Opportunities

AASHE Sustainability Awards

Applications will be accepted until June 3 at 5 p.m. Eastern for an AASHE Sustainability Award. The awards program provides a vehicle for the higher education community to celebrate outstanding achievements and progress toward sustainability. Applications are being accepted in three categories: campus achievement, research and student leadership.
  • Posted Apr 21, 2016

Expression of Interest: Judge the 2016 AASHE Sustainability Awards

AASHE is seeking volunteer judges for the 2016 AASHE Sustainability Awards program. If you are interested in participating, express your interest using this Google form. Judging will take place during a 3-4 week window during the months of June and July, and requires an internet connection.
  • Posted Apr 19, 2016

Call for Applications: AASHE Sustainability Awards

Applications are now being accepted for chance to win an AASHE Sustainability Award. The prestigious AASHE Sustainability Awards program provides a vehicle for the higher education community to celebrate outstanding achievements and progress. This year, there are three categories: campus sustainability achievement, campus sustainability research and student leadership in campus sustainability. Deadline to apply is June 3 at 5 p.m. Eastern.

Call for Papers: Special Issue of International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management

Aiding the dissemination of sustainability research being performed by universities across the world, the International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management is now calling for papers for a special issue titled: "The Role of Higher Education Institutions in Addressing the Mitigation and Adaptation Challenges". The special issue aims at offering an overview of university-based research efforts and projects on climate change, and to provide researchers from across the spectrum of the natural and social sciences with an opportunity to introduce innovative research methods, present the results of empirical research or showcase research initiatives focusing on climate change mitigation and adaptation. The deadline for submission of papers is April 30.

Invitation to Submit Papers to Special Issue of Education Sciences

This special journal issue of Education Sciences, "Sustainability, Environment and Education", will engage the global field of education research and practice in the intersections of sustainability, environment and education. Authors from diverse disciplines are encouraged to submit papers that critically explore how educational research and practice can engage and inform deep relationships with the environment with an imperative for sustainability of human and natural well-being. The editors invite contributions from researchers and scholars that challenge the assumptions of education for exploitation at the expense of the human and natural condition. Submission deadline is Oct. 1.

Net Impact's Sustainable Food Idea Competition

Forward Food Competition invites proposals that present sustainable food ideas to industry experts. Ideas should focus on addressing a food systems challenge such as creating more sustainable products or addressing food waste. Application submission deadline is May 15.

Call for Papers: Timescales Environmental Humanities Conference

Papers are now being accepted for Timescales, an interdisciplinary environmental humanities conference to be held on Oct. 20-22 at the University of Pennsylvania. Reinvigorating traditional conference structures, Timescales will combine distant transdisciplinary conversations in a panel format with site-based events and engagements with art and activism. Papers are invited from all disciplines that engage the temporalities of environment, ecological crisis and response. Conference organizers encourage submissions that address topics related to the Anthropocene, environmental change, adaptation and futurity. Abstracts are due by May 2.

REV Campus Challenge Workshops for New York Campuses

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority has opened registration for workshops geared toward New York State higher education institutions that want to help shape future activities of the REV (Reforming the Vision) Campus Challenge. REV Campus Challenge members are encouraged to attend, however attendees do not need to be from a REV Campus Challenge member institution. The workshop is being held at three different locations: SUNY Albany on April 25; Rochester Institute of Technology on April 27; and New York University on May 2.

AASHE Member Discount: Extended Trial of Pharos Beacon

AASHE members are eligible to receive an additional 30 day extension on a 60-day free trial period of Pharos Beacon, an online interface that provides benchmarking data of the print environment. Member discount available until Dec. 31.

EERE Postdoctoral Research Awards

The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Postdoctoral Research Award Program supports emerging scientific leaders focused on energy efficiency and renewable energy to help solve our nation’s energy challenges. The award will provide an annual stipend of $65,000, allowances for health insurance and research-related expenses, and limited reimbursement for relocation expenses. Deadline to apply is May 20.

