Describe some of the actions being taken by colleges and universities to promote sustainability

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Campus sustainability efforts often begin with a quantitative assessment of the institution's operations to provide baseline information, which helps set priorities and goals. Teaching about environmental issues within the academic curriculum is one way a college or university can promote sustainability. Many colleges and universities have student?run environmental organizations, active recycling programs, and courses or majors in environmental science or environmental studies. By the spring of 2013 almost 700 university presidents had signed the American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment to design a full plan to achieve carbon neutrality by 2016.

Goals include a sifting to recycled paper, greening transportation systems, reducing waste, recycling, and composting. Dozens of campuses now boast LEED-certified "green" buildings that reduce the amount–and cost–of energy and water used. Solar and wind energy play a role on many campuses. Water?saving technologies also are being installed. Campus food service operations can buy organic produce, purchase food in bulk or food that involves less packaging, and compost food scraps. In addition, buying locally grown or produced food supports local economies and cuts down on fuel consumption. Some college campuses even have gardens where students can help grow their own food. Many colleges and universities are establishing or expanding bus and shuttle systems; encouraging bicycling, walking, and carpooling; and introducing alternative fuels and vehicles to university fleets. No campus sustainability program would be complete without some effort to enhance the campus natural environment. This includes programs for natural landscaping and habitat restoration.