“An inconvenient truth has become an unfortunate reality” - UN Sec-General (2007)

National Context 2006 survey by University Business magazine finds that: “ implementing [sustainability] initiatives will likely become a requirement for institutions desiring to be in the mainstream of higher education.” –nine of 10 campuses take sustainability into account in deciding upon new products and equipment –three-quarters are switching to environmentally friendly janitorial products equipment –one of three now has or will likely have offices of sustainability –three-quarters will consider LEED certification in future construction or renovation projects

Disciplinary Associations Network for Sustainability (DANS) Psychology Sociology Religion Philosophy Math Broadcasting Architecture Engineering (civil, mechanical, eng. ed.) Political science Anthropology Ecological economics Chemistry Biology AAAS Computer science Religious studies & other humanities Women’s studies And more…

Higher Education Associations Sustainability Consortium (HEASC) 1.ACE–Am. Council on Ed. 2.AAC&U – American Colleges and Universities 3.AACC – Community Colleges 4.AASCU – State Colleges and Universities 5.AGB – Governing Boards 6.NACA – Campus Activities 7.NAEB – Educ. Buyers 8.APPA – Facilities Officers 9.NACUBO – Business Officers 10.SCUP – College and University Planners 11.ACUI – Student Unions 12.ACPA - Student Affairs 13.NACUFS – Food Services 14.ACEED-I – Events and Conference Directors 15.NACS – Campus Stores

Publications of HEASC Members

Association of Governing Boards

National Context - continued US Partnership for Educ. for Sustainable Development (Higher Educ. Sector) Response to UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development, Debra Rowe Clinton Climate Initiative – pilot project w/ACUPCC US Green Building Council – New HE focus American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) Higher Ed Committee of college presidents

Local Context Talloires Declaration ACUPCC “Improving the Sustainability of Puget Sound Through Higher Ed” – AASHE, funded by TRFF “Curriculum for the Bioregion” – Wash. Center Disciplinary Learning Communities “Integrating Sustainability Across the Curriculum” Summer Institute – Contact: Jean MacGregor, NWCCU – sustainability panel at next mtg

Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education Serving the Campus Sustainability Community

Campus Sustainability - Involves All Sectors Curricula Research Operations Community Outreach and Partnerships Student Life Professional Development Mission and Planning Purchasing

ACUPCC* – American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC). Nearly 500 signatories. HEASC* – Higher Education Associations Sustainability Consortium. Coordinated by Second Nature. DANS* – Disciplinary Associations Network for Sustainability - STARS – Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System. Piloting begins Feb ’08. *Partnerships AASHE’s Major Projects

A Comparative Tool for Evaluating Campus Sustainability Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS)

Development of STARS Early assessment tools Puget Sound model (SHEAF) Support from The Russell Family Foundation Call for national rating system - HEASC, ‘06 AASHE-led collaborative effort – SHEAF to CSRS to STARS 0.4 to STARS 0.5 Pilot launch

Goals of STARS Provide a guide for advancing sustainability in all sectors of higher education Enable meaningful comparisons across and within institutions Create incentives for continuous improvement Facilitate information sharing Build a stronger, more diverse campus sustainability community

Elements of STARS Checklist of indicators (similar to LEED) Thresholds of achievement STARS Guide and resources Transparency (public reporting and access) Outside certification optional Rating good for 3 years

What Distinguishes STARS? Rating, not ranking Allows for more in-depth questions Provides clear standard (not moving target) Fully transparent Can be self-funding Inclusive of all campus types Comprehensive – all sectors, 3 dimensions Offers only positive recognition

Sustainability Concept & STARS Many variations on definition. STARS uses common concepts (Brundtland, triple bottom line, etc.): Simultaneous consideration of environment, economy, and social responsibility Intergenerational equity Common goal of healthy environments, thriving communities, meaningful livelihoods Democratic governance & education

Categories of Credits 1.Education and Research Ex: Curriculum, Research, Literacy, Co-curric. 2.Operations Ex: Buildings, Food, Transportation, Purchasing 3.Administration and Finance Ex: Investments, Planning, Diversity

OP Credit 4: Green Cleaning Service Criteria Institution’s in-house or contracted cleaning service is Green Seal certified or meets the certification criteria for the Green Seal Environmental Standard for Cleaning Services (GS-42). Documentation Complete the online STARS submittal form for this credit. The form requests: Date of Green Seal certification, if applicable Documentation indicating that the cleaning service meets the Green Seal criteria

OP Credit 4: Green Cleaning Service Documentation – Cont. A brief description of how the institution ensures compliance with Green Seal’s standards A statement that the submitted information is accurate to the best of a responsible party’s knowledge (Not required during the pilot period) The contact information for the responsible party (Not required during the pilot period)

Guidance This credit recognizes institutions that have safe and effective cleaning practices that protect human health and the environment. Green Seal certification is administered by an independent, non-profit organization that develops science-based certification criteria specific to several product categories and services. The certification system recognizes services that improve health and wellbeing, reduce toxic pollution and waste, conserve resources and habitats, and minimize global warming and ozone depletion. In addition to requiring the use of non-toxic cleaning products, the cleaning service certification system details several best practices for cleaning services, which covers topics such as cleaning equipment, staff communications, worker safety, and reducing solid waste.

