New Release: Second Nature Sustainability Sit-Downs Video [Video]
Second Nature's Sustainability Sit-Downs Video series recently hosted Blaine Collison, managing director of Network Services for Altenex, to discuss higher education's role in making a sustainability society. The series, which consists of 12 interviews, features sustainability leaders from higher education, and non-profit and private sector organizations that work closely with colleges and universities.
2015 Interdisciplinary Environmental And Sustainability Ed Report
The National Council for Science and the Environment (NCSE) released the ninth research report, 2015 Leadership and Administrative Structures, on interdisciplinary environmental and sustainability (IES) education. Findings include nationally representative data on IES administrative program structures and resources, and views of program leaders on the challenges they face and the factors important for program success.
New Release: Second Nature Sustainability Sit-Downs Video [Video]
Starting in January 2015, Second Nature released a new video series titled Sustainability Sit-Downs. The series, which consists of 12 interviews, features sustainability leaders from higher education, and non-profit and private sector organizations that work closely with colleges and universities. This first video features Meghan Chapple, director of George Washington University Office of Sustainability.
2015 AASHE Webinar Schedule
The AASHE 2015 Webinar Series consists of a number of different series aimed at providing professional development opportunities, tools, skills and support to our valued AASHE community. The first webinar, The Form and Function of the Sustainability Agenda in Higher Education Institutions, is January 14 and features two AASHE 2014 Sustainability Award winners. Join us by registering here. Stay tuned to the AASHE Events page for information on other webinar series and workshops to be released throughout the year.
New Book: 'Reconstructing Sustainability Science'
Drawing on interviews with leading sustainability scientists, the latest in the Routledge Earthscan Science in Society series examines how researchers in the emerging, interdisciplinary field of sustainability science are attempting to define sustainability, establish research agendas, and link the knowledge they produce to societal action. Pairing these insights with case studies of innovative sustainability research centers, the book reformulates the sustainability science research agenda and its relationship to decision-making and social action. A 20 percent discount is applied when the code DC361 is used.
New Issue of Sustainability: The Journal of Record
The latest issue of the journal includes commentaries on climate resilience planning and the ACUPCC Climate Leadership Summit, sustainability education in marketing, and an editorial about gardening for education and activism.
A Guide to Effective Climate Change Communication
A joint project between ecoAmerica, the Center for Research on Environmental Decisions at Earth Institute and Columbia University, Connecting on Climate: A Guide to Effective Climate Change Communication is a resource that includes research from a range of social science fields and is designed to be useful for experienced and novice communicators to engage the American public on climate change. Included in the guide are strategies to boost engagement, common mistakes to avoid, and best practices that organizations have used to meaningfully engage individuals and groups on climate change.
Presidents United to Solve Hunger
Presidents United to Solve Hunger (PUSH) is an initiative that unites universities in the fight against hunger and malnutrition. By signing the PUSH Presidents' Commitment to Food and Nutrition Security, university leaders are agreeing to make food and nutrition security a priority. The website includes a comprehensive toolkit with a guide, student delegation registration, fliers and banners.
SEPN Sustainability in Canadian Post-secondary Institutions
Research from the Sustainability Education and Policy Network analyzed and scored all 220 accredited post-secondary institutions in Canada on their uptake of four high-level sustainability initiatives. This research identifies strong linkages between the three sustainability initiatives of assessment, office and policy, suggesting that the uptake of one might encourage the uptake of others. In contrast, there was a weak relationship between signing a declaration and undertaking other sustainability initiatives.
A Guide to Climate Resiliency & The Community College
The American Association of Community Colleges Sustainability Education and Economic Development (SEED) Center released the new report focuses on community colleges as a stakeholder in the quest to create climate change resiliency through local workforce development.
Guide to Creating & Managing Sustainability Internship Programs
This how-to guide explores best practices for establishing and managing highly effective Sustainability Internship Programs (SIPs). It presents valuable information for individuals seeking guidance on creating new SIPs (Chapter 2), or for those looking to change or improve the ongoing management of existing SIPs (Chapter 3). This guide outlines a culmination of conversations with sustainability professionals currently working in internship programs at colleges and universities across the United States.
