Sustainability Frameworks for Colleges and Universities

[Vinodh Valluri]

Originally published on the EcoCloud platform.

The Higher Education industry contributes its own share to environmental and sustainability issues such as climate change, through its operations, planning, and policies. However, universities and colleges have always been breeding grounds for the latest innovations, movements, and solutions, In the recent past, groups like the 350.org, PowerShift, and Focus The Nation have leveraged the momentum on campuses to begin addressing the aforementioned issues throughout the nation; say, have you heard of Recyclemania?

Organizations such as the AASHE and SEI are developing frameworks to help colleges and universities strategically address sustainability as an institutional principle. Participating institutions gain structure and credibility in their sustainability programs (..and save dollars, hello!) through improving their operations, research, and engagement. Some of these frameworks are registries that require a formal commitment, some require annual membership in exchange for resources and support, and some others are evaluative rankings published to help prospective students make enrollment decisions. The EcoCloud team is glad to present a comparison of these frameworks in our latest resource - Campus Sustainability Frameworks - A Comparison Chart

Crafted through the lens of the end users - sustainability officers, campus administrators, student interns, faculty and staff - this chart provides a bird's eye view, just enough information to help you make decisions when selecting frameworks to advance campus sustainability. Tell us what YOU would like to know about campus sustainability frameworks. Your feedback and comments can help make this resource even better.

P.S.: If you have pressing questions,  concerns, or comments about this resource, please write to [e-mail]

Also, picture credits: Students Harness Cycle Power at UC Berkeley