Evaluating Sustainability Initiatives on University Campuses: A Case Study from the University of Michigan’s Sustainability Cultural Indicators Program

2016 ◽  
pp. 189-199 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert W. Marans ◽  
John Callewaert
Keyword(s):  
University Campuses ◽  
Sustainability Initiatives ◽  
The University

Post-occupancy evaluation of outdoor spaces on the campus of the Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Brazil

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Clara Carvalho Tourinho ◽  
Sabrina Andrade Barbosa ◽  
Özgür Göçer ◽  
Klaus Chaves Alberto
Keyword(s):  
Critical Role ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
University Campuses ◽  
Post Occupancy Evaluation ◽  
Outdoor Spaces ◽  
The University ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeUsing the campus of a Brazilian university as case study, this research aims to identify which aspects of the outdoor spaces are the most significant in attracting people.Design/methodology/approachThis research relies on the application of different post-occupancy evaluation (POE) methods, including user tracking, behavioural mapping and questionnaires, on one plateau of the campus.FindingsThree group of aspects (socialization, proximity and infrastructure) were identified as key elements in explaining the impact of the campus physical characteristics on users’ behaviour. The results indicate that having characteristics of at least one group of aspects in those spaces can guarantee their vitality and, if there is presence of attributes of more than one group, liveliness can be increased.Research limitations/implicationsFurther studies should be conducted on an entire campus to identify other spatial elements in the three groups.Practical implicationsThis research contributes to the planning of future campuses and to solutions to the existed ones, indicating the most relevant spatial characteristics to be considered. Additionally, the combination of different methods may be useful to future research.Originality/valueMost of the investigations on the university campuses focus on the buildings, and little research has investigated the outdoor spaces, although they play a critical role in learning and academic life, where people establish social, cultural and personal relationships. In addition, studies using several POE allowed a consistent and complete diagnostic about the aspects of the campus, giving recommendations for future projects.

Ecological footprint: a tool for environmental management in educational institutions

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 675-690
Author(s):  
Katherine Ortegon ◽  
Pilar Acosta
Keyword(s):  
Ecological Footprint ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Educational Institutions ◽  
Practical Calculation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Standard Tool ◽  
Sustainability Initiatives ◽  
The University ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, as few universities have assessed their ecological footprint (EF), a benchmark for Colombian universities is presented. Second, a practical calculation tool for measuring the EF in educational institutions (EIs) is developed. The purpose of this tool is to facilitate the process of assessing the EF in EIs that are starting sustainability initiatives and to unify criteria with those already involved. Design/methodology/approach The development of the Ecological Footprint for Educational Institutions (EFEI) calculator is detailed showing the seven categories analyzed and the adaptation to the Colombian context. Findings Results are presented from a case study of EFEI implementation at Universidad Icesi. Furthermore, the relation between these results and the action taken to mitigate EF at the university is detailed. Practical implications Colombian EIs have recently joined the sustainable campus movement. The EF methodology and this tool serve to assess impacts and identify what EIs can do to ameliorate their environmental stewardship. Social implications EIs are called on to lead by example in terms of sustainability, not only in teaching and researching cutting-edge technologies but also in being sustainable and transferring this knowledge to future generations. Originality/value First, an EF benchmark for Colombian universities is presented. In addition, a unified methodology for EIs is developed. The availability of a standard tool will encourage other EIs to move forward in the effort to achieve a sustainable campus.

How can ecological fairs increase sustainability in a university campus?

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 515-529
Author(s):  
Luciana Londero Brandli ◽  
Amanda Lange Salvia ◽  
Leila Dal Moro ◽  
Vanessa Tibola da Rocha ◽  
Janaina Mazutti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Local Community ◽  
Social Economic ◽  
University Campus ◽  
Content Type ◽  
University Campuses ◽  
The Social ◽  
Short Period ◽  
The University ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to highlight the contribution of ecological fairs to the promotion of sustainability in university campuses, based on a case study carried out at the University of Passo Fundo, located in Southern Brazil. Design/methodology/approach Producers and consumers of the ecological fairs were interviewed to analyse how the social, economic and environmental spheres of sustainable development are impacted by these fairs. In total, 24 interviews were conducted. Findings The results showed how fairs positively impact the academic and local community while bringing sustainability into university campuses. Research limitations/implications The main limitations of this study were the number of interviews and the short period during when the study was conducted. Practical implications This case study demonstrated how the promotion of ecological fairs on a university campus plays an important role in the implementation and practice of sustainability and can serve as an example for other institutions that intend to work on similar projects. Originality/value This paper contributes to the literature by providing a discussion on how ecological fairs represent a good addition in the process of universities to become more sustainable and which aspects of each sustainability sphere are involved.

scholarly journals Minimizing Parking Search Time on Urban University Campuses through Proactive Class Assignment