The Sustainability and Education Policy Network
The Sustainability and Education Policy Network (SEPN) a Canadian national network of researchers and organizations advancing sustainability in education policy and practice. SEPN's research examines the relationships between sustainability education policies and practices in post-secondary education in Canada with the goal of enabling educational change for a more sustainable future. Membership is free.
International University & College Campus Sustainability Listserv
Inspired by the Making Universities Sustainable Conference in Copenhagen 2014, this list is for the international university community to discuss sustainability issues and solutions. The aim is to provide a global network for sharing best practices in the field of sustainability and its application to university operations.
New Issue Sustainable Business Magazine
The latest issue, featuring a forward from AASHE's Executive Director Stephanie A. Herrera, spotlights the Houston University, Duke University, Central Connecticut State University, University of Prince Edward Island and University of the West Indies.
2014 Campus Sustainability Day Keynote Broadcast [VIDEO]
The theme for this year's Campus Sustainability Day (CSD) was Empowering Change on Campus and in the Community. In this year's video, higher education sustainability leaders and partners discuss ways in which students can make a difference, be a part of sustainability solutions, and build a career in the sustainability field.
Aramark's President Perspectives 'Sustainability: Then and Now'
Aramark's Presidential Perspectives 2013-2014 Series Elevating Sustainability Through Academic Leadership Chapter 8, penned by president of Southern Maine, walks the reader through the sustainability movement beginning in 1970 with the birth of the environmental movement and its relationship to higher education.
Campus Fair Trade Procurement Resources
Fair Trade Colleges and Universities recently released a set of resources and links that guide a campus through the process creating a fair trade policy, help with determining what could be sourced via fair trade, and support for campus procurement staff.
Green Guide for Universities
Released at the international conference Making Universities Sustainable, the free guide, developed by the International Alliance of Research Universities and Sustainia, provides 23 case studies of environmental, financial and social successes to show universities how to become more sustainable.
Net Impact's Business as UNusual Guide to Graduate Programs
With information compiled from a written questionnaire by Net Impact chapter leaders and a online student survey, the newly released 2014 Business as UNusual Guide for students by students highlights the social and environmental impact of graduate programs.
Council of Undergraduate Research Quarterly Publication
The most recent issue of the Council of Undergraduate Research's Quarterly publication is themed Undergraduate Research in Support of Sustainability and features articles about action research and campus learning laboratories.
New Issue of Sustainable Business Magazine
The latest issue, featuring a forward from AASHE's Executive Director Stephanie A. Herrera, spotlights the American University, Portland State University, University of Calgary, University of California at San Francisco, University of Maryland, University of Northern British Columbia and University of Saskatchewan.
STARS New Integrated Resources Tab
To better support STARS participants, the new Resources tab on each credit in the online Reporting Tool will provide shareable credit language in PDF format to help guide responsible parties with data collection, tools like template spreadsheets and calculators, and best practice reporting examples from other STARS participants. Log-in to the Reporting Tool https://stars.aashe.org/accounts/login/?next=/tool/ to check it out and suggest a new resource (or two)!
Sustainability and Economics by NJ Arts News [VIDEO]
This recently released video features experts from the University of Western Ontario, University of British Columbia and the Cloud Institute for Sustainability Education and discusses the intersection of economics and sustainability, its current impact on the higher education community, and living more in harmony with the planet.
AASHE Member Discount: LittleFootprint Lighting
LittleFootprint Lighting manufactures the HeronLED Personal Task Light made in the U.S. from recycled electronic waste. AASHE members will receive an additional 10 percent off special web pricing and with each sale, donating 15 percent of proceeds to Fight for Light.
Stewardship News Now Published
The summer edition of Audubon International's publication features a partnership with AASHE with campus models for sustainability.
SEI Green Revolving Investment Tracking System (GRITS 1.0)
The Sustainable Endowments Institute recently released the 1.0 version of its energy and resource efficiency tracking system. GRITS is a web-based tool that can calculate project-level energy, financial and carbon data, access a project library with data from other schools, and create graphs and visuals. Any school can subscribe to GRITS through the GRITS Affiliates program, even those without a revolving fund. A 30-day free trial is available.
2014 Conference & Expo Full Schedule
Themed Innovation for Sustainable Economies & Communities, the 2014 Conference & Expo now offers its full schedule of workshops, sessions, expo hours and more to assist participants in creating their personalized plan.