Pilot Period Began Feb 4, ends Dec.’ campuses. Two phases – phase 2 begins summer 2008 Campuses provide valuable feedback; help set thresholds; become familiar with STARS Opportunities to share knowledge Data submitted during pilot phase not public Vehicle for campus-wide assessment (co-pilots) Version 1.0 released in 2009

Over 400 colleges and universities & 100 businesses, nonprofits and government agencies. Benefits include: –Access to online resources in Resource Center –Opportunities for professional development –Consultation by phone and –Networking with other members –Discounts on conferences, workshops, trainings –Eligibility for professional awards and recognition –Publicity via newsletters, literature, website AASHE Membership

Master & strategic plans – incorporating sustainability Sustainability policies – green building, procurement, energy, and more. Surveys – of sustainability awareness, attitudes, values Sustainability websites – at over 200 campuses. Outreach – campaigns, posters, alumni networks Funding ideas – examples, mechanisms, guides Publications – articles, reports, fact sheets, books AASHE Online Resource Center

AASHE Bulletin – weekly news, events, jobs, resources. Archives in Resource Center. AASHE Digest -annual compilation of Bulletin items by category. Campus Sustainability Perspectives (blog) - news and views from AASHE’s staff. Events Calendar - campus sustainability happenings How-to Guides and Reports – available in Resource Center. AASHE Publications

Biennial Conference – “AASHE 2008” Nov. 9-11, Raleigh, NC. 1,500 expected. Workshops - opportunities to meet others, share resources, collaborate on projects. Co-sponsored Conferences, Webinars - discounts for AASHE members. Interest Groups - facilitate learning, networking. Professional Development

Subscribe to AASHE Bulletin Subscribe to AASHE-Rating list; get involved in STARS Join interest groups and forums Attend sustainability conferences, workshops Develop institution-wide sustainability plan; set priorities Communicate sustainability across campus For more info: Judy Walton, Acting E.D., Keep up the great work! Thank you! What You Can Do

Education & Research Sustainability in general education core Infused throughout curriculum Programs, degrees, institutes, centers (community engagement) Academic sustainability plans Service learning Co-curricular learning

Administration & Finance Sustainability committees, task forces, green teams Paid coordinator, director, manager, office Sustainability in guiding documents – vision, mission, strategic & master plans Socially responsible investment Sustainability policies Web page Funding, recognition, awards Joint commitments & pledges (ACUPCC)

Operations Green building (healthy; local sourcing) Transportation (U-Pass, bike programs) Materials and waste management Purchasing Dining (local economy) Energy & climate Water conservation, quality

(c) 2007 Presidents Climate Commitment. All rights reserved. The American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment Climate Leadership in Higher Education

(c) 2007 Presidents Climate Commitment. All rights reserved. The Initiative Led by presidents & chancellors –Supported by 3 nonprofits (AASHE, SN, EcoAmerica) High-visibility Power of collective action to leverage change Create action plans for climate neutrality Research & education to develop societal capacity Guidance & public reporting

(c) 2007 Presidents Climate Commitment. All rights reserved. Snapshot 427 signatories (goal: 1,000 by Dec. 2009) 18% of all college students represented 47 states (missing MS, NE, ND) All sizes & types of institutions 25% are community colleges 1/2 flagship state U’s

(c) 2007 Presidents Climate Commitment. All rights reserved. The Commitment Create institutional structures Complete inventory of emissions Develop institutional climate action plan & initiate two of seven suggested actions First 2 Months Within 1 Year Within 2 Years

(c) 2007 Presidents Climate Commitment. All rights reserved. “Tangible Action” Options (Select 2) a. USGBC LEED Silver policy b. Energy-efficient appliance purchasing policy c. Offset GHG emissions from air travel d. Encourage public transportation e. Purchase >15% electricity from renewables f. Support sustainability shareholder proposals g. Participate in RecycleMania

(c) 2007 Presidents Climate Commitment. All rights reserved. Climate Action Plan Institutional action plan for becoming climate neutral, including: –Target date for climate neutrality –Interim targets that will lead to climate neutrality –Actions to make climate change and sustainability part of educational experience –Actions to expand related research –Mechanisms for tracking progress

Co-curricular Learning Awards, competitions Recyclemania, EPA P3, AASHE Campaigns Fair trade, fair labor, boycotts, disinvestment, student green fees Student government, organizations, outreach Eco-Reps programs