2016 Aspen Faculty Pioneer Awards

The Aspen Institute is accepting nominations of business school faculty who are teaching at the graduate level about business practices that help corporations confront society’s grand challenges. Based on the belief that every one of society's grand challenges is deeply affected by the rules of private enterprise, the Faculty Pioneer Award seeks to celebrate educators who demonstrate leadership and risk-taking through curriculum that examines the relationships between capital markets, corporations and the public good. Self and peer nominations are accepted through April 20.

Call for Interest Deadline April 10: SustainUS Delegation to the 2016 UN Climate Negotiations

SustainUS is looking for a team of action-oriented advocates and story tellers for COP22, the 22nd Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change taking place in Marrakech, Morocco, Nov. 7-18. The student team will lobby government negotiators, plan attention-grabbing actions and tell game-changing stories that seek to shift the narrative on international climate politics. Deadline to apply is April 10.

College Sports Sustainability Makeover Contest

Enter to win over $50,000 worth of prizes and assistance. The Green Sports Alliance is conducting a contest to help college sports programs kick-start or upgrade a sustainability program in their stadiums and enhance the visibility of all campus sustainability efforts. The winning two campuses will receive 10 brand new customizable recycling bins donated by Max-R or GreenDrop, a full compostable food service product upgrade donated by Eco-Products, and on-site expert sports facility assessments, workshops and recommendations from ESPN and CU Boulder sports sustainability experts. Winning campuses will be chosen on the basis of need, suitability, leverage and likelihood of success. Deadline to apply is May 1.

ACCO Integrated Renewables Workshop: AASHE Member Discount

AASHE members are eligible to receive a 20 percent discount off of registration for the Association of Climate Change Officers (ACCO) Integrated Renewables Workshop. Taking place Sept. 7-8 in Chicago, Illinois, hosted by the Association of Climate Change Officers, the program will be comprised of training activities, interactive exercises, hands-on learning opportunities for successfully navigating the intricacies of renewable energy projects, case studies from different industries illustrating strategies for addressing challenges and opportunities related to establishing a comprehensive renewables strategy. Participants will leave with an understanding of the renewables marketplace and a plan for engaging the right stakeholders to integrate cutting-edge initiatives into the energy strategies of their organizations. Discount expires Sept. 1.

AASHE Sustainability Awards Call for Applications

Each year, AASHE bestows its prestigious Sustainability Awards on the institutions and individuals that are leading higher education to a sustainable future. The awards program provides a vehicle for the higher education community to celebrate outstanding achievements and progress toward sustainability. This year, there are three categories: campus sustainability achievement, campus sustainability research and student leadership in campus sustainability. Deadline to apply is June 3 at 5 p.m. Eastern.

Leadership in Building Energy Efficiency Faculty Workshop

Leadership in Building Energy Efficiency (LBEE) is a course developed by faculty in Penn State's Department of Architectural Engineering with funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Penn State offers the 3-day workshop for free at the Navy Yard in Philadelphia May 23-25, 2016 for higher education faculty and instructors. Providing hands-on learning about commercial building energy efficiency, the course can be adapted to be taught to a more generalist student body or to those in technical programs at 2 year institutions, however, it is targeted to graduate and upper-level undergraduate engineering students. Stipends are available for those traveling from more than 100 miles from Philadelphia.

Environmental Studies Association of Canada ECO-Award

The Environmental Studies Association of Canada has announced its call for nominations for the annual Environmental Community’s Organizer (ECO) Award. Each year, the ECO-Award honors an individual, team or organization that has positively contributed to the field of environmental studies in Canada through community-building, research, knowledge-to-action or innovations in practice or approaches. Nominations are due by May 2 at midnight Eastern.
  • Posted Mar 28, 2016

Campus Kitchens Project $5K Grant

Sponsored by the Sodexo Foundation, The Campus Kitchen Project is offering $5,000 startup grants to colleges and universities that are interested in addressing food waste on their campus and food insecurity in their community. The deadline to apply is April 20.

