| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 54.15 |
| Liaison | Leslie North |
| Submission Date | March 3, 2017 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Western Kentucky University
EN-11: Inter-Campus Collaboration
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
3.00 / 3.00 |
Is the institution an active member of a national or international sustainability network?:
The name of the national or international sustainability network(s):
The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education
Is the institution an active member of a regional, state/provincial or local sustainability network?:
The name of the regional, state/provincial or local sustainability network(s):
The Kentucky College and University Carbon Consortium
Has the institution presented at a sustainability conference during the previous year? :
A list or brief description of the conference(s) and presentation(s):
In January 2016, the University of Louisville Speed School of Engineering hosted a multi-state Energy Forum, attended by institutional and corporate leaders from the region. Our presentation was entitled: Energy Management - real world strategies. As a result of this presentation, we were asked to host a workshop for an expanded audience later in the spring. On April 6th, we hosted a full day workshop and tour at WKU for a diversity of approximately 30 institutional and corporate leaders from around the region.
Has the institution submitted a case study during the previous year to a sustainability awards program that is inclusive of multiple campuses? :
A list or brief description of the awards program(s) and submission(s):
In summer of 2016, WKU was presented with the Douglas C. Griffin Environmental Sustainability Award, which recognized WKU for demonstrating a commitment to the principles of sustainability. This was the result of their review of a case study we provided and presented to a group of professionals describing WKU's energy conservation and efficiency efforts and successes.
Additionally, in 2016 WKU submitted a case study for the a publication created by the Center for Environmental Policy and Management at the University of Louisville in partnership with the EPA Region 4. The "Compendium of Organics Recovery Programs at Colleges and Universities" includes a small sampling of the many programs that are located in the Southeast region and is intended to introduce readers to the concepts of organics recovery (with a special emphasis on composting) while encouraging peer-to-peer learning.
Has the institution had staff, students or faculty serving on a board or committee of a sustainability network or conference during the previous three years? :
A list or brief description of the board or committee appointment(s):
The Sustainability Coordinator serves on the Board for the Kentucky College and University Carbon Consortium.
The Chief Facilities Officer serves on the BOD of Operation PRIDE, a regional organization focused on beautification and green space projects.
Does the institution have an ongoing mentoring relationship with another institution through which it assists the institution with its sustainability reporting and/or the development of its sustainability program?:
A brief description of the mentoring relationship and activities:
WKU serves as a model for other institutions in various ways. Our Facilities Management services are provided by Sodexo, and we provide mentorship to other Sodexo served campuses in areas of energy conservation and efficiency, sustainable grounds-keeping, and green cleaning. Representatives from these campuses often visit to see and learn about best practices. Additionally, we are regularly contacted by peer institutions seeking to learn more about such things as our food waste composting program (now included in a published "how-to" guide) and initiatives such as the "Conservation Vacation".
Has the institution had staff, faculty, or students serving as peer reviewers of another institution’s sustainability data (e.g. GHG emissions or course inventory) and/or STARS submission during the previous three years?:
A brief description of the peer review activities:
Has the institution participated in other collaborative efforts around sustainability during the previous year, e.g. joint planning or resource sharing with other institutions? :
A brief description of other collaborative efforts around sustainability during the previous year:
In the summer of 2016, WKU began discussion with University of Louisville, University of Kentucky, Berea College, and Centre College, as well as representatives from clean energy business and non-profit organizations, on the possibility of a collaborative power purchase agreement. This discussion is ongoing, and we are currently investigating the feasibility and implications of such a project.
The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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.