1. Planning and Integrating Sustainability at Universities
(PAN3162)
By William R. Blackburn
Association for the Advancement of
Sustainability in Higher Education
AASHE 2010 Conference
October 12, 2010
Denver, CO

2. Defining Sustainability Obligations
and Issues for Action
Going beyond Brundtland
Implied expectations (GRI, CSR Reports)
Express expectations of global stakeholders
2008 Conference Board study
Voluntary standards (UNGC, ISO 26000, Ethos Indicators, STARS, Star Community Index, industry standards, etc.)
Mandatory integrated reporting standards (UK, S. Africa, France, Sweden, Denmark, et al.)

3. General Definition of Sustainability “The 2 Rs”
Values-driven management based on---
Respect: for people and other living things
Resources: the wise use of economic and natural resources
—for the purpose of sustaining and promoting the long-term well-being of the organization and society (including the environment).

4. Global Multi-stakeholder Consensus on SR/Sustainability Obligations*
Governance (oversight structures and systems for legal and ethical compliance and risk control on below topics; also cover key aspects of supply chain)
Human Rights (civil rights, nondiscrimination, etc.)
Labor Practices (wages, working conditions, etc.)
Environmental Issues (pollution prevention, energy and resource conservation, biodiversity, etc.)
Fair Operating Practices (anti-corruption, fair competition, etc.)
Consumer, Product/Service Issues (fair marketing, consumer safety, product compliance, etc.)
Community Involvement & Development
Economic Viability of the Organization
*Based on the GRI reporting guidelines and ISO SR standard

5. Sustainability at Universities —Typical Social Issues
Top level sustainability governance, oversight and involvement; values-driven management
Diversity, nondiscrimination
Student wellness (substance abuse, mental & physical health, etc.)
Crime rate, safety
Volunteerism
Cafeteria nutrition
Service learning, sustainability in curriculum
Quality of education (ratings, etc.); graduation rates

6. Sustainability at Universities —Typical Economic Issues
Financial health of institution
Costs of attendance; hours at minimum wage for students to pay costs
Salaries vs. minimum wage and vs. median household income for community
Procurements from local suppliers
Charitable donations

7. Some Observations About Sustainability
Sustainability is not about one thing.
The business case for sustainability is really the business case for a process that looks at sustainability trends and issues and prioritizes among the opportunities and threats to an organization to select those for action that contribute the most value.

8. Areas of Focus for Sustainability at Universities
Administration (planning and leadership)
Campus operations
Curriculum
Research; policy development
Student activities
Community and alumni outreach

9. 10 Foundations for a Great Program
Top Support; Point Person: Obtain ongoing visible support from top university officials; establish point person/director no more than two positions below president.
Team: Create multifunctional sustainability team with student, faculty, administrative and operations staff and alumni input covering the six areas of focus.
Policy Statement: Write and implement a 1-2 page values statement/sustainability policy covering the broad Triple Bottom Line (TBL) obligations and implementation values.
Evaluation: Evaluate status relative to policy using STARS, benchmarks from leading schools and service industries, etc.
Educate and Engage Stakeholders: Educate and institute two-way engagement with internal and external stakeholders on sustainability.

10. 10 Foundations-cont’d
Strategic Plan, Goals : With stakeholder engagement, develop a university-wide strategic plan framed around the TBL (including financial planning); identify TBL priorities, supporting goals and initiatives.
Deployment: Develop training, department plans, personal performance objectives and other approaches for deploying the plan, goals and initiatives across the organization.
Reports: Provide meaningful internal progress reports to top management, and issue annual transparent public “integrated” report on values, objectives, progress and challenges.
Recognition: Recognize and reward those who demonstrate exceptional commitment and performance.
Publicize Progress: Publicize efforts with media, ranking organizations and others.

11. The Sustainability Handbook—
The Complete Management Guide
to Achieving Social, Economic and
Environmental Responsibility
(See )

12. Progress and Challenges at University Programs -- Faculty Perspectives
DePaul U. – Kathy Dhanda (Chicago)
Duquesne U., Palumbo Donahue School of Business– Robert Sroufe (Pittsburgh)
Illinois Institute of Technology, Stuart School of Business— George Nassos (Chicago)
U. of Wisconsin at Oshkosh —Steve Dunn (Oshkosh)