AASHE Releases 2023 Sustainable Campus Index
AASHE recently published the 2023 Sustainable Campus Index, spotlighting sustainability achievements and celebrating top-performing colleges and universities in 17 impact areas. Powered by the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS), this annual report includes a new Trends & Innovations section identifying innovations and trends that are shaping the field of sustainability in higher education, including progress toward carbon neutrality, large-scale renewable energy transitions, advancing racial equity & social justice, closing the sustainability skills gap, major investments in sustainability research, and dissociation from fossil fuel companies.
U Michigan Hires Shana Weber as AVP for Campus Sustainability
Shana S. Weber was recently appointed as the university's first associate vice president for campus sustainability. Currently the founding director of Princeton University’s Office of Sustainability, Weber will work with all 19 schools and colleges, Student Life, Michigan Medicine, Athletics, and various organizations within Business & Finance to advance sustainability and carbon neutrality across the Ann Arbor, Dearborn and Flint campuses. She assumes the role on Sept. 5.
AASHE Publishes 2023 Higher Education Staffing Report
Using data provided through AASHE's Higher Education Staffing Survey, the 2023 Salaries & Status of Sustainability Professionals in Higher Education Report examines the nature of sustainability positions at colleges and universities in the U.S., Canada and other countries. The report provides insights into salaries, funding, supervision, job satisfaction, challenges and more. Among the key findings, there was an increase in responses from chief sustainability officers and sustainability directors, and 73 percent of respondents indicated their position was housed in an office or unit with sustainability in its name, compared to 68 percent in 2020.
U California Implements Equity Weighted Social Cost of Carbon
UC implemented recently an equity-weighted social cost of carbon in its carbon neutrality planning. The SCC incorporates the societal costs of climate change into university investment decisions to reduce campus energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions.
Kwantlen Polytechnic U Waives Tuition for First Nation Students
Beginning fall 2023, the university will waive tuition for incoming and current students who are members of the Kwantlen, Katzie, Semiahmoo, Musqueam, Tsawwassen, Qayqayt, and Kwikwetlem First Nations. The announcement was coupled with the release of a framework to address and reduce ongoing systemic colonialism, oppression and racism toward Indigenous people.
Oakland U Receives $1M for Sustainability Center
At an event in early June, the Oakland University Credit Union announced the $1 million gift to the university, which will go toward the establishment of a Center for Environmental Sustainability and Ethics. The funds will also support a director of sustainability position and additional sustainability initiatives.
U Adelaide Publishes Sustainability Strategy
(Australia) The newly published Sustainability Strategy 2030 Here for Good aims to embed sustainability across institutional decision-making and provide graduates, communities and government leaders with the knowledge and innovations to adapt and prosper across generations. The plan includes goals and targets related to learning and teaching; research and innovation; decarbonization; investing; reporting and communications; and governance.
