy. In January 2014 the Board of Regents of the University of …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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A Balancing Act: St Louis Higher Education Sustainability Consortium
- Maryville University (MO)
- Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (IL)
- Southwestern Illinois College (IL)
- University of Missouri-St. Louis (MO)
- Missouri Botanical Garden (MO)
At a time when colleges and universities and communities are under ever-increasing economic pressure to do more with less the values at the heart of sustainability in higher education offer …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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A Sustainability Liaison Network
- Santa Clara University (CA)
We think we have found the key to establishing a community of engaged and active citizens for sustainability! By targeting our programming toward individuals (rather than whole departments or organizations) …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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The Wisdom Project: The Native American Youth Leadership Initiative
- Portland Community College (OR)
- Wisdom of the Elders, Inc. (OR)
America needs the talents and perspectives of Native Americans, America’s first scientists, to enhance innovation and diversity across disciplines. However, the lack of Native representation in programs, particularly STEM, has …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Saving Lives: Using Art Curriculum To Reduce Bird Collisions On Campus and in Philadelphia
- Temple University (PA)
This session will provide a case study of how graphic design faculty used an experiential learning project to engage art students on sustainability while also aiding the university in addressing …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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The Big Bouncy Castle: Community Partnerships & Involvement
- Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (IL)
In the communities surrounding many colleges and universities the schools are often viewed as exclusive “Ivory Towers” of education that, while being physically located within a community, are not a …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Regional Alliances for Sustainability: Strength in Numbers and Networking
- Texas A&M University (TX)
- University of Texas at Austin (TX)
The Texas Regional Alliance for Campus Sustainability (TRACS) is an emerging regional collaborative designed to serve as a community of practice for institutions of higher education across the state. Originally …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Voluntary Sustainability Agreements as a Transition Niche
- Chatham University (PA)
The lack of climate change leadership across many government levels in the United States has left a gap in the work of low-carbon transition for sustainability. Recognizing the importance and …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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A Zero-waste Community: Bridging the Gap Between Goals and Behaviors
- Green Mountain College (VT)
One of the main goals of Green Mountain College’s Sustainability 2020 Strategic Plan is to have a net positive impact on the surrounding community. Vermont’s new universal waste law offers …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Strength Training the Social and Human Capital Muscle
- Green Mountain College (VT)
A sustainability movement is only as strong as the community muscle behind it, including a community’s ability to work together to solve problems and be resilient in the face of …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Creating partnerships between companies and design/build programs
- Big Ass Solutions (KY)
Collaboration between manufacturers and academic design/build programs is one of the most effective ways of introducing advanced products to the evolving sustainable technology field while providing valuable hands-on experience for …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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EcoDistricts, Anchor Institutions & Urban Revitalization
- Clark Atlanta University (GA)
- Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FL)
- Spelman College (GA)
- EcoDistricts (OR)
This session brings together the experience of the Portland based originator of the EcoDistrict and the Atlanta University Center to examine how EcoDistrict the tools, resources and framework are applied …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Young Sustainability Professionals in Higher Ed. Networking Lunch
- Dickinson College (PA)
- Indiana State University (IN)
- Indiana University Bloomington (IN)
As you walk the halls of your college or university do other employees sometimes mistake you for a student? Were you hired by your alma mater to continue working on …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Amplify Your Message: Advice from Communications Professionals
- Lewis & Clark College (OR)
- Pennsylvania State University (PA)
- Santa Clara University (CA)
The basic tenets of marketing communications—defining an audience and explaining how the benefits of a product or service suit that audience’s needs—are important tools for sustainability professionals to have, but …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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UA Compost Cats: Creating Community Partnerships to Address Local Food Security and Sustainability
- University of Arizona (AZ)
- City of Tucson (AZ)
- San Xavier Co-op Farm (AZ)
Over 4 years of existence, the student-run, Compost Cats program at the University of Arizona has forged enduring community partnerships with San Xavier Co-op Farm of the Tohono O’odham Nation, …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Build Your Own Shareable Campus
- University of North Carolina, Asheville (NC)
- CoFED (NM)
- Shareable (CA)
In this half-day workshop, participants will dive head first into the sharing economy: Part campus sustainability, part new economics, part DIY, and part open education. With support from key leaders …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Small is Beautiful: Sustainability on a Small Campus in a Small City
