Why is the movement to become a sustainable institution, as demonstrated by De Anza College and other colleges and universities, so successful? How might the successes at these institutes of higher education translate to society as a whole?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The first element necessary for success is a visionary group of people who serve as a critical mass to advocate for sustainability at these institutions. In the case of both De Anza College and Ball State University, this group was composed of trained faculty who were expected to enhance the environmental literacy of their students and colleagues. However, not only were these faculty members talking about environmental literacy–they were also taking action. A green initiatives planning group made up of all stakeholders of the institution's community–students, faculty, staff, administrators, and community members–worked to ensure that all voices were heard when deciding on and devising projects that had a fairly large impact on the university's budget.

Colleges and universities are ideal training grounds for grooming sustainability advocates of the future. Students gain experience in working with institutional red tape and bureaucratic complexities while being guided and supported by faculty mentors. Students are able to try new and innovative ideas in an encouraging and supportive atmosphere. What the students learn from their successes, failures, and obstacles can be valuable lessons for use in advocating for sustainability in society at large.