Invitation to Create Questions for Sustainability Literacy Test

The Sustainability Literacy Test is designed to assess and improve the quality of sustainability education for undergraduates around the world. In the U.S., AASHE is part of the governance and is participating to create a revised and updated version 2 test that addresses knowledge about sustainability challenges and skills required to create systemic change for a sustainable future. Anyone is invited to participate in drafting version 2 questions.

2016 Star of Energy Efficiency Awards

The Alliance to Save Energy invites schools and individuals to submit a nomination that spotlights your organization or another group or individual that has made significant strides toward leadership and commitment in the energy efficiency field. This year’s awards will be presented Sept. 22 in Washington, D.C., at the Alliance’s 24th Evening with the Stars of Energy Efficiency Awards dinner. Nominations are accepted by April 1.

Call for Applications: Sierra Youth Coalition’s Executive Committee 2016-2017

Sierra Youth Coalition is currently recruiting dedicated, empowered and proactive youth leaders for a seat on its Executive Committee. The official decision-making body, the committee is comprised of nine youth from across the U.S and is responsible for shaping the Sierra Youth Coalition's direction, organizational governance and supporting the staff team.

Denver Green Power Boot Camp: Registration Closing Soon

This workshop, held in association with the University of Colorado Boulder, is designed to help participants develop an integrated renewable energy strategy, including both on- and off-site approaches. Learn how to pull the curtain back on project economics, engaging internal decision-makers, and navigating the marketplace of renewable energy options, with a deep dive on contracting power purchase agreements from high-impact, large-scale, off-site renewable energy projects. The workshop is part of the Green Gigawatt Partnership, which is designed to catalyze at least one gigawatt of new renewable energy in higher education by 2020. This half-day workshop includes a lunch and will take place from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Wednesday, March 30 at National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s campus in Golden, Colorado. Please register by March 23.

Sustainability Culture Indicator Pilot: AASHE Member 50% Discount Ends Soon

Developed in 2011 and since used in dozens of organizations around the world, the Sustainability Culture Indicator is an online survey for measuring the key elements of sustainability in organizational culture. In order to develop case studies of the application of the Sustainability Culture Indicator in an AASHE STARS context, a pilot with a limited number of AASHE members is being offered. Institutions interested in joining this pilot need to express their interest before March 31, which is also when the AASHE member discount expires.

Call for Applications: 2016 Fuller Challenge

Each year, The Buckminster Fuller Institute (BFI) invites scientists, designers, architects and students from all over the world to submit their innovative solutions to some of humanity’s most pressing problems. A $100,000 prize is awarded to support the development and implementation of one outstanding strategy. New in 2016 is the Fuller Challenge for Students category. BFI will identify and support outstanding student proposals from currently enrolled, university-level individual students and student teams. While student proposals will not be in the running for the $100,000 grand prize, the selected finalists and winner will receive support, media recognition and benefits through BFI's Catalyst Program. Deadline for entry is April 1 at 5 p.m. Eastern.

AASCU Excellence & Innovation Awards

The purpose of these awards is to recognize and honor American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) institutions demonstrating excellence and innovation in their approach to sustainability and sustainable development, achieving student success, regional and economic development, and leadership development and diversity. Applications are due by April 22.
  • Posted Mar 14, 2016

Second Nature 2016 Climate Leadership Awards

The Second Nature Climate Leadership Awards, in partnership with USGBC's Center for Green Schools, recognize innovative and advanced leadership in sustainability, climate mitigation and resilience at signatory campuses of the Climate Leadership Commitments. They do so based on demonstrated advances in innovation, embedded opportunities and student preparedness with relation to sustainability and climate action. Applications are due by April 25 at 3:00 p.m. Eastern.

