• Climate change

  Climate change refers to any significant change in measures of climate (such as temperature, precipitation, or wind) lasting for an extended period (decades or longer). Climate change may result from:

  • natural factors, such as changes in the sun's intensity or slow changes in the Earth's orbit around the sun
  • natural processes within the climate system (e.g. changes in ocean circulation)
  • human activities that change the atmosphere's composition (e.g. through burning fossil fuels) and the land surface (e.g. deforestation, reforestation, urbanization, desertification, etc.)

• Green campus initiatives

  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).

• Life cycle analysis

  Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) is a term used broadly to apply to any of a number of analytic techniques to evaluate the environmental impact of a material or a service throughout its life cycle from extraction or harvesting of raw materials through processing, manufacture, installation, use and ultimate disposal or recycling.

• Local food

  This research guide offers a starting point for locating resources and information related to "local food" in the context of the definition above. The concept of "local food" can be viewed through a variety of filters: food production and quality, food security, food policy, nutrition, ecology, agriculture, environmentalism, politics, business/marketing, food industry, and community.

• Renewable or sustainable energy

  This guide provides a starting point to locate resources used to search the topic sustainable or renewable energy. Alternative energy is a slightly different topic, and although there is some cross-over in regards to renewable/sustainable energy, alternative energy is not specifically covered in this guide. For energy resources in general, see the Chemistry, Physics, or one of the engineering guides like Electrical Engineering.

  This guide follows the definition of renewable/sustainable energy as defined by The Encyclopedia of the Earth: "… energy sources are those that are naturally available and replenished. Renewable energy sources include solar, wind, hydro (water), geothermal, Tidal power or ocean wave energy, and biomass."

• Sustainable agriculture

  Sustainable agriculture "is both a philosophy and a system of farming. It has its roots in a set of values that reflects an awareness of both ecological and social realities. It involves design and management procedures that work with natural processes to conserve all resources and minimize waste and environmental damage, while maintaining or improving farm profitability. Working with natural soil processes is of particular importance. Sustainable agriculture systems are designed to take maximum advantage of existing soil nutrient and water cycles, energy flows, beneficial soil organisms, and natural pest controls. By capitalizing on existing cycles and flows, environmental damage can be avoided or minimized. Such systems also aim to produce food that is nutritious, and uncontaminated with products that might harm human health."—Ecological Agriculture Projects, McDonald College, McGill University.

• Sustainable building and design

  This guide provides a general introduction to locating information about sustainable or green building and design. It focuses specifically on resources devoted to enhancing energy efficiency and reducing negative environmental impact through conscientious design practice.

Research guides

• Climate change
• Green campus initiatives
• Life cycle analysis
• Local food
• Renewable or sustainable energy
• Sustainable agriculture
• Sustainable building and design