Research
Introduction
Conducting research is a major function of many colleges and universities. By researching sustainability issues and refining theories and concepts, higher education institutions can continue to help the world understand sustainability challenges and develop new technologies, strategies, and approaches to address those challenges.
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(Re-)designing higher education curricula in times of systemic dysfunction: a responsible research and innovation perspective
- Wageningen University
- University College Cork - National University of Ireland, Cork (Co. Cork)
- Queen's University Belfast
There is an urgent need to address the grand sustainability challenges of our time, and to explore new and more responsible ways of operating, researching, and innovating that enable society …
- Posted Feb. 5, 2018
- Publications
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Integrating Sustainability Philosophy into Business Curriculum
- St. Thomas University (FL)
- Westcliff University (CA)
This paper examines the status of sustainability integration in business schools and colleges as part of business education and training - curriculum. The authors argue that there is a need …
- Posted Feb. 5, 2018
- Publications
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Transportation Sustainability Research Center
- University of California, Berkeley (CA)
The Transportation Sustainability Research Center was formed to study the economic, social, environmental, and technological aspects of sustainable transportation.
- Posted Feb. 5, 2018
- Research Centers & Institutes
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Evaluating the Theory and Outcomes of the Teen Advocates for Sustainability Corps (TASC) Summit
- New York University (NY)
The attached research was written as my thesis for a Master of Arts in Environmental Conservation Education, from New York University. It analyzes an environmental advocacy program I developed for …
- Posted Jan. 5, 2018
- Publications
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Redefining Success: Integrating Sustainability into Management Education
Redefining Success: Integrating Sustainability into Management Education advocates incorporating sustainability concepts that go beyond the financial ‘bottom line’ into management education and business practice. Highlighting the UN Global Compact (UNGC), …
- Posted Dec. 7, 2017
- Publications
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Transdisciplinary Research and Sustainability: Collaboration, Innovation and Transformation
Transdisciplinarity is a new way of scientifically meeting the challenges of sustainability. Indeed, interdisciplinary collaboration and co-operation with non-academic ‘practice partners’ is at the core of this; creating contextualised, socially …
- Posted Dec. 7, 2017
- Publications
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Examining the literature to reveal the nature of community EE/ESD programs and research
- Denison University (OH)
Interest in community environmental education (EE) and community education for sustainable development (ESD) is increasing, as evidenced by the increase in studies examining community EE/ESD approaches and NAAEE’s current development …
- Posted Dec. 7, 2017
- Publications
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Sustainability Through the Eyes of Nature
- Atwell, LLC (MI)
Important institutions and systems-including our governments, capitalist economies, food production systems, and urban designs-often seem to produce problematic political, economic, environmental, and social outcomes. In addition, many of these human-designed …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
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Student and Staff Sustainability Surveys - expectations being met? An Australian example.
- University of Tasmania (TAS)
Traditional approaches to teaching sustainability have been through including the topic in geography and science curriculums. More recently, we have seen an expansion of Education for Sustainability across discipline areas …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
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Operations Research Applications in Sustainability Coursework Design
- Wichita State University (KS)
Four major topics are listed for coursework design across academic departments (1) prairie restoration (2) plant-based industry (3) clean energy (4)population growth rate. Climate change adaptation may include: increased O2 …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
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The effect of smoke exposure on the germination of native plant species of North America
- Texas Tech University (TX)
Smoke exposure is known to influence germination of a wide variety of species. However, the influence of smoke on germination of grasses is poorly studied. In order to investigate the …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
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In Their Own Words and by the Numbers: A Mixed -Methods Study of the Advancement of Sustainability in American Higher Education
- Florida Atlantic University (FL)
A call for the urgent implication due to the increasingly hostile environment is pressing. All social sectors should respond to the change with active participation. Notably, 'higher education institutions are …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
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Higher Education for Sustainability in Asian Contexts
- Nanyang Technological University
This poster reviews recent work developments in Higher Education for Sustainability (HEfS) and Education for Sustainable Development in monsoon Asia. Monsoon Asia accounts for over half the world's population, and …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
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Beyond the Triple Bottom Line; An Alternative Framework for Sustainability
- College of Charleston (SC)
At nearly 25 years old, Elkington's triple bottom line is nearing obsolesce. While laudable in its intent to promote full cost accounting, the TBL's inherent focus on the economic sphere …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
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Effects of phase change materials (PCM) on solar thermal storage for season extension agricultural applications
- Appalachian State University (NC)
As part of on-going efforts to use solar and biomass energy for season extension in greenhouses, the NEXUS research group at Appalachian State University is exploring the use of phase …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
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Motivating and Quantifying the Impacts of Behavior Change
- Stanford University (CA)
In today's increasingly technological and personalized world, how do sustainability professionals provide opportunities to engage their audience in a way that is relevant to them? Stanford has taken the next …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
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Sustainable Food Policy Creation - University of Denver
