Sustainability Publications and Resources Copyright (c) 2013 Western Kentucky University All rights reserved. http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/sustain_pub Recent documents in Sustainability Publications and Resources en-us Wed, 10 Apr 2013 22:03:39 PDT 3600 2011 Sustainability Report [Western Kentucky University] http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/sustain_pub/7 http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/sustain_pub/7 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:41:17 PST AASHE is an association of colleges and universities that are working to create a sustainable future. AASHE’s mission is to empower higher education to lead the sustainability transformation. The organization provides 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. For more information about AASHE, visit www.aashe.org.

In early 2010, Western Kentucky University became a charter member of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education’s Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System (STARS). STARS® is a voluntary, self-reporting framework that provides a guide for advancing sustainability in all sectors of higher education. WKU leaders and Sustainability Committee members recognize that STARS® is a common standard of measurement for sustainability in higher education and that it can serve as a tool that promotes a comprehensive understanding of sustainability.

Western Kentucky University has received a STARS® Bronze Rating in recognition of their sustainability achievements from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE).

]]> WKU Office of Sustainability et al. 2010 Sustainability Report [Western Kentucky University] http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/sustain_pub/6 http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/sustain_pub/6 Tue, 25 Jan 2011 13:47:44 PST As I reflect on the past year, I am filled with pride and hope by our progress in becoming a more sustainable WKU. The milestones are significant: completion of our first building for which we will seek LEED certification, sustainability included as a core commitment in the WKU Strategic Guide for 2010-2012 and a Resolution for Education for Sustainability adopted, the first Education for Sustainability faculty retreat, the Energy Savings Performance Contract project initiated and nearly completed, and WKU included in the Princeton Review’s Guide to 286 Green Colleges. These are but a few of the accomplishments made in 2010.

While we are all hearty Hilltoppers, our efforts in sustainability are not driven by our competitive spirit to be the best in all of our endeavors, but the desire for a happier and healthier global community. We strive to lead in sustainability in higher education not because we measure our success by our inclusion on certain “lists” (although inclusion in the Princeton Review Green Guide is pretty great) but by our ability to be a model for best practices, both in our operations and services and in academics. Modeling and teaching sustainability has become a core value at WKU because we realize that it must be.

WKU’s commitment to sustainability, whether demonstrated in campus operations or in educational programs, will help to ensure that our graduates are prepared to address the complicated environmental, social and economic issues we face today. They will be able to think critically, solve problems creatively and be engaged citizens. If that’s all we accomplish then we will have achieved great success. But our sustainability commitment pays dividends; it also leads us to reduce our environmental footprint, practice social responsibility, and conserve natural and economic resources. It encourages unprecedented cross-campus and community collaboration and partnerships. It supports our goal to be “A Leading American University with International Reach”. And it brings renewed meaning to the old WKU motto: “Life More Life”!

I am pleased to present the 2010 WKU Sustainability Report. Enjoy! Christian Ryan-Downing

]]> WKU Office of Sustainability Resolution for Education for Sustainability at WKU http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/sustain_pub/5 http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/sustain_pub/5 Tue, 25 Jan 2011 06:26:57 PST Office of Sustainability et al. WKU Campus Wide Holiday Energy Conservation Plan http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/sustain_pub/4 http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/sustain_pub/4 Thu, 17 Dec 2009 07:02:18 PST WKU Sustainability Committee et al. 2009 Sustainability Report http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/sustain_pub/3 http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/sustain_pub/3 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:29:39 PST Christian Ryan-Downing et al. WKU Sustainability Report 2007-2008 http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/sustain_pub/2 http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/sustain_pub/2 Mon, 01 Jun 2009 10:25:07 PDT Christian Ryan-Downing Western Kentucky University Energy Policy http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/sustain_pub/1 http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/sustain_pub/1 Thu, 21 May 2009 13:24:46 PDT Western Kentucky University