GUPES Green Gown Awards

The call for applications is now open for the GUPES Green Gown Awards. Supported by the United Nations Environment Program and the Global Universities Partnership on Environment and Sustainability (GUPES), the GUPES Green Gown Awards are open to GUPES members. The application period closes on May 31 at 6 a.m. Eastern.
  • Posted Mar 14, 2016

ACCO Integrated Renewables Workshop: AASHE Member Discount

Participants at this interactive program taking place Sept. 7-8 in Chicago, Illinois, hosted by the Association of Climate Change Officers, will hear from leading practitioners with experience guiding renewables projects from start to finish at their organizations. The program will be comprised of training activities, interactive exercises, hands-on learning opportunities for successfully navigating the intricacies of renewable energy projects, case studies from different industries illustrating strategies for addressing challenges and opportunities related to establishing a comprehensive renewables strategy. Participants will leave with an understanding of the renewables marketplace, and a plan for engaging the right stakeholders to integrate cutting-edge initiatives into the energy strategies of their organizations. All AASHE members are eligible for a 20 percent discount off registration. To obtain the discount code, email membership@aashe.org.

Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council Conference: Discount for AASHE Members

AASHE members can receive 10 percent off registration for the 2016 SPLC Summit taking place on May 24 - 26 in Washington, D.C. If registered before March 25, that 10 percent can be combined with $100 off the early bird registration rate.

AASHE Member Discount: Save on Organizational Change Workshop With GreenerU

In this interactive workshop, GreenerU has partnered with two host universities, Columbia University and Johns Hopkins University, to bring higher education professionals a full-day Facilitation for Organizational Change workshop. The workshop will focus on developing and practicing the essential skills of a confident and effective facilitator to support organizational change on your campus. Enter the AASHE member discount code to receive a $50 discount on your registration prior to payment. You can save an additional $50 if you register before May 6.

Denver Green Power Boot Camp

This workshop, held in association with the University of Colorado Boulder, will help participants develop an integrated renewable energy strategy, including both on-site and off-site approaches. Learn how to pull back the curtain on project economics, engage internal decision-makers, and navigate the marketplace of renewable energy options, with a deep dive on contracting power purchase agreements from high-impact, large-scale, off-site renewable energy projects. The workshop is part of the Green Gigawatt Partnership, which is designed to catalyze at least one gigawatt of new renewable energy in higher education by 2020. This half-day workshop includes a lunch and will take place from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Wednesday, March 30 at National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s Campus in Golden, Colorado. Please register by March 23.

College Sports Sustainability Makeover Contest

The Green Sports Alliance is conducting a contest to help college sports programs kick-start or upgrade a sustainability program in their stadiums and enhance the visibility of all campus sustainability efforts. The winning two campuses will receive 10 brand new customizable recycling bins donated by Max-R or GreenDrop, a full compostable food service product upgrade donated by Eco-Products, and on-site expert sports facility assessments, workshops and recommendations from ESPN and CU Boulder sports sustainability experts. Winning campuses will be chosen on the basis of need, suitability, leverage and likelihood of success. Deadline to apply is May 1.

Develop a Photovoltaic Roadmap for Your Campus: SSCC Pre-Conference Workshop

With support from the U.S. Department of Energy’s SunShot Initiative, the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) is offering free technical assistance to university teams pursuing campus investment in solar energy. Teams will meet one-on-one with technical experts at the Smart and Sustainable Campuses Conference and pre-conference events in Baltimore, April 3-5, to further define solar photovoltaic investment opportunities for their campus. Teams that submit a completed campus roadmap will receive $500 reimbursement stipends for up to four individuals per university team.
  • Posted Mar 2, 2016

Sustainability Culture Indicator Pilot: AASHE Member 50% Discount

Developed in 2011 and since used in dozens of organizations around the world, the Sustainability Culture Indicator (SCI) is a ready-made online survey for measuring the key elements of sustainability in organizational culture. In order to develop case studies of the application of the SCI in an AASHE STARS context, a pilot with a limited number of AASHE members is being offered. Institutions interested in joining this pilot need to express their interest before March 31.
  • Posted Feb 29, 2016

Harvard Executive Education for Sustainability Leadership Informational Session

Learn more about the Executive Education for Sustainability Leadership program by attending one of two webinars, led by Leith Sharp, director of the executive education program. The webinar presents the nuts and bolts of the four-day residential executive education offering and responds to questions from prospective applicants and those interested in promoting attendance to a senior leader in their organization or network. Ms. Sharp will be joined by past program participants from across a variety of sectors who will discuss their experience with the program and its value to their work. The program informational sessions are offered on March 28 and April 11 from noon to 12:45 p.m. Eastern.
  • Posted Feb 29, 2016

