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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Promoting and Assessing Sustainability As A Learning Outcome in Education Abroad
- The Education Abroad Network (IL)
Drawing upon the definition and content of global learning within the AAC&U Global Learning Rubric, this poster reveals why the issues of sustainability & climate change must result in student …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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A Water Quality Argument for Vegetated Roofs in Charleston, South Carolina
- College of Charleston (SC)
As part of the College of Charleston's Green Roofs initiative, we investigated the potential benefits of employing vegetated roof technology, specifically on the quality of Charleston's waterways. Using data collected …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Coastal Resiliency Planning: Linking Online Student Research to City Sustainability Planning
- Arizona State University (AZ)
To address the special challenges of coastal cities, sustainability planning has depends on research from disciplines as diverse as climatology, ecology, social science, economics, political science, and urban planning. While …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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How Universities can Create Sustainable Communities: A Place-Based Framework for Research, Planning, and Action
- Audubon International (NY)
Can the movement for campus sustainability catalyze local governments into creating their own more sustainable futures? With guidance and tools from a national non-profit, sustainability advocates and university researchers are …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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The Heart of the Matter: A Candid Conversation about Campus Sustainability
- Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (IL)
For the purpose of my research, my grounded theory addressed the intersections of interactions that impact an individual's ability to develop the core beliefs that cultivate environmental ethics and good …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Opening Keynote - Marc Edwards
- Virginia Tech (VA)
Marc Edwards is the Charles Lunsford Professor of Civil Engineering at Virginia Tech. A renowned expert on water contamination and MacArthur 'genius' grant recipient, Dr. Edwards led the research teams …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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From 'What if?' to 'What's next?'
- United States Department of Energy (DC)
Inspired by the power of asking 'what if', the Additive Manufacturing Integrated Energy (AMIE) project (www.ornl.gov/amie) showcases an innovation platform to develop, integrate, and demonstrate energy solutions at game-changing speed …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Innovations at the Nexus of Food, Energy, and Water Systems: National Science Foundation (NSF) Initiative to Examine Critical Issues in Today's World
- National Science Foundation
At the end of 2015, the NSF put out its first request for proposals for the INFEWS program. Over the next five years the program plans to fund interdisciplinary projects …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Colloquium on FEWS Research Needs and Opportunities
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (DC)
Regardless of all the devoted investments, too often, good, nutritious food ends up getting wasted. In the United States, food is the largest stream of discarded materials, accounting for 21 …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Research and Opportunities at USDA at the Nexus of Food, Energy, and Water Systems
- U.S. Department of Agriculture (DC)
There is a critical need for research and researchers that enables new means of adapting to these challenges, and USDA, through the intramural research it conducts and the extramural research …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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The Energy Output of World Agriculture 1961-2013
- University of Arkansas (AR)
The global agricultural system is an energy transfer system converting solar radiation to stored chemical energy in the biosphere through photosynthesis and animal metabolism. Stored energy in the agricultural system …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Outlooks for a More Sustainable Building Stock
- University of Arkansas (AR)
Despite all progress made in this domain, the building stock is still at its infancy when it comes to achieving zero environmental impact and zero fossil fuels utilization. The harnessing …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Transdisciplinary Research and Practice for Sustainability Outcomes
- University of Technology Sydney
- University of Southern Queensland
This book examines the role of transdisciplinarity - a form of research and practice that synthesises knowledge from a range of academic disciplines and from the community - in the …
- Posted Nov. 17, 2016
- Publications
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Obama, Bill Gates to lead major effort to spur spending on climate research
- The Washington Post (DC)
This article describes the launch of two separate initiatives to invest billions of dollars in clean energy research and development. "Mission Innovation” is a commitment by countries - including United …
- Posted Nov. 14, 2016
- Publications
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Global Trends in Renewable Energy Investment 2016
- United Nations Environment Programme
This report tracks private and public investments in renewable energy, including research and development funding. Key findings in relation to R&D funding include:
- Research and development spending on renewable energy …
- Posted Nov. 14, 2016
- Publications
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Sustainable university research and development: inspecting sustainability in higher education research
- Leuphana University of Lüneburg
Sustainability in higher education is dominated by practical ‘greening the campus’ programs and initiatives. This paper examines sustainable university research and development projects as part of the ‘greening the campus’ …
- Posted Nov. 14, 2016
- Publications
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Sustainability Science in a Global Landscape
This report describes a bibliometric analysis of the sustainability science research landscape between 2009 and 2013. Key findings include:
- Research on sustainability has grown almost twice as fast as research …
- Posted Nov. 7, 2016
- Publications
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Sustainable Advanced Manufacturing Center
- Alfred State College (NY)
The $5 million, 16,000-square-foot facility will help the college continue to produce more job-ready graduates for manufacturers who want to find well-trained workers. Within the SAMC, which is located on …
- Posted Nov. 1, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
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The interrelations between competences for sustainable development and research competences
Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to explore how competences for sustainable development and research interrelate within a context of competence-based higher education. Specific focus is oriented towards …
- Posted Nov. 1, 2016
- Publications
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Urban & Environmental Policy Institute
- Occidental College (CA)
The Urban & Environmental Policy Institute (UEPI) is a research, policy, and advocacy, organization at Occidental College committed to bringing about social change and a more just, livable and green …
- Posted Oct. 26, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
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Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer Performance and Energy Use Tests
- University of California, Riverside (CA)
During fall 2015 and winter 2016, staff and students from the University of California , Riverside Office of Sustainability evaluated three energy efficient Ultra Low Temperature Freezers. This study tested …
- Posted Oct. 7, 2016
- Publications
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Stanford Photos for Top Performer Categories
- Stanford University (CA)
Below are some photos that capture sustainability on Stanford's campus in the four categories in Research, Buildings, Water, and Diversity & Affordability.
