Learning Resources

Abstract: Greening the Ivory Tower and Degrees That Matter provide an enlightening case study of Tufts University’s sustainability initiatives over the past 17 years. While Greening the Ivory Tower could be aptly titled Lessons Learned from the Field, its sequel, Degrees That Matter, could be renamed More Lessons Learned. As companion pieces, these works offer comprehensive and accessible information for creating a campus environmental sustainability program that addresses waste reduction, energy efficiency, transportation reform, and purchasing practices.

Abstract: Campus chapels once bespoke a school’s curriculum, defined the student body, contributed to ambiance, and served as a recruitment tool for parents looking to religion to influence their children’s character. As schools strayed from their religious roots, encountered pressing program needs, and faced funding concerns, many of these rarely used buildings fell into disrepair. In the last few years, efforts to preserve an institution’s heritage, maximize space, and address spirituality have led schools to consider restoring and reusing campus chapels. This article focuses on keeping the chapel’s original design intent while capitalizing on its strengths to upgrade the building and supplement its usage.

Abstract: This article examines environmental assessments as a decision-making tool, distinguishing broad-based, targeted, and goal-oriented efforts as the three types most commonly practiced on campuses. The authors discuss benefits and problems associated with these approaches and conclude that the goal-oriented approach is most likely to be successful. They make a case for action to reduce institutional impacts on climate change as a compelling and goal-oriented direction for comprehensive planning, implementation, and evaluation of campus stewardship efforts. Tufts University’s commitment to emission reductions in the Kyoto Protocol is discussed, and impacts on curriculum, operations, and university decision making are explored.

Abstract: Campus energy consumption causes the largest environmental impacts. College and university planners, architects, and facilities managers are uniquely positioned to play a critical role promoting campus environmental responsibility by addressing the need for campus energy sustainability. Both demand- and supply-side strategies are required. On the demand side, an aggressive campus energy conservation program can reduce campus energy consumption by 30 percent or more. Addressing the supply side of the energy equation means shifting to clean, renewable, non-carbon-based energy resources and technologies. Developing campus energy policies, coping with the computer explosion, avoiding the pitfalls of electric deregulation, buying green power, and implementing green building design are all parts of the solution.

Abstract: Asserts that planning is a tool, not a replacement for sound campus management. Using three case studies, two at Tufts University and one at Dean College, the author provides commentary on the usefulness of formal participatory planning in effecting change. In one instance, formal participatory planning was used, in the second it was avoided, and in the third, it was partially employed. Concludes with a reflection on the lessons that may be drawn from each of these examples.