SCSU Deepens "Green" Commitment

Mon., Jun 07

Southern Connecticut State University has recently become a member of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education to further campus efforts toward building a healthy and just world.  Through membership in AASHE, Southern will receive support in advancing its sustainability initiatives throughout the institution and in the community.

AASHE enables higher education institutions to meet their sustainability goals by providing specialized resources, professional development, and a network of peer support.  Membership covers every individual at an institution, so the entire campus community can take advantage of member benefits.

"We are delighted to have Southern Connecticut State University on board and participating in the campus sustainability community," said Paul Rowland, executive director of AASHE. "This shows a real commitment to playing a leadership role in some of the biggest challenges of our time, and provides the campus community with access to thousands of examples of best practices in campus sustainability."

Among AASHE's major programs is a standardized, comprehensive assessment instrument called STARS, or Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System.  STARS metrics cover every sector of campus, from planning and administration to operations to education and research.  With STARS as a roadmap, institutions can select meaningful and appropriate pathways to sustainability while conserving valuable resources, combating global warming, and building healthier communities.

AASHE is one of two supporting organizations for the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment. Over 650 presidents and chancellors so far have committed to lead their institutions to climate neutrality as soon as possible. Southern signed on to the Climate Commitment in 2007.

About AASHE

AASHE is an association of colleges and universities that are working to create a sustainable future. Its mission is to empower higher education to lead the sustainability transformation. It does this by providing resources, professional development, and a network of support to enable institutions of higher education to model and advance sustainability in everything they do, from governance and operations to education and research.

AASHE defines sustainability in an inclusive way, encompassing human and ecological health, social justice, secure livelihoods, and a better world for all generations.  AASHE is a member-driven, independent 501(c)(3).

Links

STARS - www.aashe.org/stars
ACUPCC - www.presidentsclimatecommitment.org
AASHE - www.aashe.org
AASHE Discussion Forums - www.aashe.org/forums

At left: A recent Southern Homecoming theme was "Homecoming Goes Green."