- Posted Sept. 20, 2016
- Photographs
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State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry sustainability and research photos
- State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (NY)
ESF is unique among colleges and universities in that all educational and research programs are oriented toward natural resources, and toward the natural and designed environments. All that ESF is …
- Posted Sept. 20, 2016
- Photographs
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ESF Sustainability
- State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (NY)
ESF is unique among colleges and universities in that all educational and research programs are oriented toward natural resources, and toward the natural and designed environments. All that ESF is …
- Posted Sept. 16, 2016
- Photographs
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UConn Reserach Gathers Critical Information Needed in Fight to Save Wildlife
- University of Connecticut (CT)
An international group of top biologists led by UConn ecologist Mark Urban is calling for a coordinated effort to gather important species information that is urgently needed to improve predictions …
- Posted Sept. 14, 2016
- Photographs
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VA-NC Alliance Summer Research Program
- University of Virginia (VA)
The VA-NC Alliance summer research program's goal is to increase the quantity and quality of underrepresented minority students who pursue degrees and careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.The program …
- Posted Sept. 14, 2016
- Photographs
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Columbia University Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory Ocean Research
- Columbia University (NY)
The World Surf League is investing $1.5 million in first-year funding for ocean science at Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory as part of an innovative new philanthropy called WSL PURE. …
- Posted Sept. 12, 2016
- Photographs
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Columbia University: Tree-Ring Extraction
- Columbia University (NY)
Williams and the others set to work extracting tree rings, by which they can gauge how various species have reacted to past swings in precipitation and temperature. The basic tool …
- Posted Sept. 12, 2016
- Photographs
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Renewable Energy Projects at UC Santa Cruz
- University of California, Santa Cruz (CA)
At the University of California, Santa Cruz, a cross-disciplinary group of engineering undergraduates--the "Green Wharf Renewable Energy Project" team--shows off its senior capstone design project, a low-impact marine microgrid energy …
- Posted Sept. 12, 2016
- Photographs
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Climate Ready BU - Assessing the Campus for the Impacts of Climate Change
- Boston University (MA)
Much of the Boston University campuses are located less than five feet above today's high tide. With projections for sea level rise a cause for concern this century, the University …
- Posted Sept. 12, 2016
- Photographs
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Energy Initiatives at Mohawk College
- Mohawk College (ON)
Applied wind and solar energy projects at the Fennell Campus of Mohawk College support teaching, learning and research on campus.
PV Solar panels on the roof of the David Braley …
- Posted Sept. 12, 2016
- Photographs
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The Learning Exchange
- Mohawk College (ON)
The Learning Exchange is LEED® Gold Certified, incorporating technologies that reduce the building’s overall energy consumption. Building systems are exposed to create a living lab for Engineering Technology students and …
- Posted Sept. 12, 2016
- Photographs
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Mohawk Energy Research Centre
- Mohawk College (ON)
An Engineering Technology student monitors a solar panel as part of the Mohawk Energy Research Centre (MERC).
- Posted Sept. 12, 2016
- Photographs
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Higher education for sustainable development: a systematic review
Purpose
This study aims to provide a complete understanding of academic research into higher education for sustainable development (HESD).