- Agnes Scott College (GA)
- City of Decatur (GA)
From the beginning of the City of Decatur (Georgia) and Agnes Scott College’s sustainability programs, through success and challenges, these two entities have been in a solid partnership. The support …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Networking Session for Sustainability Communications Professionals
- American University (DC)
- Northwestern University (IL)
Several Sustainability Offices have communications professionals to assist in creating a culture of sustainability by marketing behavior change, empowering action, and sharing the hard work institutions have done to lower …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Seeing the Carbon for the Trees: Offsetting Air Travel Through Avoided Deforestation in Costa Rica
- American University (DC)
- Pax Natura Foundation (UT)
Achieving carbon neutrality requires reducing emissions at the source through efficiency and reduced consumption, while switching to clean, renewable sources of energy. Not only are these reductions technically feasible within …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Doing Our Part: Innovative Work by Networks of Higher Ed Associations
- Oakland Community College (MI)
- Portland State University (OR)
This briefing describes some innovative efforts by consortiums of higher education associations to accelerate the transition to sustainable communities and campuses. Collaborations such as the Higher Education Associations Sustainability Consortium …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Upper Midwest Association for Campus Sustainability (UMACS) Networking Session
- University of Minnesota, Morris (MN)
- National Wildlife Federation (VA)
This is a networking meeting for members of the Upper Midwest Association for Campus Sustainability (UMACS) to meet and discuss related sustainability topics with a regional focus. It is also …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Alliance for Resilient Campuses (ARC): Campus, Community, and Corporate Partnership for Climate Adaption and Resilience
- Second Nature (MA)
- Van Ness Feldman (DC)
Addressing climate-related risks and the need for corresponding adaptation strategies is both a necessary and strategic priority for institutions of higher education in the 21st century. Colleges and universities face …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Broadening the Definition of Campus: Creating a Collaborative Place to Live & Learn to Reinvent a Sustainable Future with Innovation Districts
- Oklahoma State University (OK)
- Via Suzuki Architecture (WA)
How can we be relevant? How can a town and gown community create a supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem that fosters genuine green innovation, house & grow students to become game changers, …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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UR vs. VCU: A Campus ConseRVAtion Nationals Cross-Town Competition
- American University (DC)
- Virginia Commonwealth University (VA)
In 2013, the University of Richmond and Virginia Commonwealth University partnered in a cross-town energy competition, Campus Conservation Nationals. The schools wanted to capitalize on an existing basketball rivalry and …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Post Consumer Composting at the University of Florida: A Partnership Between ARAMARK, WCA and the University of Florida
- University of Florida (FL)
- WCA (TX)
Overview: As part of its goal to be zero waste by 2015, the University of Florida developed a comprehensive organics composting solution to address almost 25% of the total campus …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Cultivating community and sustainability at the Learning Gardens Lab
- Portland State University (OR)
Learning gardens serve as rich sustainability learning sites due to their ecological and sociocultural benefits, and provide a hands-on way for learners of all ages to engage in interconnected issues …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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From Home to Haiti: Hooking Students on the Public Interest
- Portland State University (OR)
In this Rapid Fire Panel Discussion, Fellows at the new Center for Public Interest Design at Portland State University will discuss innovative methods for student and community engagement through a …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Connecting Higher Education and Sustainable Practices in Prisons
- Evergreen State College, The (WA)
The Sustainability in Prisons Project (SPP) offers students and faculty of The Evergreen State College (Evergreen) opportunities to experience and influence sustainability beyond the college campus; we connect educators, researchers, …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Sustainability in Prisons Project: Essential Components
- Evergreen State College, The (WA)
The Sustainability in Prisons Project (SPP) is a partnership founded by The Evergreen State College and Washington State Department of Corrections, and fulfills a mission to bring nature and science …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Transdisciplinary Model for Sustainable Placemaking and Engagement
- James Madison University (VA)
This case study discusses an innovative faculty-led approach to investigating sustainable placemaking and community engagement for the planning, design and management of public spaces around James Madison University. The Applied …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Reclaiming the Urban Forest for Food, Medicine and Ceremony: A Collaborative Process
- Portland State University (OR)
American Indian and Alaska Native communities suffer from the highest rates of Type 2 diabetes and heart disease in the country. This project seeks to address the impact of colonization/industrialization …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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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.