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.
Featured Resources
Latest News from AASHE Bulletin
New Resources
Strengthening the role of universities in addressing sustainability challenges: the Mitchell Center for Sustainability Solutions as an institutional experiment
- University of Maine (ME)
As the magnitude, complexity, and urgency of many sustainability problems increase, there is a growing need for universities to contribute more effectively to problem solving. Drawing upon prior research on …
- Posted May 2, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Evolution and structure of sustainability science
- Indiana University Bloomington (IN)
The concepts of sustainable development have experienced extraordinary success since their advent in the 1980s. They are now an integral part of the agenda of governments and corporations, and their …
- Posted May 2, 2016
- Publications
- View more
You say you want a revolution? Transforming education and capacity building in response to global change
- Arizona State University (AZ)
- University of Edinburgh
- Stellenbosch University (Western Cape)
- University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (CO)
- University of Oslo
- University of Dundee
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology
This paper considers the changes in education and capacity building that are needed in response to environmental and social challenges of the 21st Century. We argue that such changes will …
- Posted May 2, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Routledge Handbook of Higher Education for Sustainable Development
- University of Vechta
- Leuphana University of Lüneburg
- RMIT University
The Routledge International Handbook of Higher Education for Sustainable Development gives a systematic and comprehensive overview of existing and upcoming research approaches for higher education for sustainable development. It provides …
- Posted May 2, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Senator George J. Mitchell Center for Sustainability Solutions
- University of Maine (ME)
Producing knowledge and linking it to actions that meet human needs while preserving the planet’s life-support systems is emerging as one of the most fundamental and difficult challenges for science …
- Posted May 2, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
- View more
Academic Engagement in Public and Political Discourse
- University of Michigan (MI)
The May 2015 Michigan Meeting, hosted by the University of Michigan, explored the changing role of the university and what it means to be an academic in a society facing …
- Posted May 1, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Mobilizing the power of higher education to tackle the grand challenge of sustainability: Lessons from novel initiatives
- Dartmouth College (NH)
- University of Arizona (AZ)
- University of Maine (ME)
- University of Maryland, College Park (MD)
- University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (MN)
- University of Washington, Seattle (WA)
Leaders from a half-dozen U.S. academic institutions with dedicated sustainability programs share five recommendations, distilled from their own experiences, for universities seeking to improve their ability to both create tools …
- Posted May 1, 2016
- Publications
- View more
John T. Lyle Center for Regenerative Studies
- California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (CA)
The Lyle Center is committed to a future in which all people live with dignity in safe, healthy, and sustainable environments. We believe this future is best achieved through the …
- Posted April 29, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
- View more
Incorporating Organic and Agroecological Approaches into the University Curricula: The Iowa State University Graduate Program in Sustainable Agriculture
- Iowa State University (IA)
Organic agriculture has expanded to a $13 billion industry in the United States in 2005, continuing the nearly decade-long trend of 20% annual growth. Despite the growth in organic agriculture, …
- Posted April 28, 2016
- Publications
- View more
National Sustainable Structures Center
- Pennsylvania College of Technology (PA)
NSSC (formerly the Weatherization Training Center) was established in 1985 as a result of a partnership between Penn College and the PA Department of Community & Economic Development. NSSC’s mission …
- Posted April 26, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
- View more
Institute for Sustainable Design
- Cooper Union (NY)
The Cooper Union Institute for Sustainable Design seeks to provide the greater Cooper Union community—architects, engineers and artists—with the cross-disciplinary knowledge and skills that are necessary to create a sustainable …
- Posted April 26, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
- View more
Food Scraps Composting Laboratory
- Kean University (NJ)
Kean University in New Jersey installed a rotary drum composter to process pre and postconsumer food waste from campus dining facilities.
- Posted April 25, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Spires, plateaus and the infertile landscape of Education for Sustainable Development: re-invigorating the university through integrating community, campus and curriculum
- Queen's University Belfast
Education for and research on sustainable development are currently not well served by the modern university, particularly in the UK. While there is rhetoric about supporting more interdisciplinary research and …
- Posted April 25, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Environmental Analysis and Communications Group
- Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick Campus (NJ)
EAC is a University-based center of research, outreach, training and service focused on the analysis and communication of environmental issues facing communities, governments, businesses and organizations.
