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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Scientists study solar panel-topped ponds
- Cornell University (NY)
Reseach into preserve agricultural land for crops and conservation lands for wildlife, place floating photovoltaic panels on lakes, rivers and reservoirs.
- Posted Aug. 28, 2023
- Photographs
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Research, Upcycled Textile
- Cornell University (NY)
Upcycled polyester.
- Posted Aug. 28, 2023
- Photographs
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Earth Source Heat (ESH) is Cornell's version of a deep geothermal system
- Cornell University (NY)
Cornell constructed a 10,000-foot deep observatory borehole, the Cornell University Borehole Observatory (CUBO). CUBO will enable researchers to study how much heat can be produced by geothermal energy.
- Posted Aug. 28, 2023
- Photographs
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Research and teaching areas
- Université de Sherbrooke (QC)
In addition to the largest solar park dedicated to applied research in Canada, the Université de Sherbrooke owns the Johnville Bog and Forest Park, a 225 hectares research and teaching …
- Posted Aug. 28, 2023
- Photographs
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Photovoltaic panel
- Université de Sherbrooke (QC)
With a capacity of 1 MW, the solar park of the Université de Sherbrooke is the largest dedicated to applied research in Canada. Photovoltaic panels are located in various places …
- Posted Aug. 28, 2023
- Photographs
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Solar Park
- Université de Sherbrooke (QC)
With a capacity of 1 MW, the solar park of the Université de Sherbrooke is the largest dedicated to applied research in Canada. Photovoltaic panels are located in various places …
- Posted Aug. 28, 2023
- Photographs
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Hope College Photos for 2023 SCI recognition, “Top Performer, Research”
- Hope College (MI)
Hope College in Holland, Michigan, provides numerous opportunities for students to participate in faculty-mentored, collaborative research focused on sustainability throughout their time at the college. In the year-long, “Day1: Watershed” …
- Posted Aug. 28, 2023
- Photographs
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SCI 2023 Major Investments in Sustainability Research
- Concordia University (QC)
To accompany text for Concordia University's Major Investment in Sustainability Research to be featured in the SCI 2023.
- Posted Aug. 28, 2023
- Photographs
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Taking Stormwater Seriously at the University of Vermont
- University of Vermont (VT)
The soils on UVM's campus are glacial till on bedrock, limiting infiltration of runoff. UVM’s diverse stormwater systems slow and filter runoff rather than letting it run directly into Burlington’s …
- Posted Aug. 28, 2023
- Photographs
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Colorado State University Photos for 2023 SCI
- Colorado State University (CO)
Academic, engagement, and research photos submitted for use in the 2023 SCI.
- Posted Aug. 28, 2023
- Photographs
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Ball State University students and faculty incorporate passive house principles into a design-build of low-income housing which won the DOE Solar Decathlon
- Ball State University (IN)
Ball State University students and faculty incorporate passive house principles into a design-build of low-income housing which won the 2023 DOE Solar Decathlon
- Posted Aug. 28, 2023
- Photographs
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Ball State University students incorporate passive house principles into a design-build of low-income housing which won the DOE Solar Decathlon
- Ball State University (IN)
Ball State University students incorporate passive house principles into a design-build of low-income housing which won the 2023 DOE Solar Decathlon
- Posted Aug. 28, 2023
- Photographs
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RVCC's new greenhouse
- Raritan Valley Community College (NJ)
Donors to the RVCC Foundation funded the construction of a new campus greenhouse, which is devoted to student education. Environmental Science students, Environmental Club members, and Center for Environmental Studies …
- Posted Aug. 22, 2023
- Photographs
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Environmental Science major learns horticulture first-hand
- Raritan Valley Community College (NJ)
One of RVCC's Center for Environmental Studies interns growing native plants in the original campus greenhouse.
