Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education

Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education is a non-profit organization that aims to promote sustainability in higher education institutions, such as Harvard University, University of California, Berkeley, and University of Toronto. The organization works with colleges and universities to implement sustainable practices, reduce their carbon footprint, and promote environmental education through programs like the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) developed by Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education in collaboration with University of New Hampshire, University of Michigan, and University of British Columbia. The organization also partners with other sustainability organizations, such as the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Wildlife Federation, and The Nature Conservancy, to advance sustainability in higher education.

● Overview

The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education is a membership-based organization that provides resources, support, and networking opportunities to its members, including University of Oxford, Stanford University, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The organization's mission is to inspire and catalyze higher education institutions, such as University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), University of Washington, and New York University (NYU), to become models of sustainability, through the implementation of sustainable practices, such as renewable energy systems, green buildings, and sustainable transportation options, as seen in University of California, Santa Barbara and University of Colorado Boulder. The organization also works to promote sustainability in higher education through its partnerships with other organizations, such as the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO), American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment (ACUPCC), and The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), and its involvement in initiatives like the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and The Climate Group.

● History

The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education was founded in 2005 by a group of higher education institutions, including University of Pennsylvania, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, with the goal of promoting sustainability in higher education. The organization was established in response to the growing recognition of the importance of sustainability in higher education, as highlighted by reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), National Academy of Sciences (NAS), and World Bank. Since its founding, the organization has grown to include over 900 member institutions, including University of Texas at Austin, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and University of Georgia, and has become a leading voice in the field of sustainability in higher education, working with organizations like the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), The Sierra Club, and The Audubon Society.

● Membership and Programs

The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education offers a range of membership options and programs to its members, including University of Southern California (USC), University of Florida, and University of Minnesota. The organization's membership program provides access to resources, such as the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) and the Campus Sustainability Hub, as well as opportunities for networking and professional development, through events like the AASHE Conference & Expo and the Sustainability in Higher Education Conference. The organization also offers a range of programs and initiatives, such as the Sustainability Awards and the Campus Sustainability Leadership Award, to recognize and support sustainability efforts in higher education, in partnership with organizations like the National Science Foundation (NSF), The Kresge Foundation, and The Rockefeller Foundation.

● Conferences and Events

The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education hosts a range of conferences and events throughout the year, including the AASHE Conference & Expo, which brings together sustainability professionals and higher education institutions, such as University of California, San Diego, University of Oregon, and University of Iowa, to share best practices and showcase sustainability initiatives. The organization also hosts webinars and workshops on topics such as sustainable food systems, green building, and climate change mitigation, in collaboration with organizations like the United States Department of Energy (DOE), National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), and The Climate Registry. These events provide opportunities for networking, professional development, and knowledge sharing among sustainability professionals and higher education institutions, including University of Virginia, University of Kansas, and University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

● Publications and Resources

The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education publishes a range of resources and publications to support sustainability in higher education, including the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) report, which provides a framework for colleges and universities to track and assess their sustainability performance, as seen in University of Michigan, University of California, Davis, and University of Wisconsin-Madison. The organization also publishes a range of guides and toolkits on topics such as sustainable transportation, energy efficiency, and waste reduction, in partnership with organizations like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO), and The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA). These resources are designed to support sustainability professionals and higher education institutions, including University of Texas at Dallas, University of Cincinnati, and University of Utah, in their efforts to advance sustainability on campus.

● Impact and Recognition

The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education has had a significant impact on the field of sustainability in higher education, with its members, including University of Notre Dame, University of Pittsburgh, and University of Oklahoma, reporting significant reductions in their carbon footprint and waste generation. The organization's Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) has been recognized as a leading framework for sustainability assessment in higher education, and has been adopted by over 900 colleges and universities worldwide, including University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, and University of Queensland. The organization has also received recognition for its work, including awards from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), The White House, and The National Wildlife Federation, and has been featured in publications such as The New York Times, The Chronicle of Higher Education, and Inside Higher Ed. Category:Environmental organizations