1. Philosophy of Nature Environmentalism on Campus
Ann Kildahl
Sustainability Manager, HKU

2. Sustainability?
Is sustainable development a reasonable goal?
Does the title “Sustainability Manager” make any sense?
What time scale is appropriate?
Why is the university important?
Why is “environmentalism on campus” relevant to this course?

3. Why the university?
Institutional stability
Core mission: research, teaching, learning
Receptive to new ideas
Able to grasp complexity
Multi-disciplinary approaches

4. The University’s Critical Role
• Microcosm of the larger community
• Unparalleled opportunities to teach, conduct research, demonstrate and learn about all aspects of sustainability and environmental issues
• Students…the Future Leaders

5. Environment, Sustainability & Education
Stockholm to Rio to Johannesburg
EE to ESD
Esoteric to Mainstream
Environment to Climate Change
: United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development

6. Higher Education Sustainability
• Incorporating sustainability concepts into the university’s: policy, planning & administration, curriculum/teaching, research & scholarship, service to communities, student life, and physical operations & infrastructure
The most successful efforts are interdisciplinary, applied, and action oriented…

7. HES Milestones
Talloires Declaration—1990 (320+)
AASHE
National Wildlife Federation/Campus Ecology
Global Higher Education Sustainability Partnership, IAU
COPERNICUS-Campus (320 +)
American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment (400 +)

8. Greening the Campus (I) Facilities/Operations
ELECTRICITY, HEATING/COOLING, TRANSPORT
Buildings & grounds
Purchasing
Dining services
Academic departments
Administrative offices and classrooms
Laboratories
Facilities using hazardous materials
Student activities

9. Greening the Campus (II) Curriculum
Architecture, Business, Computer science
Education, Engineering, Geography
International & public affairs, Law, Medicine
Sciences, Media and communications
Urban planning and environmental management…
Goal: Reaching all students and faculty…not only specialists…incorporating sustainability issues into all areas of the curriculum.

10. Greening the Campus (III) Student participation—Western models
Hands-on, project-based, participatory learning…research, policy, practical efforts
Students as leaders, political activists
Proliferation of groups, activities, organizations
“Hierarchy is not sustainable” (CS Chico)

22. The Asian Century—Implications for HES
The Asian Century & Ethics…Global leadership means global responsibility…and demands a fundamental understanding of environmental issues and our role in creating a sustainable future…Contemporary and multi-generational issues
The Asian Century & Action…Climate change and environmental degradation require urgent action… immediate energy/emissions reductions and behavioral change
Responding to the need for both “Ethics” and “Action,” universities in Asia need a two track approach, stressing both practical/physical and scholarly/academic dimensions.

23. HES in Asia?
Are Western approaches to “greening the campus” relevant in Asia?
What models and approaches would be most appropriate for China?
What are the philosophical underpinnings of environmental/sustainability efforts in China?

24. Models for China…德育? Moral Education…3,000 year history?
Broad term encompassing moral, political and ideological education in China
Adapted to suit societal needs post 1949…
Incorporating new ideas in the economic reform era…
Sustainability component?

25. Sustainability @ HKU Facilities?
Accomplishments:
Early gains from energy reduction efforts initiated in 1991
Recycling initiated in 2000
Opportunities:
Accelerate energy audits, retrofitting
Quantify & reduce HKU carbon footprint
Revive & improve waste management, conservation, recycling
Increase transportation efficiency
Introduce green purchasing
Increase cooperation with local & regional facilities teams

26. Sustainability @ HKU Curriculum?
Accomplishments:
Extensive course offerings in the sciences, architecture, urban planning/environmental management…
Expanding efforts in law, business, public affairs…
Opportunities:
Expand efforts across all 10 faculties; increase interdisciplinary efforts and introduce new core courses
Centennial campus…40% student increase, 200 new faculty appointments

27. Sustainability @ HKU Student Activities?
Greenwoods
Residence halls’ green groups
Climate Change Coalition
Fair Trade
Opportunities!

28. Centennial Campus & 4-year Curriculum
• An unprecedented opportunity to make HKU a leading model of university sustainability in Asia
• The ideal environment for learning, teaching, and research…cutting-edge design, technologies, materials, resource use, operations, transportation
New academic models…unique opportunities for innovation and cross-disciplinary collaboration facilitated by larger campus, increase in student intake, new faculty hiring

29. Greening the Campus—Key stakeholders
University leadership
Faculty
Estates
Administrative staff
Students/student organizations
Donors
Alumni
Community…government, business, NGOs, education, civil society…
Contractors and Suppliers…

30. HKU—Broader Goals
Raising the university’s profile
Attracting top-notch faculty and students
Excellence in scholarship
Globally-aware graduates
Expanding academic links, international exchange programs, collaborative efforts
Enhancing alumni & community relations
Fundraising

31. Philosophy of Nature Environmentalism on Campus
Ann Kildahl
Sustainability Manager, HKU