- University of Denver (CO)
- Sodexo USA (MD)
The University of Denver (DU) has been a Real Food Challenge Signatory since May 2015. As DU's food service provider, Denver Dining by Sodexo has performed extensive research within and …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
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Lorax 2.0: Twenty Questions for Standing in Solidarity with Living Systems in Sustainability Research in Higher Education
- Prescott College (AZ)
Ethical alignment and systems thinking are at the core of sustainability considerations. How can colleges apply sustainability approaches to the process of academic research itself? Researching sustainability similarly invites ethical …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
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Advancing Innovation through Sustainability Research and Scholarship
- Portland Community College (OR)
During this monumental time in history, it is essential to be educated, connect with good people, find hope, and discover new ways to make a difference. To do so, the …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
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Community Partnerships for Environmental Justice
- The New School (NY)
The Tishman Environment and Design Center at The New School is committed to environmental justice and community-academic partnerships grounded in the Jemez Principles for Democratic Organizing. Using this framework, the …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
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Promoting Sustainability Teaching and Research at the Augustana Miquelon Lake Research Station, Canada
- University of Alberta (AB)
Built in 2015, the Augustana Miquelon Lake Research Station's (AMLRS) mission is to promote research, enhance teaching, and develop partnerships for sustainability. Located in central Alberta's Prairie-Boreal ecotone within Miquelon …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
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Transforming University Curriculum Policies for a Global Knowledge Society: A focus on a Chilean Context.
- University of Western Australia
University curriculum changes are moving to a centre stage in the higher education reform agendas of many countries, as they strive to strengthen their positioning in a competitive global knowledge …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
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RE think. RE invent. Re use Necessary behaviors for Accessories - A circular approach
- Virginia Commonwealth University (VA)
In the times of hand production, the concept of discarded or unwanted items was almost non-existent. It took time and patience to produce things. Goods were manufactured from pure raw …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
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Transforming a Former Industrial Site into a Sustainable Solution and Creating Opportunities for Students
- State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (NY)
Over the past fourteen years, SUNY-ESF has cultivated a successful public-private partnership with Honeywell International to address a pressing environmental issue in the local community. The project involves remediation of …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
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Mining STARS Data: Results & Lessons Learned From Quantitative Research Exploring Variation in Food/Beverage Purchasing Scores
- Georgia Institute of Technology (GA)
AASHE's STARS program offers great opportunities for monitoring campus sustainability progress and exchanging new ideas. In addition, the STARS database can support quantitative research in campus sustainability whose results aid …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
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Academicians: How to Teach with Paul Hawken's 'DrawDown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming'
- Oklahoma State University (OK)
Educators curious about how to adapt Paul Hawken's new book 'Drawdown' for use in the classroom (or for campus facilities and operations) should gather to share lessons learned and successful …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
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Using Ecofeminism to Create a New Land Ethic
- Colorado Mountain College (CO)
Building upon Aldo Leopold's concept of a 'land ethic'-a philosophy that urges care and reverence for nature, the presenter will demonstrate ways in which we can use ecofeminist ideas and …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
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Rapid Response: The South Carolina Floods Research Initiative
- University of South Carolina (SC)
In October 2015, South Carolina experienced an unprecedented flood. It was immediately clear that the state would be forever changed by a natural disaster that ravaged rural, urban and suburban …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
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Arizona State University's Laboratory Standard and Design Guide
- Arizona State University (AZ)
Laboratory ventilation and conditioning on university campuses can be responsible for one quarter or more of greenhouse gas emissions, so climate neutrality will be difficult without dramatic gains in efficiency …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
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Outcomes of Collaborative Learning of Sustainable Building Design and Construction Practices
- University of Arkansas (AR)
In this second paper, the authors present the formative evaluation results from research conducted during Fall 2016 at Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design at the University of Arkansas. …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
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5th AASHE Workshop on Research for Sustainability: 'Big Data' for Sustainability Research
- University of Arkansas (AR)
The 21st Century digital revolution greatly expanded data gathering, availability of and access to large data compilations. The technologist and scientific community recognize the significance and the research discoveries that …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
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Oral History and Sustainability: Campus and Community Engagement Through Student Research in the Humanities
- Central College (IA)
This session introduces oral history as a tool for students to investigate and influence the cultures of sustainability on campus and in the community. Since 2015, Central College in Pella, …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
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Nudging commuters, big data and bold partnerships: A research-based approach to impacting commuter mode choice at MIT
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MA)
Researchers at MIT's Transit Lab, alongside MIT's operational decision-makers, have been examining commuter patterns at MIT for years. They helped launch a pilot collaboration between MIT and the Massachusetts Bay …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
