CAMPUS ENVIRONMENT 2008 A National Report on Sustainability in Higher Education Trends and New Developments in College & University Leadership, Academics and Operations (An update of NWF’s 2001 study) AASHE National Conference Raleigh, NC – November 2008 Julian Keniry, David Eagan © National Wildlife Federation

Why a national survey? 1.Transcend the anecdotal 2. Identify trends 3. Identify new good practices and exemplary programs 4.Establish some performance indicators 5. Better response to the press 6. Generate debate

© National Wildlife Federation The Survey Sent to all 2-year and 4-year colleges and universities in U.S. Two-part survey: A. Presidents / Provosts B. Facilities / Operations Chiefs Internet-based instrument Conducted January-April 2008 by PSRAI Sent to all 2-year and 4-year colleges and universities in U.S. Two-part survey: A. Presidents / Provosts B. Facilities / Operations Chiefs Internet-based instrument Conducted January-April 2008 by PSRAI National Survey of Environmental Management and Sustainability on College and University Campuses—2008 We thank the Educational Foundation of America for financial support of this project.

© National Wildlife Federation A strong response 2008 All 50 states All 50 states 1,068 campuses participated 1,068 campuses participated (27% of U.S. schools) (27% of U.S. schools) (667 presidents or chancellors, 570 vice presidents of administration or chiefs of facilities) Overlap of 348 campuses (about 1/3) from 2001 Overlap of 348 campuses (about 1/3) from campuses participated (25% of schools)

© National Wildlife Federation Exemplary effort 334 schools recognized in report for having Exemplary programs, or strong “Plans to do more,” or both listed for Exemplary programs - 90 with Plans to do more These 334 came from 46 states and D.C. 334 schools recognized in report for having Exemplary programs, or strong “Plans to do more,” or both listed for Exemplary programs - 90 with Plans to do more These 334 came from 46 states and D.C.

© National Wildlife Federation Three sections in report   1. Management & leadership Staffing, policies, orientation   2. Academics Curriculum requirements, faculty development   3. Operations Energy, transportation, landscaping, etc.

© National Wildlife Federation Management & leadership

© National Wildlife Federation Greener management of colleges and universities  University leaders value sustainability more than ever.  Indicators of their commitment include Increased goal-setting for improving performance Increased goal-setting for improving performance More staffing for sustainability programs More staffing for sustainability programs Orienting more students, faculty and staff Orienting more students, faculty and staff Campus Environment Findings

© National Wildlife Federation Staffing Energy Manager 45%36% Green purchasing 14%7% Dedicated campus-wide position 51%

© National Wildlife Federation Academics

Equipping students to lead the way  Academics still lag behind the management and operations of the campus.  Only a minority of schools teach a majority of students about the basic functions of the earth’s natural systems  Even fewer students have taken courses on the connection between human activity and environmental sustainability.

© National Wildlife Federation Departments that offer environmental courses Total4-Year2-Year Natural sciences 63%70%55% Business22%28%14% Engineering18%22%13% Teacher education 15%21%5%

© National Wildlife Federation Number of students required to take at least one environmental course All students required 4%8% Most students required 3%5%

© National Wildlife Federation Operations

Efforts to green operations brighten Water conservation and efficiency A Waste reduction, recycling and sustainable purchasing B Greener landscapes B- Energy conservation, efficiency and clean energy C+ Low-impact transportation C

© National Wildlife Federation Good news on climate 45% of schools report that, since 2001, their campus has implemented a significant new program to curb CO 2 and other greenhouse gas emissions. © Oberlin College

© National Wildlife Federation Areas of Biggest Change  Most improved? Lighting efficiency Lighting efficiency Student orientation Student orientation Staffing energy conservation Staffing energy conservation  Biggest declines? Influence of government regulations Support for faculty development Sense of other priorities

© National Wildlife Federation Upsurge in “Planning to do more”  50%+ Efficiency upgrades  48%+ Plan to hire staff  Up to 38%+ For greener transportation  36%+ On-site renewable energy ========================== In 2001, tiny percentages were actively planning “to do more” of any type of greening. Today, planning is robust and sights are set much higher. Why?

© National Wildlife Federation Campus Ecology s erves colleges & universities nationwide  “Chill-Out” - Global warming solutions competition  Business case for climate leadership and other publications  National trends surveys 2001, 2008  Climate solutions fellowships & internships  Webinars, courses

© National Wildlife Federation Download FREE at Campus Ecology National Wildlife Federation Wildlife Center Dr. Reston, VA Phone: (703) Website: CampusEcology.org Contact Us