2016 Collegiate Athletics Sustainability Survey

This survey, launched by AASHE and the Green Sports Alliance, seeks to better understand and empower the campus and community partnerships necessary to advance sustainability in collegiate athletics. This survey is intended for any higher education staff member working with campus sustainability and/or collegiate athletics. AASHE and the Green Sports Alliance will use the survey's results to design programs and resources to help expand opportunities and mitigate identified barriers for collaboration between campus sustainability stakeholders and colleagues in athletics and the community. A summary report of the survey findings will be published in late spring, released at the 2016 Green Sports Alliance Summit in Houston, June 28-30, and shared at the AASHE 2016 Conference in Baltimore, October 9-12. The survey will take 10-15 minutes to complete and closes on March 23 at 5 p.m. Eastern.
  • Posted Feb 24, 2016

Power Dialog Webinar Series

This webinar series supports the Power Dialog happening on April 4. To help students prepare to engage with state officials about the Clean Power Plan and the U.S. climate commitment in Paris, a series of webinars will address topics such as public health, renewable energy and energy efficiency, jobs and environmental justice.
  • Posted Feb 23, 2016

Plate of the Union: A Call for Action on Food & Farms

Plate of the Union is a campus challenge for young people to leverage their political power. Through the challenge, Plate of the Union is seeking student groups to develop and execute organizing plans that drive engagement in the 2016 election cycle. Groups can win up to $5,000. Applications are due by March 21.
  • Posted Feb 22, 2016

Climate Leadership Awards

The Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU), in partnership with Solution Generation, will honor one ACCU-member institution with a $10,000 award for its excellence in climate leadership. The selection committee will reward the institution with the most innovative outreach efforts to engage its campus and broader community in climate and sustainability solutions. ACCU higher education member institutions are welcome to submit proposals March 1 - May 2, 2016.
  • Posted Feb 22, 2016

AASHE Member Discount: Chemical-Free Cleaning Technology

Ten AASHE members have the opportunity to take advantage of a 30-day free trial to test water-based, chemical-free cleaning by eWater Advantage.
  • Posted Feb 16, 2016

Energy Dept. Solar Funding Opportunity

The U.S. Department of Energy SunShot Initiative released a new funding opportunity designed to increase foundational knowledge of solar technology evolution, reduce solar deployment barriers and improve state energy planning practices. A brief, mandatory concept paper is due March 8.
  • Posted Feb 15, 2016

AASHE 2016 Conference Call for Proposals Extension Feb. 22

T​he deadline to submit a proposal to the AASHE 2016 Conference & Expo is Monday, Feb. ​22​​ at 5 p.m. Eastern. Themed Beyond the Campus, the conference happening in Baltimore, Maryland, from Oct. 9-12, will explore how campuses can disseminate and implement sustainable solutions in surrounding communities and the world. ​Submit your proposal today! Additionally, you can help shape the conference program by signing up to review submissions. Reviewers will be assigned approximately 25 abstracts. Reviewers are eligible to submit a conference proposal.
  • Posted Feb 15, 2016

AASHE Refer a Friend Campaign

For AASHE members, there is a great deal to look forward to this year, including the rollout of the Campus Sustainability Hub, launch of STARS 2.1, and the annual AASHE Conference & Expo in Baltimore. With so many exciting programs and improvements to member benefits on the horizon, through March 4, AASHE is running the Refer a Friend Campaign, wherein any current member institution will receive a 10 percent discount on their next membership renewal for assisting with the registration of a new member institution. Eligible institutions include any college or university that has either never held an AASHE membership or has had a lapsed membership for at least six months. Referring members can contact Member Services Coordinator Noah Swistak to take advantage of the discount.
  • Posted Feb 10, 2016

Call for Papers: Integrating Education for Sustainable Development Throughout All Educational Levels