- Posted Aug. 22, 2023
- Photographs
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Forestery living lab
- Université Laval (QC)
Every year, Université Laval's Faculty of Forestry organizes research and teaching activities in its scientific forest, Forêt Montmorency. This is an opportunity for students to apply their learning and contribute …
- Posted Aug. 22, 2023
- Photographs
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Recent developments on research in sustainability in higher education management and accounting areas
- Polytechnic Institute of Leiria
- Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná
The purpose of this study is to investigate recent developments in sustainability in higher education, seeking to understand what is happening in the areas of Management and Accounting. This study …
- Posted June 15, 2023
- Publications
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Climate justice in higher education: a proposed paradigm shift towards a transformative role for colleges and universities
- Northeastern University (MA)
Moving beyond technocratic approaches to climate action, climate justice articulates a paradigm shift in how organizations think about their response to the climate crisis. This paper makes a conceptual contribution …
- Posted June 15, 2023
- Publications
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Reducing air travel emissions in academia: an exploration of universities’ manoeuvring room
- University of Graz
Purpose: This paper aims to explore the manoeuvring room of higher education institutions to take action to reduce emissions from academic flying. In particular, this study investigates how university staff …
- Posted June 15, 2023
- Publications
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Dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic: an opportunity to reflect on sustainability research
- University of Bern
- University of Basel (Basel-Stadt)
- Technische Universität Berlin (Berlin)
- Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development/Hochschule für nachhaltige Entwicklung Eberswalde (Brandenburg)
- Goethe University Frankfurt
The COVID-19 pandemic has jolted societies out of normality, possibly creating new conditions for sustainability transformations. What does this mean for sustainability research? Because of the scope of the crisis, …
- Posted June 15, 2023
- Publications
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Students as co-researchers: Using participatory action research to address college food insecurity
- University of San Francisco (CA)
Studies indicate that college students experience high rates of food insecurity. Growing awareness of food insecurity on college campuses has resulted in efforts by many institutions to address the problem …
- Posted June 15, 2023
- Publications
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Developing interdisciplinary consciousness for sustainability: using playful frame reflection to challenge disciplinary bias
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
A major challenge for interdisciplinary teamwork on complex sustainability issues is the often-conflicting disciplinary perspectives and underlying values and assumptions among collaborators. Interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers and practitioners therefore requires …
- Posted June 15, 2023
- Publications
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Education for sustainable development through research-based learning in an online environment
- Universität Bremen
Purpose: The society faces growing global challenges in terms of sustainable development. A key factor in preparing society for these challenges is education for sustainable development (ESD). This study aims …
- Posted June 15, 2023
- Publications
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Understanding the Research Interlinkages Between Anthropocene, Millennium and Sustainable Development Goals: A Global Bibliometric Analysis
- Presidency University
- Guangzhou University
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are impacted by the Anthropocene's onset, hence critical actions must be taken to develop tailored policies for these goals. This research aims to understand the interaction …
- Posted June 15, 2023
- Publications
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Empowering Future Leaders to Advocate Sustainable Action: A comparative analysis between two university programmes focusing on leadership and sustainability in Sweden and Germany
- Malmö University
Sustainability must be integrated into our everyday world. To achieve that, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were established. Some scholars agree that the SDGs are not enough. So, a new strategy …
- Posted June 15, 2023
- Publications
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A self-Identity-development approach to higher business education for sustainability
- University of Manitoba (MB)
This study is focused on reorienting conventional educational approaches in higher education, particularly in higher business education, that tend to link unsustainable inner values with economic and analytical skills. Higher …
- Posted June 15, 2023
- Publications
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Integrating sustainability into scientific research
- My Green Lab (CA)
