| Overall Rating | Silver |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 59.94 |
| Liaison | Samuel Crowl |
| Submission Date | Aug. 11, 2021 |
Ohio University
EN-6: Assessing Sustainability Culture
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.00 / 1.00 |
Xander
Stultz Sustainability Data Reporting Assistant Ohio Unversity Office of Sustainability |
Does the institution conduct an assessment of sustainability culture?:
Which of the following best describes the cultural assessment? The assessment is administered to::
Which of the following best describes the structure of the cultural assessment? The assessment is administered::
A brief description of how and when the cultural assessment(s) were developed and/or adopted:
A pilot sustainability literacy survey occurred in FY 12. In FY16, it was decided to transition to a campus-wide survey that captured more data and more demographics (students, faculty, staff and alumni/community) to better tailor education and outreach efforts and to allow for the incorporation of questions about sustainability culture. A 16-question survey is now emailed each fall to every individual with an Ohio University email address. 6 questions (38%) on the survey directly address sustainability literacy rate, while 6 questions (38%) address sustainability engagement/culture. The remaining 4 questions (25%) on the survey are demographic questions utilized for data analysis and internal tracking.
A copy or sample of the questions related to sustainability culture:
A sample of the questions related to sustainability culture or the website URL where the assessment tool is available:
1 Ohio University has committed to becoming a Carbon Neutral campus by, at least, 2075. Of the following activities, which are you aware of having occurred on the campus which you work or study?
▢ Purchase of Electric Vehicles within the campus fleet (and installation of EV Charging stations) (1)
▢ Solar arrays on campus (2)
▢ Composting (3)
▢ Repair of steam tunnels (4)
▢ LEED Certification of University buildings (5)
▢ Stop burning coal as an on-site fuel source (6)
▢ Improvement of measurement tools (such as increased utility sub-meters)) (7)
▢ Completion of an Energy Performance Contract (8)
▢ Purchase of Renewable Energy Credits (or offsets) (9)
▢ Energy efficient appliances on campus (such as computers) and reduction of duplicate appliances (such as copiers/printers). (10)
▢ Waste diversion and recycling (12)
▢ Bus route optimization (13)
▢ Improvements to alternative transportation infrastructure (14)
▢ I am not aware of any action being taken by the University (16)
▢ Bike Valet at afternoon home football games (17)
▢ Other (please specify) (11) ________________________________________________
11 In which of the following activities, if any, are you willing to engage so as to contribute to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions during your lifetime?
▢ Drive less; Bicycle more (1)
▢ Reduce waste sent to lanfdill (2)
▢ Become politically involved/Lobby for strict mandates regarding emission allowances (3)
▢ Turn down the thermostat in my home/office (4)
▢ Limit the number of electronic devices in my home (5)
▢ Unplug devices when not in use (6)
▢ Invest in renewable energy generation or research (7)
▢ Enter into a professional field (such as renewable energy, sustainability, politics or engineering) that can contribute to positive change (8)
▢ None of the above/I don't believe I can make an impact (9)
▢ Other (please specify) (10) ________________________________________________
A brief description of how representative samples were reached (if applicable) and how the cultural assessment is administered:
In FY16, it was determined that more complete and consistent surveying needed to happen on campus so as to include surveying of campus culture around sustainability, the Office of Sustainability worked with Information Technology to ensure that a representative sample of the entire campus community could be reached annually through emailed surveying. As a result, every individual with an Ohio University email address receives a link to an online survey each fall semester. The survey assesses sustainability literacy, sustainability culture and respondent demographics. Results are analyzed by the Office of Sustainability and programming for the following year is designed based on survey results.
A brief summary of results from the cultural assessment:
In FY21, the survey revealed that the most well-known sustainability efforts on campus related to waste management, transportation improvements, and LEED certification of campus buildings. Similar results were realized FY18, FY17, and FY16, suggesting that new educational campaigns for other programs may be necessary. Pre/post assessment showed that cultural awareness had decreased for the cohort that were incoming freshmen in 2017 and now are graduating seniors in 2021. See attached file for more details.
Each time surveyed, a majority of respondents suggested that they would be willing to make lifestyle choices to benefit sustainability. Such responses may mean there are opportunities for increased education about sustainable lifestyle choices.
There have been no major changes to survey results over time.
Website URL where information about the assessment of sustainability culture is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
Updated 7/13/2021 by Xander Stultz by 2021 Literacy Survey Report and a brief summary.
Elaine Goetz added pre/post assessment information in response to internal review on 8/3/21.
Updated 7/13/2021 by Xander Stultz by 2021 Literacy Survey Report and a brief summary.
Elaine Goetz added pre/post assessment information in response to internal review on 8/3/21.
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.