Green and Sustainability Jobs Poster
Presented by Higher Education Associations Sustainability Consortium fellows, the free downloadable posters can be used in office and career centers to promote sustainability jobs.
2014 California Higher Ed Sustainability Conf Presentations
Presentations from the 13th Annual 2014 California Higher Education Sustainability Conference are now online. Hosted by the Associated Students of San Diego State University, attendees of the conference shared information about innovative best practices and policy achievements made in California in the past year. 750 faculty, staff, students and administrators were in attendance from 53 campuses, across four systems of higher education and included 222 speakers.
Water Efficiency Toolkit by Environmental Defense Fund
Environmental Defense Fund and AT&T have developed a set of tools and resources that can help organizations build their own program to reduce water and energy use in buildings and save money in the process. Tools include an Excel-based water performance assessment and calculator, cooling system efficiency guide and videos, and sample water audit forms.
Intentionally Designed Endowment Conference Proceedings
In April, Second Nature and Hampshire College convened a group of high-level stakeholders to explore approaches to aligning higher education and foundation endowment investment portfolios with their institutional mission and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals. This report from the Intentionally Designed Endowment Conference captures event outcomes and opportunities for moving forward.
NRDC Greening Advisor for Collegiate Sports Guide
The Natural Resources Defense Council recently released the NRDC Greening Advisor for Collegiate Sports guide, a free tool to promote sustainability in collegiate sports. Using the Greening Advisor, colleges and universities have the opportunity to identify the greening initiatives that can help advance institutional efforts to attain or improve a STARS rating.
Sustainable Purchasing Toolkit
With support from the Ray C. Anderson Foundation, AASHE is pleased to provide a toolkit highlighting AASHE's sustainable purchasing resources.
Second Nature's Alliance for Resilient Campuses
Founded by Second Nature and closely partnered with the U.S. National Climate Assessment, the Alliance for Resilient Campuses (ARC) is an initiative that will evaluate risk and vulnerability of climate change, offer tools for collaborative assessment and implementation, and evaluate progress and fill research and knowledge gaps.
Green Energy Survey Toolkit
This new resource allows students to conduct a one to three hour green energy audit with local organizations and then make recommendations for change, offering students valuable sustainability consulting experience and a valuable skills-based learning opportunity.
Tradepal Now Available in All U.S. Colleges
Founded in 2009, Tradepal, a university and college marketplace to barter, buy and sell items, is now available to all college students nationwide with a simplified signup process to propel collaboration. With each transaction, the marketplace quantifies the environmental impact from reuse through a carbon savings score for both students and networks.
ACUPCC On Air Series Archive
The four archived discussions held in April on behalf of the ACUPCC are An Interview with Dr. Mitchell Thomashow, author of The Nine Elements of a Sustainable Campus; Reflection on the 2014 Intentionally Designed Endowment Conference; New Directions for Clean Air-Cool Planet and University of New Hampshire Sustainability Institute; and Accounting for Campus Forest in Carbon Calculations.
Intentionally Designed Endowment
This newly released document from Hampshire College and Second Nature was a primer to a stakeholder engagement event in April that was organized to begin a conversation among educational institutions about aligning their investments with their missions. The document provides a background and overview of integrating sustainability factors, higher education trends in investment for sustainability, and a sampling of reports, resources and organizations pertaining to sustainability investing.
International Sustainability Literacy Test Pilot
Brought to the higher education community by AASHE, the Disciplinary Associations Network for Sustainability (DANS) and the Higher Education Associations Sustainability Consortium (HEASC), the International Sustainability Literacy Test is a free, online multiple choice question assessment, with customized versions for different countries and regions of the world. It attempts to assess a student’s basic level of knowledge about sustainability, including social and environmental responsibility, and can be administered in any college-level course, undergraduate or graduate.
Track and Manage Energy Investments Application
On April 22, the Sustainable Endowments Institute launched the new Green Revolving Investment Tracking System (GRITS) 1.0, an online tool that offers a bridge between management and performance reporting of energy and resource efficiency investments. GRITS is a space for institutions to track, analyze and share data on specific sustainability projects or groups of projects, offering more capabilities than traditional spreadsheet tracking.
