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Engaging students is the biggest challenge for on-campus sustainability education and skill building. Here is another approach that accomplishes sustainability and engagement. Green designs are used to evaluate student behaviours and identities based on their residences - green buildings vs. conventional ones. Occupant behaviour affects energy and water consumptions and thus green vs conventional buildings can be contrasted easily for such impacts. Visual and conceptual features of green buildings were used and surprisingly students who lived in green buildings showed lower environmental identity and pro-environmental behaviour!! Awareness of features actually increases environmentally responsible behaviour. But moral licensing is an issue - behaving immorally without losing the image of being moral! Living in an identified green building results in moral licensing. Behavioural issues are always a monkey wrench in understanding humans. Moral identity and actions can be decoupled. The impact of being allowed to choose a residence needs further investigation for moral licensing. Especially if a cost is associated with the choice. #sustainability #campuses #highereducation #climatechange #livinglabs #decarbonise #climatesolutions #climateaction #sustainabilityeducation https://lnkd.in/dRurSSXa

Sustainability practices in schools are not a luxury but a necessity for a planet facing unprecedented environmental challenges. https://bit.ly/3TqCInU #sustainableschools #ecofriendlycampus #schoolsustainability #sustainablepractices #schoolmanagement #schoolowners #schoolconstructionloan #schoolinfrastructureloan #schoolloan #school #privateschool #educationinstitutions #schoolleaders #schoolcommunity

The most important purpose of implementing sustainability on campuses is to engage students in the effort and use these as the training ground for the real world. I would call it the residency program for earth system doctors. This is from a Canadian university, i.e., UBC - engaging students and campus community as well as local and global communities as appropriate. UBC has been at it for over 20 years evolving its strategy and sustainable campus development. Student initiatives include sustainability ambassadors, sustainability council, sustainability-in-residence, Greenest city scholar and so on. Ecology, well-being, beyond campus engagement programs, etc., are mentioned but no mention of monitoring with data and metrics. One has to always watch out for brag sheets and greenwashing. Theory and methodology are reported for research, promoting health, equity, justice, education and innovations in pedagogy and experiential learning Dialogues and reflections are a part of the training. A consortium of universities has emerged to make Canada stronger with public/private partnerships within Canada and across the world. Key questions on strategies and factors for engagement, campus as a living lab, empowering students to become agents of change, and so on are the focus. Key sustainability initiatives over time are provided but no indication of strategies for monitoring and evaluation. #sustainability #campus #sustainabilityeducation #studentengagement #livinglabs #climatechange #climatesolutions #resilience #decarbonise https://lnkd.in/d8sQJpYx

🍎 The U.S. Department of Education honors the top green #schools of 2024 and offers resources to help make your #school more sustainable. ♻️ #facilitiesmanagement #facilitymanagement #campus #sustainability #cleanenergy #healthybuildings #greenbuildings #college

Sustainability Matters in School In today's world, being green isn't just a trend; it's a necessity. With sustainability becoming a major focus, schools are stepping up to the challenge, embedding environmental consciousness into their ethos and operations. But should this be a deciding factor for parents when choosing a school? Absolutely. Preparing for the Future Sustainability in education goes beyond planting trees and recycling. Schools with strong sustainability programs prepare students for the future job market, which is increasingly geared towards green careers. The green economy is booming, with significant growth in jobs related to environmental science, renewable energy, and sustainable business practices. By attending a school with a robust sustainability curriculum, students gain early exposure to these fields, giving them a competitive edge. Innovative School Initiatives Across the UK, schools are implementing a variety of sustainable practices. These range from banning single-use plastics and creating natural dye gardens to establishing no-dig allotments and Thrift Thursdays. Pupils are often the driving force behind these initiatives, fostering a sense of responsibility and leadership. Schools are also investing in larger-scale projects. Wycliffe College is installing solar panels expected to generate significant energy savings, while Radley College plans to build a 20-acre solar farm and rewild farmland to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. These efforts not only reduce the schools' carbon footprints but also serve as real-world learning laboratories for students. Enhancing Learning Environments Sustainable practices enhance the learning environment. Outdoor classrooms, forest schools, living walls, and green roofs contribute to better air quality and offer hands-on learning opportunities. Schools like Radley College and Sevenoaks Preparatory School are leading the way with innovative green spaces that teach students about ecology and sustainability in a practical setting. Choosing the Right School When evaluating schools, consider their sustainability credentials. Look for schools that have clear sustainability strategies, offer relevant courses, and involve students in environmental initiatives. Schools that prioritize sustainability are not only preparing students for future careers but also teaching them the importance of environmental stewardship. Sustainability should indeed be a key factor when choosing a school. It shapes students' understanding of global challenges, equips them with valuable skills, and can lead to more cost-effective school operations. By prioritizing green schools, parents can ensure their children are well-prepared for a future where sustainability is paramount. #sustainability #world #school #greenschools #ukschools #parents