Design/methodology/approach
This study utilizes a systematic review of four scientific literature …
- Posted Sept. 12, 2016
- Publications
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RDI Event Oct 2015
- Selkirk College (BC)
Dr. Terri MacDonald presenting at the Applied Research & Innovation Centre-Rural Development Institute and Association of Kooteny Boundary Local Governments-AgingAging Kootenays Event - Oct2015
- Posted Sept. 12, 2016
- Photographs
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UCR Green Lab in Action
- University of California, Riverside (CA)
UCR is implementing a Green Lab Program to engage researchers on the Sustainability. An energy efficient Ultra-Low Temperature freezer is loan to encourage the defrost of their ULT, allowing to …
- Posted Sept. 12, 2016
- Photographs
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New Student Sustainability Fee Impacts Buildings, Research, and Student Activities
- Frostburg State University (MD)
A part of the newly implemented Student Sustainability Fee was allocated to competitive grants open to students, faculty and staff. In the first round of competition, the fee was able …
- Posted Sept. 9, 2016
- Photographs
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Event organized by Institut EDDEC
- Polytechnique Montréal (QC)
This photo was taken during the "Transition towards a circular economy: opportunities and challenges for Quebec and Canada" event organized by the EDDEC Institute in May 2016 in Montreal.
- Posted Sept. 9, 2016
- Photographs
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Cal State LA Hydrogen Research and Fueling Facility (H2 Station)
- California State University, Los Angeles (CA)
The California State University, Los Angeles Hydrogen Research and Fueling Facility (H2 Station) opened on May 7, 2014. The station is capable of producing hydrogen onsite from 100% renewable energy …
- Posted Sept. 8, 2016
- Photographs
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Water Conservation at the University of Houston
- University of Houston (TX)
A group of University of Houston students enrolled in Energy & Sustainability with similar interests in water conservation investigated a potential water-saving solution for the University of Houston.
Their research …
- Posted Sept. 8, 2016
- Photographs
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University of Manitoba BEE / HOUSE / LAB Open International Design Competition
- University of Manitoba (MB)
BEE / HOUSE / LAB is an international design competition hosted by the University of Manitoba and open to students and designers in the field of environmental design, architecture, landscape …
- Posted Aug. 25, 2016
- Photographs
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Converting Scholarly Journals to Open Access: A Review of Approaches and Experiences
Subscription journals have been converting or “flipping” to open access (OA) for about as long as OA has been an option. For just as long, OA proponents have been writing …
- Posted Aug. 10, 2016
- Publications
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Sustainability Science: Field Methods and Exercises
Describes the theory and practice of field methods in Sustainability Science, a program at a growing number of universities. This book builds up on the experience and lessons learned by …
- Posted Aug. 8, 2016
- Publications
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Co-designing research on transgressive learning in times of climate change
- Wageningen University
This paper reflects on the epistemological context for the co-design of a research programme on transformative, transgressive learning emerging at the nexus of climate change, water and food security, energy …
- Posted July 21, 2016
- Publications
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Sustainability Programming is an Ethical Obligation for Higher Education in the Environmental Century
- Unity Environmental University (ME)
Development of a sustainable relationship with our natural resources is an imperative for any meaningful quality of life as climate change poses the ultimate test of our adaptability as a …
- Posted July 7, 2016
- Publications
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Interdisciplinary environmental and sustainability education: islands of progress in a sea of dysfunction
- Brown University (RI)
- Unity Environmental University (ME)
This essay describes the inequity faced by most interdisciplinary environmental and sustainability (IES) degree programs and the impact of that inequity on student and faculty experiences. Despite the urgent need …
- Posted July 1, 2016
- Publications
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Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation
- University of California, San Diego (CA)
The Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation at Scripps Institution of Oceanography exists to promote a holistic, interdisciplinary approach in the education of future leaders in marine biodiversity and conservation, …
- Posted June 20, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
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Center for Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation
- University of California, San Diego (CA)
Climate change is in motion. If societies do not respond, their populations face water and food shortages and severe economic disruptions. Countless plant and animal species will be at risk. …
- Posted June 20, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
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Ohio State University Sustainability Goals Project and Campus As A Living Laboratory Digital Archive
- The Ohio State University (OH)
Undergraduates in the Environment, Economy, Development, and Sustainability (EEDS) major at The Ohio State University (OSU) complete a capstone course where student research teams analyze specific action priorities of the …
- Posted June 16, 2016
- Case Studies
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First Student Sustainability Symposium
- Stevens Institute of Technology (NJ)
- New Jersey Higher Education Partnership for Sustainability (NJ)
Innovation of Sustainable Communities was a unique symposium organized by students who are passionate about sustainability. Anyone who shares the same passion with them, was welcome to attend! The symposium …
- Posted June 10, 2016
- Case Studies
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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.