Laboratories have a large environmental impact, with high levels of resource consumption and waste generation. In this article, I discuss some of the actionable strategies that can bring real and …
- Posted June 15, 2023
- Publications
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A framework to enable sustainability-oriented transition activities in HEIs: Learnings from two case studies in Germany and Switzerland
- Leuphana University of Lüneburg
Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) can significantly contribute to sustainability transitions, as they facilitate research, education and knowledge transfer. The integration of sustainability in research touches many scientific disciplines and beyond …
- Posted June 15, 2023
- Publications
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Faculty Institutional Recruitment for Sustainable Transformation (FIRST+) Lives Here for Urban Health
- University of Cincinnati (OH)
The University of Cincinnati’s Office of the President, Office of the Provost, and Office of Research committed $12 million to grow inclusive excellence by leveraging diverse perspectives to advance innovation, …
- Posted May 31, 2023
- Case Studies
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USC Urban Trees Initiative
- University of Southern California (CA)
The USC Urban Trees Initiative (USC Trees) brings together faculty, staff, and student researchers at the University of Southern California to help the City of Los Angeles and local nonprofits …
- Posted May 31, 2023
- Case Studies
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US Society for Ecological Economics
- United States Society for Ecological Economics (PA)
The United States Society for Ecological Economics (USSEE) provides a venue for intellectual exchange and collaboration on issues related to the theory, policy, and implementation of sustainability. The society consists …
- Posted May 31, 2023
- Research Centers & Institutes
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Differential Vulnerability to Extreme Heat Events Among the UC Campuses: A quantitative analysis of social vulnerability to extreme heat in communities surrounding UC Campuses
- University of California, Office of the President (CA)
- University of California, Davis (CA)
Extreme heat events are becoming more frequent, intense, and longer as a result of global climate change. Individual characteristics and conditions amplify exposure and impact of extreme heat events. I …
- Posted May 24, 2023
- Publications
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Keep CUP the good work! Is sustainable consumption a promise or all talk?
- Iowa State University (IA)
- Starbucks (WA)
Plastic waste has now spread to every corner of the globe. To avoid wreaking additional havoc on our world, wholesale change is needed. Collaboration, creative rewards, forward-thinking businesses, and consumer …
- Posted May 18, 2023
- Publications
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Educating the Scientific Community to Adopt Sustainability
- My Green Lab (CA)
Engaging scientists in sustainability efforts has long been proven to be an effective way of reducing the environmental impact of laboratories. By implementing actions to improve sustainability, scientists experience a …
- Posted May 17, 2023
- Conference Presentations
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Editor-in-Chief on Current Research and Authorship Opportunities
- Northeastern University (MA)
Dr. Venkatesan, Editor-in-Chief of Sustainability and Climate Change, discusses some of her recently published work in the Journal, as well as current Journal Calls for Papers and author contribution opportunities.
- Posted May 17, 2023
- Conference Presentations
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The KCKCC Library Sustainability Research Guide: Resources, Literacy, & Engagement
- Kansas City Kansas Community College (KS)
This session will provide an overview of the Sustainability Research Guide created for the Kansas City Kansas Community College library. This guide has been crafted over several years and is …
- Posted May 17, 2023
- Conference Presentations
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Impactful Education for Sustainability Through Research and a Community of Practice
- University of Tasmania (TAS)
For humanity to persist, we need populations with sustainability knowledge and practices. Higher education has the potential to contribute but there are many barriers preventing higher education actors from reaching …
- Posted May 17, 2023
- Conference Presentations
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CSU Channel Islands Teaches About Sustainable Land Management During Earth Month
- California State University, Channel Islands (CA)
CSU Channel Islands kicked off Earth Month celebrations with an event focused on targeted grazing and its use as a sustainable land management strategy. The event included a presentation from …
- Posted May 8, 2023
- Photographs
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Obstacles to Environmental Progress: A US Perspective
- Austin College (TX)
Open-access (free) book from University College London Press. The primary intended audiences are undergraduate and graduate students in environmental studies, sustainability, and related fields. The book focuses on predictable, practical …
- Posted March 6, 2023
- Publications
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Is the Word “Net” Compromising True De-Carbonization?
