International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education

Assessing carbon dioxide emissions from energy use at a university : Table of Contents

Sun Jul 12 14:15:06 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to assess the carbon dioxide emissions associated with electric, HVAC, and hot water use from a US university. Design/methodology/approach – First, the total on-campus electrical, natural gas and oil consumption for an entire year was assessed. For each category of energy use, the carbon associated with consumption of a single unit was calculated. Using this, the total carbon dioxide emissions for the entire university were estimated. Findings – It was found that the university's activities resulted in approximately 4?tons of carbon dioxide emissions per student per year. In total, the university emitted nearly 38,000?tons of carbon dioxide during the 2007 fiscal year. In addition, it was found that emissions from on-campus steam production, which account for roughly 57 per cent of total CO2 emissions, would be improved with the addition of two proposed cogeneration facilities. Originality/value – The originality and value of this paper is attributed to: the recent international concern over CO2 emissions and their global warming impact; the increasing adoption of the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment which in part calls for an inventory of campus emissions; and the underdeveloped research area relating to total university campus carbon footprint estimation.

Early participation in the American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment : Table of Contents

Stacey Swearingen White — Sun Jul 12 14:15:06 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe and analyze those US campuses that became signatories of the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) during the charter membership period of December 2006 through September 15, 2007. Design/methodology/approach – The paper draws on literature in organizational change, organizational learning, and innovation diffusion to develop a tentative idea as to what types of campuses might be most likely to be climate change innovators. It then characterizes signatory campuses with respect to such variables as their size, location, and type. Findings – The paper shows that there is no typical signatory among the 379 ACUPCC charter members. Many types of institutions, public and private, small and large, and located throughout the USA, have pledged to become climate neutral through this commitment. Practical implications – Understanding more about how USA higher education is responding to global climate change is an important component of the larger discussions surrounding this critical issue. Originality/value – Higher education has a vital role to play in global climate change mitigation and adaptation, but there has been little prior scholarly attention to this topic. This paper contributes to the understanding of this issue through its analysis of the most innovative and comprehensive climate initiative in US higher education.

Using a class to conduct a carbon inventory: A case study with practical results at Macalester College : Table of Contents

Christopher W. Wells, Suzanne Savanick, Christie Manning — Sun Jul 12 14:15:06 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss the practical realities of using a college seminar to fulfill the carbon audit requirement for signatories to the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) and presents evidence of this approach's advantages as an educational and practical tool. Design/methodology/approach – The paper reviews the course structure and presents research findings, based on student questionnaires on student learning outcomes. Findings – Structuring a course around a campus carbon audit has unique educational advantages for students and practical advantages for ACUPCC signatory campuses. Originality/value – This paper enumerates the concrete advantages to using a college class to conduct a greenhouse gas emissions inventory and provides evidence of valuable learning outcomes for students in such a class.

Climate action planning at the University of New Hampshire : Table of Contents

Sara M. Cleaves, Brett Pasinella, Jennifer Andrews, Cameron Wake — Sun Jul 12 14:15:06 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss the recent history of climate action planning at the University of New Hampshire (UNH), a public university with a long history of sustainability action and commitment. Items discussed include a partnership with Clean Air-Cool Planet (CA-CP) to produce a greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory tool that adapted national and international inventory methodologies to the unique scale and character of a university community; involvement of administrators, faculty, staff and students in climate action planning, including to meet the requirements of the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment (ACUPCC); and the role of climate action planning within a broader institutional goal of integrating sustainability across curricula, operations, research and engagement efforts. Design/methodology/approach – Background and historical information is shared in terms of best practices and lessons learned. Findings – Successful climate action planning includes campus-wide stakeholder involvement, an institution-wide commitment to sustainability, and careful planning and partnerships that tie into a higher education institution's educational mission and identity and that take into account the culture and sense of place of each institution. Practical implications – The paper contains lessons learned and best practices from which other institutions of higher education might learn. Originality/value – UNH, a recognized national leader in sustainability and climate protection, and CA-CP developed one of the first emissions inventory tools for higher education in the USA. The tool has been adopted by more than 1,000 campuses and was adopted by the ACUPCC as the recommended tool for campuses not already participating in another GHG inventorying program. Instead of recreating the wheel, campuses may be able to learn from UNH and CA-CP's climate planning experience and history.