- Posted April 25, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
- View more
Rutgers Center for Green Building
- Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick Campus (NJ)
Housed at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, the Rutgers Center for Green Building, forms a common umbrella for existing and proposed initiatives being carried out …
- Posted April 25, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
- View more
Center for Energy, Economic & Environmental Policy (CEEEP)
- Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick Campus (NJ)
The Center for Energy, Economic & Environmental Policy (CEEEP) conducts applied research to evaluate and help develop energy policy at the state, regional, national, and international levels. The Center explores …
- Posted April 25, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
- View more
Rutgers Climate Institute
- Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick Campus (NJ)
The Rutgers Climate Institute is a University-wide effort to address one of the most important issues of our time through research, education and outreach. The Institute draws upon strengths in …
- Posted April 25, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
- View more
Center for Sustainable Materials Science
- Mayville State University (ND)
- Minot State University (ND)
- Sitting Bull College (ND)
- Turtle Mountain Community College (ND)
- University of North Dakota (ND)
- North Dakota State University (ND)
The Center for Sustainable Materials Science seeks to advance new discoveries of bio-based, sustainable materials that give more consideration to the environment and contribute to its economy through their sourcing …
- Posted April 21, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
- View more
Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence
- University of York
The Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence (GCCE) pioneers pure and applied green and sustainable chemical research through its technology platforms on microwave chemistry, alternative solvents, clean synthesis and renewable materials. …
- Posted April 21, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
- View more
Institute for Green Science
- Carnegie Mellon University (PA)
The Institute for Green Science is a center for basic green science research in oxidation catalysis aimed at the invention of new green technologies designed to aid in the pursuit …
- Posted April 20, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
- View more
Center for Green Chemistry
- University of Massachusetts Boston (MA)
The Center for Green Chemistry at the University of Massachusetts Boston conducts research and administers the Green Chemistry Track in the Chemistry PhD Program.
- Posted April 20, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
- View more
Reilly Center for Science, Technology, and Values
- University of Notre Dame (IN)
The Reilly Center explores conceptual, ethical, and policy issues where science and technology intersect with society from different disciplinary perspectives. Its purpose is to promote the advancement of science and …
- Posted April 20, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
- View more
Center for Applied Energy Research
- University of Kentucky (KY)
The University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy (CAER) investigates energy technologies to improve the environment. Researchers contribute to technically-sound policies related to fossil and renewable energy. CAER is one …
- Posted April 20, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
- View more
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Institute (RASEI)
- University of Colorado Boulder (CO)
RASEI (pronounced RAY-see) is a joint institute between the University of Colorado Boulder (CU-Boulder) and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) addressing important, complex problems in energy that require a …
- Posted April 20, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
- View more
Center for Sustainable Energy at Notre Dame
- University of Notre Dame (IN)
The Center for Sustainable Energy at Notre Dame (ND Energy) is a University Research Center whose mission is to foster and grow energy-related research toward sustainable and affordable energy solutions, …
- Posted April 20, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
- View more
Energy Institute
- University of Michigan (MI)
The University of Michigan Energy Institute builds on the University of Michigan’s strong energy research heritage at the heart of the nation’s automotive and manufacturing industries to develop and integrate …
- Posted April 20, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
- View more
Center for the Environment
- Harvard University (MA)
The Harvard University Center for the Environment (HUCE) encourages research and education about the environment and its many interactions with human society.
The Center draws its strength from faculty members …
- Posted April 20, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
- View more
Center for Energy and Environmental Resources (CEER)
- University of Texas at Austin (TX)
The Center for Energy and Environmental Resources (CEER) serves as the central liaison for energy and environmental research, education, and public service at the University of Texas at Austin. It …
- Posted April 20, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
- View more
Institute for Sustainability and Energy at Northwestern University (ISEN)
- Northwestern University (IL)
The Institute for Sustainability and Energy at Northwestern was established in 2008 as an umbrella organization whose unique mission is to advance global energy and sustainability solutions through transformational research, …
- Posted April 20, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
- View more
Linde Center for Global Environmental Science
- California Institute of Technology (CA)
Scientists from a broad range of disciplines are collaborating at The Linde Center to generate a comprehensive understanding of our global environment—including the impacts of human activities on it. They …
- Posted April 20, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
- View more
Berkeley Center for Green Chemistry (BCGC)
- University of California, Berkeley (CA)
The Berkeley Center for Green Chemistry (BCGC) is advancing green chemistry through interdisciplinary scholarship. It consists of faculty, researchers, and students in the College of Chemistry, School of Public Health, …
- Posted April 20, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
- View more
Establishing sustainability science in higher education institutions: towards an integration of academic development, institutionalization, and stakeholder collaborations
- University of Tokyo
- University of Zurich
- Lund University
- Erasmus University Rotterdam
The field of sustainability science aims to understand the complex and dynamic interactions between natural and human systems in order to transform and develop these in a sustainable manner. As …
- Posted April 20, 2016
- Publications
- View more
International Centre for Integrated assessment and Sustainable development (ICIS)
- Maastricht University
ICIS, based in Maastricht University's Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, addresses complex issues facing the planet and its inhabitants. It aims to conduct research and provide education in the fields …
- Posted April 20, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
- View more
Interdisciplinary Environmental and Sustainability Education and Research: Institutes and Centers at Research Universities
- Global Council Science and the Environment (DC)
Interdisciplinary environmental and sustainability (IES) academic and research programs have an important and unique role in higher education. IES programs study the interfaces and interactions of coupled social-nature systems using …
- Posted April 15, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Yale Center for Business and the Environment
- Yale University (CT)
The Yale Center for Business and the Environment provides a platform for generating, incubating and launching innovative action at the intersection of business and the environment.
