The STARS [Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System] developed by AASHE uses a detailed checklist to rate campuses in each of the following areas [based on STARS 2.0]: Education & Research Curriculum: It is important for institutions to have education programs and/or courses that address sustainability. Higher education institutions are positioned to prepare … [Read more...] about Sustainability Tracking & Assessment
GHG reduction
A quick look at GHG emissions
The recent climate conference in Warsaw, Poland, was another example of the complete failure of our 'leaders' to deal with global warming & the climate crisis. The Kyoto Protocol called for a modest reduction in GHG, but emissions have soared since then, and the concentration of CO2 has gone over 400ppm. Unfortunately, the U.S. is one of the worst emitters of greenhouse … [Read more...] about A quick look at GHG emissions
Boost Endowment Returns and Campus Sustainability
Many colleges have made real progress towards campus sustainability, but in my opinion we can and should do more — and you should make sure your people realize that investing in sustainability make a dramatic improvement in your budget! The three initiatives covered below are critical because they create an environment that empowers sustainability projects — and they save money … [Read more...] about Boost Endowment Returns and Campus Sustainability
Sustainability Questions for Students & Educators
To make good decisions about sustainability, people need to know the facts. Here are some questions that have arisen and might be suitable for class projects or independent study: What steps can local & county government take to produce immediate reductions in energy use & GHG?What is the actual energy & GHG advantage of a bus compared to that many … [Read more...] about Sustainability Questions for Students & Educators
Sustainable Campus Dining Resources
The Alliance has had a strong interest in food issues since its formation in 2004, and food is a major concern in our initiatives on campus sustainability and the strong connections of food and health; a number of interns have completed projects on the sustainability and health impacts of food and campus dining services. If you want to see sustainable food on your campus, … [Read more...] about Sustainable Campus Dining Resources
Sustainability in Food Businesses
There are many steps that can be taken to promote sustainability in food businesses. Today, there are numerous concerns that trouble businesses that are attempting to become more sustainable. This is because of the financial, environment, and psychological benefits that result from doing so. If a business is willing to make sustainability a priority, the tasks to complete this … [Read more...] about Sustainability in Food Businesses
Sustainability in the Workplace
by Rachel LeWitt In an era where even Walmart has pushed attempts to “go green”, the average consumer has been faced with the sustainability movement and its efforts in many different forms by 2011. Most if not all of these initiatives by companies large and small are geared toward the consumer, and in an arguably increasingly capitalistic society, this design … [Read more...] about Sustainability in the Workplace
Cities & Climate Protection
In July 2006, the mayors of Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton signed the US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, calling on Congress to reduce global climate change and pledging their cities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to below 1990 levels. If you live in one of these cities, please support these important efforts — and if you live in another borough or township, urge … [Read more...] about Cities & Climate Protection
Completing a Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory for Your Campus
Following is a very brief overview of the types and sources of data needed for a typical GHG inventory. Most of the data usually comes from the Faciliities or Plant Operations department. For more detailed information see the Clean Air-Cool Planet GHG Inventory spreadsheet and user guide. Electricity Use (Usually available from Facilities/Plant Operations) Monthly electric … [Read more...] about Completing a Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory for Your Campus
Sustainable Restaurants
Sustainability in Businesses That Serve Food How can food-serving businesses operate more sustainably? That's the question explored by a Lehigh University MBA candidate this summer, and here's what he found. Introduction What is sustainability? Considered from an economic perspective, sustainable businesses seek to maximize stakeholder value (owners, employees, customers, … [Read more...] about Sustainable Restaurants