We work toward designing projects that not only do less harm but ultimately do good—regenerative projects that successfully balance environmental, economic, and human factors. Our design process is guided by clear, measurable criteria that relate to health, energy, water, and social equity. To understand what these efforts might look like, let's consider the Center for Student Life, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation at Greensboro Day School. This two-story, 49,000 sq ft building, expected to break ground this summer, will be positioned in the center of campus, providing a new central hub and main entrance for the school. 🩺 HEALTH // A full-service health center supports the entire campus with full-time staff and exam rooms. 💡ENERGY // The building orientation maximizes northern light exposure and shading of existing mature trees. Daylighting analysis informed the location and sizing of shading devices to reduce glare.  💦 WATER // A water filtration system improves water quality, while water bottle fillers encourage healthy habits and reduce plastic waste. 👥 SOCIAL EQUITY // The building encourages convergence and collaboration of various academic levels, backgrounds, and experiences among students. Remember that every project is unique, and therefore, the measurable achievements for each project will differ. Every effort, big or small, can help us create a regenerative future—now that's something worth celebrating. #earthweek #sustainability #regeneration

As schools globally gear up for the upcoming breaks, many Headteachers and Principals are diligently planning for the next academic year and sessions. Sustainability remains a key focus, encompassing pathways such as climate action and the circular economy. It's not just about being eco-friendly; it's about empowering young people to lead the way in preserving our biosphere! We've crafted a comprehensive Earth Steward code, expecting schools to collaborate with their students in co-creating a sustainable future. Our Earth Steward code seamlessly aligns with Rights & Respecting Schools, SDGs, Green Schools, and Eco-Schools, fostering a holistic approach to environmental stewardship. In our commitment to nurturing Earth Stewards, we offer robust curricular models along with ongoing project development and valuable resources, including Climate Mental health . These resources, curated by academics and teachers, are freely accessible to support the collective effort towards a sustainable future. #education #Climateaction #Climateanxiety https://lnkd.in/emQNRaZB

"By building from the margins, or redesigning in deep consideration of the most underserved, we have the opportunity to create empowering schools that use the experiences of the most at-promised youth to enhance the overall school," writes Erin Whalen, Executive Director at Da Vinici RISE High School. Learn how to create an equitable and sustainable design in this Getting Smart post: https://hubs.li/Q02Ff_ry0

This toolkit aims to foster a deeper understanding of equity, heat equity, and the principles of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Access within the context of sustainability education. It also aims to contribute to a livable, sustainable, and just future in the region by promoting sustainability education that is meaningful, equitable, and participatory. Learners will examine a systems-thinking perspective to describe past, present, and future states of heat equity, as well as urban systems as coupled dynamic complex systems that are composed of ongoing social, ecological, and technological trajectories including critical interrelationships. The material in this toolkit also encourages learners to engage with historical contexts and systemic inequalities. It provides a platform for multiple perspectives and co-creation, encouraging them to value and integrate diverse viewpoints. This toolkit was developed by Paul Coseo, Ph.D., PLA (Arizona State University), and Tasnia Tabassum Shamma (Arizona State University). #equality #sdgs #sustainability #phoenix #asu #tempe #rce #rcegreaterphoenix #environment #climateaction #globalwarming #cambioclimatico

Education is a powerful answer to the #climatecrisis. This World Environment Day, we are coming up with an interactive session, "Green Campus Awareness Programme" in New Delhi. Be part of the change! 🌍🌱 *Refer to the post for more details 🌱💚 #WorldEnvironmentDay #ClimateAction #Sustainability #GreenFuture #sustainabilityeducation #Education #wed2024 #WED #greencampus