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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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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CV Theis Groundwater Observatory
- University of Cincinnati (OH)
The University of Cincinnati has completed the construction of the Great Miami Groundwater Observatory to continuously monitor water quality for over two million Ohio residents who rely on the Great …
- Posted Oct. 14, 2017
- Photographs
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The Atlantic Salmon Restoration Program at Fleming College, Lindsay, Ontario
- Fleming College (ON)
The Fleming College Salmonid Hatchery aims to ensure the future sustainability of Atlantic salmon in Lake Ontario by maximizing genetic diversity in stocked fish. The Atlantic Salmon Restoration Program has …
- Posted Oct. 14, 2017
- Photographs
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STEM Kit for National Park Service
- Colorado State University (CO)
The Education and Outreach Center in the College of Natural Sciences at Colorado State University has been contracted by the National Park Service to develop hands-on STEM kits for 4th-12th …
- Posted Oct. 12, 2017
- Photographs
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Sustainability Scholar 2015 - University of Alberta
- University of Alberta (AB)
Research Report - Executive Summary
The Sustainability Scholars program provides University of Alberta graduate students opportunities to work on applied research projects with the City of Edmonton, campus units and …
- Posted Oct. 10, 2017
- Photographs
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Education for Sustainable Development (ESD): The turn away from ‘environment’ in environmental education?
- Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences
This article explores the implications of the shift of environmental education (EE) towards education for sustainable development (ESD) in the context of environmental ethics. While plural perspectives on ESD are …
- Posted Oct. 9, 2017
- Publications
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University Reputations and the Public: A Roadmap for Higher Education Leaders
Edelman, a public relations firm, surveyed academics and the general public to understand how the U.S. public evaluates the reputations of higher education institutions, and how these reputational drivers vary …
- Posted Sept. 18, 2017
- Publications
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Getting Started with the SDGs in Universities: A guide for universities, higher education institutions, and the academic sector
The guide from the Sustainable Development Solutions Network Australia/Pacific aims to accelerate action on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It highlights the role universities specifically in Australia, New Zealand and …
- Posted Sept. 18, 2017
- Publications
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Higher Education Paving the Way to Sustainable Development: A Global Perspective
The International Association of Universities (IAU), a membership organization, which brings together about 650 higher education institutions and organizations from some 130 countries, launched its first Global Survey on the …
- Posted Sept. 18, 2017
- Publications
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AASHE Award Winner Webinar – Generating and Maintaining Hope and Agency through Sustainability Education
- Colorado Mountain College (CO)
- AASHE (MA)
Indigenous educator Gregory Cajete articulates the motivations and questions that drive the presenter’s research. For Cajete, effective education entails ‘finding heart,’ an active process within and beyond the person evident …
- Posted Sept. 14, 2017
- Videos & Webinars
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Solar Energy Technology Licensed
- University of California, Davis (CA)
A new licensing deal between the University of California, Davis and Q1 NanoSystems has established terms for exclusive licensing of a package of jointly-owned intellectual property stemming from inventions both …
- Posted Sept. 11, 2017
- Publications
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A review of transdisciplinary research in sustainability science
- Leuphana University of Lüneburg
Achieving the goal of sustainability requires understanding and management of unprecedented and interconnected challenges. A transdisciplinary approach is a key component of sustainability science. However, there are considerable barriers to …
- Posted Aug. 31, 2017
- Publications
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Comparing different measures of affective attributes relating to sustainability
- University of Otago (Otago)
- Otago Polytechnic (Otago)
A survey was developed to benchmark the affective sustainability characteristics of an incoming cohort of students in a Polytechnic in New Zealand, with the intention to monitor changes in these …
- Posted Aug. 28, 2017
- Publications
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Natural Herbicides Project
- Georgia Institute of Technology (GA)
- Engineers for a Sustainable World (CO)
First experiment (for Google Science Fair 2012). Weedy check (control plot in which no natural herbicides were applied) shown to left; treated areas shown to right.
- Posted Aug. 14, 2017
- Photographs
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Asian deals for UNSW solar technology
- UNSW Sydney (NSW)
This press release describes three new technology licensing agreements between and the University of New South Wales and solar cell manufacturers in Asia. The first, a $1.7million licensing agreement with …
- Posted Aug. 14, 2017
- Publications
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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.