Sustainability research guides

Green campus initiatives

Definition and scope

This research guides looks at sustainability initiatives on college campuses (and similar locations) from a policy perspective. Some colleges have established sustainability majors and research programs; other universities are implementing programs to improve the sustainability of their day to day operations through recycling, composting, reduced energy consumption, and alternative transportation programs. For specific details related to the implementation of these programs, you should also consult the other sustainability guides (e.g. the Green building and design guide for information on constructing LEED-certified campus buildings).

Addison

Use sustain** and campus (with the two asterisks as a wildcard) as a sample keyword search. (green campus leads to books on campus greens and green spaces, which is probably not relevant.)

Use a subject search for a more refined list of results. Use these sample subjects in WorldCat to search other libraries' collections for similar books, especially when looking for reports produced or published by other colleges and universities, which are not likely to be in the Virginia Tech Libraries' collection. Then use interlibrary loan to request these publications. Some Library of Congress subject headings to try include:

• Campus planning -- environmental aspects
• Education -- environmental aspects
• Education, higher -- environmental aspects
• Local transit -- environmental aspects
• Universities and colleges -- environmental aspects

Databases

ERIC and Eductaion Research Complete from EBSCOhost

The two major EBSCOhost education databases can be searched simultaneously. Enter one database, use the Choose databases link at the top of the search page and choose the other database. (You can also choose other relevant EBSCOhost databases like GreenFile as well.) Includes many higher education sources, in particular The Chronicle of Higher Education, which will discuss planning and implementation of green inititaives on campus.

University Wire from LexisNexis

University Wire is a collection of college newspapers from across the country. The content focuses on campus news. Over 350 newspapers are included, with over 150 updated on a daily basis. To limit to Collegiate Times articles, include "collegiate times" inside quotes with your search terms. An excellent source for the student perspective on green initiatives.

Environment Abstracts from CSA

This database encompasses all aspects of the impact of people and technology on the environment and the effectiveness of remedial policies and technologies, including reports from colleges and universities and related education associations.

Websites

An advanced Google search, using the limiting options to restrict results to .edu sites can find reports and web pages on individual college and university efforts towards sustainability.

Virginia Tech Office of Sustainability

Coordinates programs for campus sustainability, oversees the implementation of the VTCAC Resolution and accompanying sustainability plan, monitors energy usage and GHG emissions, and manages a campus wide student internship and undergraduate research program.

Association of University Leaders for a Sustainable Future (ULSF)

The Secretariat for signatories of the Talloires Declaration (1990), which has been signed by over 400 college and university presidents and chancellors worldwide. ULSF supports sustainability as a critical focus of teaching, research, operations and outreach in higher education through publications, research, and assessment.

Campus Sustainability Discussion Forums from AASHE

Discussions on topics for creating sustainable campuses.