Colleges and universities are at the forefront of efforts to preserve
the earth's resources for future generations. Carbon neutrality,
renewable energy sources, green building strategies, and related
initiatives require informed and courageous leaders at all levels of
higher education. James Martin and James E. Samels have worked closely
with college and university presidents, provosts, and trustees to devise
best practices that establish sustainable policies and programs in the
major areas of institutional operations.
While almost seven hundred chief executive officers have signed the
American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment, several
thousand have yet to do so. This book identifies four of the most
formidable challenges facing these presidents and leadership teams along
with solutions to address them: effectively institutionalizing
sustainability thinking; developing an efficient, flexible system of
sustainability benchmarks; implementing an accountable university budget
model; and engaging boards of trustees in the campus sustainability
agenda.
The volume's contributors, including recognized authorities on
sustainability as well as campus executives with broad-ranging
experience, consider these challenges and discuss specific action plans,
best practices, and emerging trends in sustainability efforts. They
offer sustainability solutions for almost every major operational area
of campus and consider what sustainability means for colleges and
universities--and the legacy of those entrusted with shaping their
future.
The meaning of sustainability is evolving, and it differs from one
campus to the next. This timely and comprehensive volume guides
institutional leaders past the myths and misconceptions to the
sustainable university.
