Learning Resources

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: The natural resource planning theory of Walter Firey is examined as conceptual base for planning efforts aimed at achieving sustainable policies and practices on university and college campuses. Sustainable policies and practices are those that, according to Firey’s theory, are simultaneously ecologically possible, economically gainful, and ethnologically adoptable. Successful planning for sustainability must take all three criteria fully into account in order for sustainability to be achieved. While Firey’s theory may not identify specific policies and practices that are universally applicable in pursuing sustainability, it does provide robust and flexible general principles useful for planners.

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: 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.

Abstract: Building cost escalation has forced up the price of new campus housing to the point that, under conventional planning and construction methods, dormitory space can cost as much as $10,000 or more per bed. Given such costs, many institutions find it difficult if not impossible to finance new housing without raising student rental charges to prohibitive levels. In response, a number of institutions have sought ways to provide housing at substantially lower cost. One solution is the so-called "turnkey" approach, in which a developer plans, designs, and builds new housing to meet the institution's specifications at a predetermined, fixed cost. This article describes the successful application of the turnkey technique at three institutions--the Universities of Rhode Island, Vermont, and Delaware.