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Developing a Doctoral Program in Sustainability
- University of South Dakota (SD)
The University of South Dakota (USD) has proposed a new graduate program in sustainability that would build upon USD's existing academic and research leadership in sustainability in the state and …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
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Oscar is grouchy for a reason! Campus recycling behavior research and action
- Colorado Mountain College (CO)
Presents findings from phase one of a multi-phase study on recycling behavior at Colorado Mountain College. Findings are based on surveys of trash and recycling bin contents completed in spring …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
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Using Contemplative Practices to Cultivate Resilient Students and Social-Ecological Systems
- Michigan State University (MI)
- University of North Carolina, Asheville (NC)
This joint session will offer two presentations on the uses of contemplative practices and mindfulness-based pedagogy for teaching about environmental sustainability. Topic 1 (Goralnik): If sustainability is the effort to …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
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Featuring the Chemistry Department in Campus Sustainability Initiatives: Best Practices in the Lab and Curriculum
- University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (MN)
- My Green Lab (CA)
- Beyond Benign (MA)
Chemistry laboratories have a long-standing reputation of being energy, water, and waste intensive. The emergence of high standards of environmental and social responsibility have lead to a particular need for …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
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Sustainability Competencies: What are They, how to Address Them in Sustainability Courses, and how to Assess Students' Learning
- Arizona State University (AZ)
- Portland State University (OR)
- Leuphana University of Lüneburg
This workshop introduces the following set of sustainability competencies: systems, future, values, and strategic thinking as well as interpersonal competence. The workshop explores how to use these competencies to design …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
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Using Sustainability-Themed Undergraduate Research Programs to Enhance Student Engagement in Research
- University at Buffalo (NY)
- University of South Dakota (SD)
- University of Nebraska - Lincoln (NE)
Sustainability research provides a framework for engaging undergraduate students from diverse disciplinary backgrounds. This session will discuss recruitment successes and opportunities for several sustainability-focused National Science Foundation Research Experiences for …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
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Sustainability: Designing Interdisciplinary Opportunities for Teaching
- Dallas College (TX)
The workbook is not just about sustainability, in and of itself. It is part of a larger sustainability process that: 1) illustrates how sustainability correlates with current courses; 2) provides …
- Posted Nov. 30, 2017
- Publications
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The impact of development education and education for sustainable development interventions: a synthesis of the research
- University of Limerick
The Sustainable Development Goals set out by the United Nations advocate that all learners will have the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development. Development education, education for sustainable …
- Posted Nov. 7, 2017
- Publications
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Engaging Stakeholders in Education for Sustainable Development at University Level
This book discusses the role of ESD stakeholders at university level, involving civil society and the private sector and public sectors (including local, national and intergovernmental bodies). In particular, it …
- Posted Nov. 1, 2017
- Publications
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Handbook of Sustainability Science and Research
This multidisciplinary handbook explores concrete case studies which illustrate how sustainability science and research can contribute to the realization of the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It …
- Posted Oct. 23, 2017
- Publications
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Handbook of Lifelong Learning for Sustainable Development
- University of Malta (Northern Harbor District)
This book focuses on lifelong learning for sustainable development, an aspect that has been rarely explored in great detail. It also discusses methodological approaches and experiences deriving from case studies …
- Posted Oct. 23, 2017
- Publications
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Handbook of Sustainability and Social Science Research
In this handbook social science researchers who focus on sustainability present and discuss their findings, including empirical work, case studies, teaching and learning innovations, and applied projects. As such, the …
- Posted Oct. 23, 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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JMU’s Cultivating the Globally Sustainable Self Summit Series Promotes Transformative Teaching and Learning in Research and Practice
- James Madison University (VA)
The Cultivating the Globally Sustainable Self Summit Series has brought together leading scholars, educators, and practitioners from around the world to address the crucial problems facing modern society.
https://www.jmu.edu/summitseries/Summit-Meeting-Information/participants.shtml
- Posted Oct. 14, 2017
- Photographs
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2020 Sustainability Scholar in the Field
- Indiana University Bloomington (IN)
Lia Bobay works with mentor Adam Fudickar to band and measure birds to track bird migration affected by climate change.
- Posted Oct. 14, 2017
- 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.
AC 9: Research & Scholarship
- Percent of research employees that conduct sustainability research
- Percent of research departments that conduct sustainability research
- Sustainability research inventory (upload)
- Sustainability research inventory (description)
- Website URL - Sustainability research
AC 9: Support for Sustainability Research
- Description of the student sustainability research program
- Description of the academic staff sustainability research program
- Website URL - Support for sustainability research
AC 10: Open Access to Research
- Website URL - Open access repository
- Open access policy (upload)
- Open access policy (description)
- Description of the open access article processing charge (APC) fund
- Description of the open access journal hosting services
- Website URL - Support for open access
Additional analysis on scores and quantitative fields can be conducted using the STARS Benchmarking Tool.