Some Challenges in Reaching for that Silver STAR...

According to Google dictionary, the definition of an adventure is an activity that is both 'daring and exciting...calling for enterprise and enthusiasm'. This statement cannot be truer of my colleague and my epic journey in completing the STARS sustainability report.

It is with excitement (and alumni pride) to be involved with Western's first ever campus-wide assessment of its sustainability. But an adventure would not be one without involving some challenges right?

One of the major obstacle that we faced as we are wrapping up was the busier schedule and shortage of staff/faculty in the summer (hey, some of us gotta run the show and some deserves a break too!). While this delayed data collection, the upside of the engagement and dialogue with various stakeholders was the opportunity to have one-on-one discussions on sustainability at Western!

A common confusion found through these engagements was how certain departments, such as Human Resources and Investments, play in a sustainable academic institution. One of the reasons is that many people often associate the meaning of 'sustainability' as the preservation of our environment, when this thinking needs to be re-examined. Modern thinkers need to see sustainability as a 'simultaneous pursuit of economical prosperity, environmental quality, and social equality' - famously known as the triple bottom line.

In the same vein, the ambiguity of the sustainability definition is another challenge as it varies from one industry to another and for an institution of higher education, between faculties and staff.

Lastly, the lack of the STARS brand recognition may raise some concerns for our stakeholders. What is it? Why are we doing this? Regardless, it is one of the more comprehensive sustainability assessments for academic institutions right now. The fact that Western has decided to conduct a sustainability report is a positive direction towards embodying a sustainable institution.

In addition, the Chronicle of Higher Education reports that Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education's STARS program, Sierra magazine, the Sustainable Endowments Institute (Green Report Card) and Princeton Review will be collaborating to 'develop common sustainability survey language' to prevent survey fatigues for institutions.

Until next time,

Your friendly neighborhood EPC