The special volume of the Journal of Cleaner Production (JCLEPRO) will highlight how education for sustainable development (ESD) can be integrated in a deeper and more holistic way through all spheres of education. The special volume will focus on recent developments and future visions in the field of ESD on all levels of education (from kindergarten to universities and adult education), and present and promote critical discussion of ESD. Contributions from scholars throughout the world representing different disciplines and educational functions are welcomed.
  • Posted Feb 10, 2016

ACCO Integrated Renewables Workshop: AASHE Member Discount

Participants at this interactive program taking place Sept. 7-8 in Chicago, Illinois, hosted by the Association of Climate Change Officers will hear from leading practitioners with experience guiding renewables projects from start to finish at their organizations. The program will be comprised of training activities, interactive exercises, hands-on learning opportunities for successfully navigating the intricacies of renewable energy projects, case studies from different industries illustrating strategies for addressing challenges and opportunities related to establishing a comprehensive renewables strategy. Participants will leave with an understanding of the renewables marketplace, and a plan for engaging the right stakeholders to integrate cutting-edge initiatives into the energy strategies of their organizations. All AASHE members are eligible for a 20 percent discount off registration. To obtain the discount code, email membership@aashe.org.
  • Posted Feb 10, 2016

Call for Films: Real Food Films 2016

Produced by Real Food Media, Real Food Films welcomes four-minutes-or-less films on food, farming and sustainability by March 1. The team of judges and advisors is looking for powerful films about sustainable food and farming, compelling stories, original voices and stunning cinematography about coverage of underreported issues, innovative sustainability strategies, and compelling stories of food producers and workers. Grand prize winner will receive $5,000 and film debut, first runner up is slated $2,000, and there are cash prizes for three awards, student, people's choice and a special award.
  • Posted Feb 9, 2016

Sustainability Officers Retreat

AASHE and the University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus will co-host this retreat designed for and by staff charged with leading institutional transformation for sustainability. Featuring Leith Sharp (Harvard University's Center for Health and the Global Environment), Aurora Winslade (Swarthmore College) and Leanne Bilodeau (the University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus), the retreat format will allow for the type of creative, intellectually curious, open-ended discussion that emerges best in a relaxed, safe environment. Through an intensive two and a half days of presentations, discussions, reflection, sharing and experiential learning activities, participants will explore common issues facing sustainability officers, learn about change management strategies and develop skills to be more effective sustainability leaders. Deadline to apply is April 15.
  • Posted Feb 9, 2016

Proposal & Reviewer Sign-Up Deadline for AASHE 2016 Conference & Expo

The deadline to submit a proposal to the AASHE 2016 Conference & Expo is Monday, Feb. 15 at 5 p.m. Eastern. Themed Beyond the Campus, the conference in Baltimore, Maryland, from Oct. 9-12 will explore how campuses can disseminate and implement sustainable solutions in surrounding communities and the world. Learn more about conference goals, how to submit a proposal and presentation types in the Call for Proposals & Submission Packet. Additionally, you can help shape the conference program by signing up to review submissions. Reviewers will be assigned approximately 25 abstracts. Reviewers are eligible to submit a conference proposal.
  • Posted Feb 8, 2016

Call for Nominations: Best of Green Schools 2016

The Center for Green Schools at USGBC is now accepting nominations for Best of Green Schools program. The Best of Green Schools higher education institution category recognizes higher education schools or faculty members who have made a significant contribution to the K–12 green schools movement through partnership, research and/or scholarship. Winners will be announced at the 2016 Green Schools Conference and Expo, March 31-April 1 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Nomination deadline is Feb. 26.
  • Posted Feb 3, 2016

Northeast Campus Sustainability Consortium 2016 Conference: Request for Proposals

The Northeast Campus Sustainability Consortium 2016 conference theme is Sustainability Professional Skillshare taking place from March 31 through April 1 at Wellesley College in Wellesley, Massachusetts. Conference organizers are currently seeking proposals for conference presentations with a particular interest in engagement and outreach, education for sustainability, diversity and affordability, health and wellness, food and dining, and facilitation. Submission period ends Feb. 19.
  • Posted Feb 3, 2016