University leadership in island climate change mitigation : Table of Contents

Makena Coffman — Sun Jul 12 14:15:06 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present the University of Hawaii at Manoa's (UHM's) initiatives in achieving greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions on campus and at the state level. Design/methodology/approach – UHM has taken a “lead by example” approach to climate change mitigation in terms of working to meet the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment, becoming a founding member of The Climate Registry, and providing university leadership in crafting the policy to meet Hawaii's Climate Change Solutions Act of 2007. Findings – Universities are uniquely poised to play a role in not only climate change research, education, and community outreach, but also in the regional and national policy-making arena. In the absence of federal legislation, states are paving the way to create binding US GHG reduction commitments – making crafting innovative and appropriate policy all the more important and meaningful at the state and regional levels. Practical implications – The paper discusses the multi-prong approach UHM is taking in addressing the threats of climate change: from on-campus GHG measurements and reductions to helping guide overarching state policy. Originality/value – Islands are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. UHM has taken a comprehensive approach to addressing climate change, from forming strategic partnerships with the electric utility, to developing campus and state GHG reduction strategies, to helping mobilize planning for impacts like sea-level rise. This paper presents the efforts of UHM, including faculty, student and administration-led projects, specifically illustrating the role of Universities in meeting GHG reduction commitments through a “lead by example” approach at both the university and state levels.

Student-led campus climate change initiatives in Canada : Table of Contents

Anjali Helferty, Amelia Clarke — Sun Jul 12 14:15:06 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive list of student-led, campus-based climate change initiatives, and offers details on many specific cases. The paper also documents the roles students have played and considers the larger youth engagement implications. Many of these initiatives can be replicated elsewhere, thereby providing a starting point for students wanting to begin an initiative or providing ideas for other campus stakeholders wanting to engage students in initiatives. Design/methodology/approach – Campus reports were collected by the Sierra Youth Coalition from 65 Canadian Universities and Colleges. This qualitative information was coded for student-led climate-related initiatives, and for the roles students played in those initiatives. The patterns were identified and clustered, and are presented in this paper. Findings – Students were found to be successfully leading eight different types of campus climate change-related initiatives, both with the support of other campus stakeholders and without this support. Students were also found to be able to successfully take on a variety of types of leadership roles in these initiatives. Youth engagement ranged from socialization to influence to power, depending on the type of initiative. Research limitations/implications – A limitation of this research is that only 65 of the approximately 227 colleges and universities in Canada participated. Also, it is possible that some schools may not have reported all student-led initiatives, or all the student roles. In addition, the data were limited to the 2007/2008 academic year, so is limited to the initiatives which occurred in that year. Originality/value – This paper presents different types of student-led climate change initiatives, the roles students have played in these initiatives, and the implications for youth engagement in creating climate change solutions. It contributes to the climate change, the campus sustainability, and the social movements literatures.

Towards carbon neutrality and environmental sustainability at CCSU : Table of Contents

Charles E. Button — Sun Jul 12 14:15:06 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide information about past and present efforts undertaken at Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) to reduce its carbon footprint and to institute a campus culture centered on the principles of environmental sustainability. Provide some recommendations to other institutions of higher education interested in reducing their own carbon footprint. Design/methodology/approach – This manuscript will first discuss past attempts at implementing ecologically sustainable practices at CCSU. Then, it will speak about current successes and close with a discussion about future goals for the university. Findings – Instituting carbon neutrality and sustainability programs at institutes of higher education requires support from the faculty, administration, students, and facilities management staff. Practical implications – The information in this paper will provide useful information to other institutions of higher education that are seeking to institute carbon reduction and sustainability programs. Originality/value – This paper is original in that it provides details about CCSU's carbon neutrality efforts and recently initiated sustainability program that only someone intimately involved would know. Its value lies in helping others know of methods that have been successful in reducing a campus' carbon footprint.