Scalable Sustainability in Higher Education

Implementing a sustainability program in an academic setting with limited budget and resources.

Any organization can participate in sustainability, but…

• What are the "low hanging fruit" to start my sustainability program?• Thinking outside of the box: what unique ideas have universities

implemented to enhance sustainability on campus?• How can I get my academic community involved?• The sky is the limit: where could I go with my sustainability program?• Collaboration is key: How can academic institutions work together toward

a sustainable future?

What are the "low hanging fruit" to start my sustainability program?

• Changing Vendors or Selecting Sustainable Products from Existing Vendors:– Use only “Green Oil” products for all vehicles/machines– Convert all plastics used for dining purpose to biodegradables

• Reduction of paper and waste• Recycling E-waste• Improved Building life cycle through improved maintenance processes

Thinking outside of the box: what unique ideas have universities implemented to enhance sustainability on

campus?• Installing water bottle refilling stations to encourage reusable bottle use• Using sky-lights where possible to reduce need for artificial illumination• Recapture condensate from HVAC units and collect rain water for irrigation• Convert Campus Operations vehicles from gasoline/diesel to natural gas

and electric

How can I get my academic community involved?

• Create a “Certified Green Office” program to encourage sustainable practices

• Community garden program• Community outreach

The sky is the limit: where could I go with my sustainability program?

• Convert buildings to 100% solar• Install wind power generators• Natural Gas fill stations• Electric car charging stations to encourage electric vehicle commuters

Collaboration is key: How can academic institutions work together toward a sustainable future?

• Creation of collaborative think-tanks• Regular sharing of ideas on sustainable practices• Establishment of best-practices• Publication of institutional sustainability initiatives and outcomes to

demonstrate successes