- University of California, Irvine (CA)
- AASHE (MA)
- M-RETS (MN)
Colleges and universities are relying upon “carbon accounting” that needs to be improved in order to meet our cardinal principle of evidence-based physical measurement. The physics of the grid—unless behind …
- Posted Jan. 26, 2023
- Videos & Webinars
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McGill Sustainable Labs Guide
- McGill University (QC)
The McGill Sustainable Labs Guide contains a variety of actionable steps that lab users can take to make their lab operations more sustainable. Some of these practices can be applied …
- Posted Jan. 17, 2023
- Tools
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Summer REU in Urban Ecology and the Environment (2024 enrollment)
- City University of New York, Baruch College (NY)
- The City University of New York (NY)
- City University of New York, Brooklyn College (NY)
The Brooklyn Urban Ecology and Environment Program (BUEE) is a NSF-sponsored Research Experiences for Undergraduates hosted at Brooklyn College of the City University of New York. BUEE supports the training …
- Posted Jan. 10, 2023
- Academic Programs
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Webinar #3: Inner Development Goals: A Three-part Exploration
- University of Massachusetts Amherst (MA)
- AASHE (MA)
Many of us are familiar with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This three-part Community of Practice (Nov. 15, Nov. 29, Dec. 13) will allow us to space to explore the …
- Posted Dec. 14, 2022
- Videos & Webinars
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Webinar #2: Inner Development Goals: A Three-part Exploration
- University of Massachusetts Amherst (MA)
- AASHE (MA)
Many of us are familiar with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This three-part Community of Practice (Nov. 15, Nov. 29, Dec. 13) will allow us to space to explore the …
- Posted Dec. 5, 2022
- Videos & Webinars
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Webinar: Guidance for the Sustainable Procurement of Laboratory Supplies
- University of Georgia (GA)
- AASHE (MA)
- Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council (MA)
Laboratories often represent a “hot spot” within organizations for environmental waste, toxins, and even supply chain labor issues. Until now, comprehensive guidance wasn’t available for purchasers seeking to address these …
- Posted Dec. 2, 2022
- Videos & Webinars
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Campus-Scale Biodiesel Production
- Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University (AL)
- Lake Area Technical Institute (SD)
- Seward County Community College (KS)
- Springboard Biodiesel (CA)
- University of Costa Rica
- University of Botswana
This a compilation highlighting 5 schools that are using Biodiesel production as part of their climate action plans. Each school has diverted waste by using used cooking oil (already produced …
- Posted Nov. 21, 2022
- Videos & Webinars
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University of Botswana in Gaborone converts Trichilia seed into Biodiesel
- Springboard Biodiesel (CA)
- University of Botswana
The University of Botswana in Gaborone converts used cooking oils (produced at the University) as well as beef tallow, and trichilia seed. Trichilia seed is an inedible native seed that …
- Posted Nov. 10, 2022
- Photographs
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University of Costa Rica makes biodiesel from Jack Fruit seed oil
- Springboard Biodiesel (CA)
- University of Costa Rica
In celebration of Campus Sustainability Month here is the University of Costa Rica in San Jose. They are conducting research on various inedible indigenous seed oils including jack fruit seed …
- Posted Nov. 10, 2022
- Photographs
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Climate Emergency: Feedback Loops
- Moving Still Productions Inc.
Teach climate change with the following free resources: Climate Emergency: Feedback Loops, a series of five short films narrated by Richard Gere, featuring twelve renown climate scientists, and endorsed by …
- Posted Oct. 19, 2022
- Course Materials
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Employing the SDGs to Enhance University Research and Education Sustainability Objectives
- Carnegie Mellon University (PA)
- University of California, Davis (CA)
- University of Southern California (CA)
- AASHE (MA)
Although the SDGs are a global framework, there is not a one-size-fits-all approach to how universities employ them to enhance research, education, and operational sustainability objectives. The purpose of this …
- Posted Oct. 17, 2022
- Videos & Webinars
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Webinar: Innovations in Teaching Sustainable Consumption in Higher Education
- Arizona State University (AZ)
- AASHE (MA)
- Wageningen University
- University of Leeds (West Yorkshire)
- University of East Anglia
- University of Geneva
The goal of sustainability will not be achievable without changes in our consumption. In consumption, sustainability challenges appear like in a burning glass; here, it can be exemplarily shown how …
- Posted Sept. 22, 2022
- Videos & Webinars
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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.