- Posted April 14, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
- View more
Centre for Environmental Arts and Humanities
- University of Exeter (Devon)
The Centre for Environmental Arts and Humanities (CEAH) is an independent, interdisciplinary initiative which brings together researchers who share an interest in the relationship between the environment and the human …
- Posted April 13, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
- View more
Center for Energy Research/Education/Service
- Ball State University (IN)
The Center for Energy Research/Education/Service (CERES) at Ball State University, is an interdisciplinary academic support unit focused on issues related to energy and resource use, alternatives and conservation. As described …
- Posted April 12, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
- View more
Academic Librarians and the Sustainability Curriculum: Building Alliances to Support a Paradigm Shift
- University of Massachusetts Amherst (MA)
Sustainability is a fast evolving movement in higher education demonstrated by a proliferation of academic programs, co-curricular initiatives, and campus projects. Sustainability is now viewed as vital to the mission …
- Posted April 12, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Engagement of Academic Libraries and Information Science Schools in Creating Curriculum for Sustainability: An Exploratory Study
In 2010, the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education released, “Sustainability curriculum in higher education: A call to action,” encouraging infusion of sustainability topics into universities' teaching …
- Posted April 12, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Focus on Educating for Sustainability: Toolkit for Academic Libraries
Academic libraries must respond to the increasing focus on educating for sustainability and go beyond greening libraries to become active partners in advancing education and research for sustainability. This edited …
- Posted April 12, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Center for Religion and Environment
- Sewanee - The University of the South (TN)
The Center for Religion and Environment’s threefold mission is to help students and the broader community integrate religious belief with care for the environment, to prepare students across the curriculum …
- Posted April 12, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
- View more
Berkeley Energy and Climate Institute (BECI)
- University of California, Berkeley (CA)
Berkeley Energy and Climate Institute (BECI) is the coordinating hub for energy and climate research at UC Berkeley. BECI fosters collaboration between UC Berkeley, the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) …
- Posted April 11, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
- View more
Precourt Energy Efficiency Center
- Stanford University (CA)
The Precourt Energy Efficiency Center promotes economically efficient reductions in energy demand through research, education and dissemination of information. PEEC is an independent research lab that works with all seven …
- Posted April 11, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
- View more
Internal Carbon Accounting at a Small Liberal Arts College
- Vassar College (NY)
As colleges and universities pursue greenhouse gas reductions, it has become clear that some
approach is necessary for putting a price on carbon emissions and communicating that cost to energy …
- Posted April 6, 2016
- Publications
- View more
The Impact of Environmental Science Research
The 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF) assessed the impact of research undertaken by UK universities for the first time. Universities submitted case studies to demonstrate their research impacts on “the …
- Posted March 15, 2016
- Publications
- View more
One World One Water (OWOW) Center for Urban Water Education and Stewardship
- Metropolitan State University of Denver (CO)
The One World One Water Center for Urban Water Education and Stewardship at Metropolitan State University of Denver strives to prepare an educated, empowered, solution-oriented Colorado citizenry to protect and …
- Posted March 14, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
- View more
Boston University Institute for Sustainable Energy
- Boston University (MA)
The Institute for Sustainable Energy is a university-wide center for research, academic program enhancement, and engagement with industry and the energy policy community.
We work with faculty in many departments …
- Posted March 8, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
- View more
University of Maryland Center for Global Sustainability
- University of Maryland, College Park (MD)
Global sustainability depends on a robust global economy, a healthy environment, clean energy services, and a stable climate. Yet these issues are major policy challenges on which progress has been …
- Posted March 8, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
- View more
Patricelli Center for Social Entrepreneurship
- Wesleyan University (CT)
The PCSE supports students and alumni interested in creating and sustaining programs, businesses, and organizations that advance the public good. It offers workshops and trainings, specialized counseling and networking services, …
- Posted March 3, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
- View more
The University’s Role in the Dissemination of Research and Scholarship — A Call to Action
- Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU) (DC)
The Association of Research Libraries (ARL), the Association of American Universities (AAU), the Coalition for Networked Information (CNI), and the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges (NASULGC), issued …
- Posted March 2, 2016
- Publications
- View more
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.