2015 ◽  
Vol 2537 (1) ◽  
pp. 158-166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Moradkhany ◽  
Ping Yi ◽  
Ibrahem Shatnawi ◽  
Kun Xu
Keyword(s):  
Search Time ◽  
Optimization Approach ◽  
University Campuses ◽  
Urban University ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
The University ◽  
Parking Demand ◽  
Classroom Assignment ◽  
Operation And Management

Parking search time is a key factor in evaluation of the efficiency of parking facility operation and management. This study introduced an optimization algorithm to demonstrate the feasibility of minimizing the parking search time of daily commuters on urban university campuses. An activity-based model was developed to assess the variation in parking search time due to different classroom assignment methods. This model was able to investigate the effect of different arrival and departure conditions as well as different parking search methods. The campus of the University of Akron, in Akron, Ohio, was selected as a case study to show the reduction of parking search time under a variety of conditions by using the proposed optimization approach. According to the results, with this approach parking demand can be efficiently distributed and search time can be effectively reduced by about 20%.

scholarly journals The "Greening the Ivory Towers" Project: The University of Auckland case study

2004 ◽  
Vol 71 (427-429) ◽  
pp. 213-222
Author(s):  
T. W. Fookes ◽  
Alison Hall ◽  
Logan Whitelaw
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Environmental Studies ◽  
Associate Professor ◽  
World Society ◽  
University Campuses ◽  
The World ◽  
Formal Presentation ◽  
The University

Dr Tom Fookes is an Associate Professor in Planning at the University of Auckland, New Zealand. He is a member of the Wortd Society for Ekistics and a graduate of the Athens Center of Ekistics. He arranged an undergraduate Bachelor of Planning student project on Greening University Campuses with the students travelling to Toronto for the Natural City Symposion where they reported on their work with posters and in a formal presentation. The principal student presenters were Alison Hall and Logan Whitelaw in conjunction with Nicola Bishop, LLoyd Johnston, Karen Kao, and Michelle Lee, Bplan students in the Department of Planning, University of Auckland. The text that follows is based on a PowerPoint presentation at the international symposion, 23-25 June, 2004, sponsored by the University of Toronto's Division of the Environmental Studies, and the World Society for Ekistics.

scholarly journals Prostitution Among University Students: A Case Study of Four Public Universities in Ghana

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fred Yao Gbagbo ◽  
Josephine Akosua Gbagbo
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
Public Universities ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
University Campuses ◽  
Mixed Method Design ◽  
Sectoral Approach ◽  
The University ◽  
Depth Interviews

Abstract Background Despite its criminalization in Ghana, prostitution dates back to ancient societies and occurs in various forms within communities. The authors examined prostitution in selected public Universities in Ghana. Methods The study was an exploratory- mixed-method design. Respondents were identified using purposive and snowballing techniques whiles semi-structure questionnaires and in-depth interviews were used for data collection between 2017and 2019. Quantitative data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 23 and qualitative data analyzed thematically. ResultsFindings show that there is a proliferation of prostitution on university campuses in Ghana for financial, material and emotional gains. Student prostitutes have devised various strategies to combine academic work and prostitution. Prospective customers are solicited by hanging out in drinking bars and night clubs in and around university campuses at night and/or leaving contact details with pimps to be contacted for services. Brothels are also springing up in and around the university campuses in the form of movie houses and student prostitutes convert their hostel rooms into brothels. Price negotiation is based on the environment, duration and styles/positions adopted for sex. ConclusionThere is a need for a multi-sectoral approach for appropriate policy and program interventions to regulate the practice on campus.

Contesting sexual violence policies in higher education: the case of Rhodes University

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 83-92
Author(s):  
Catriona Ida Macleod ◽  
Werner Böhmke ◽  
Jabulile Mavuso ◽  
Kim Barker ◽  
Malvern Chiweshe
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Violence ◽  
Sexual Offences ◽  
Content Type ◽  
University Campuses ◽  
Road Map ◽  
Policies And Procedures ◽  
Task Team ◽  
The University

Purpose In April 2016, students at Rhodes University brought the institution to a standstill as they protested the University’s sexual violence policies and procedures, as well as the “rape culture” that pervades social structures. In response, a Sexual Violence Task Team (SVTT) was formed in an open, participatory, and transparent process. Members of the University community were invited to comment on drafts of the SVTT document. The purpose of this paper is to outline the contestations – arising from both the establishment of the task team and the inputs from University members to drafts of the document – that surfaced concerning managing sexual violence on campuses and sexual offences policies. Design/methodology/approach These contestations are outlined in the form of a case study of Rhodes University. Findings The case study of Rhodes University draws attention to two rifts: fissures between student and management; and the role of universities in prosecuting alleged rapists. Originality/value In light of increased concern about sexual violence on campuses, the rifts highlighted require careful attention in considering sexual violence on university campuses. In addition, the process engaged in by the SVTT may provide a road map for participatory processes for other such task teams.

scholarly journals Introduction of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations to University Campuses: A Case Study for the University of Georgia from 2014 to 2017

Batteries ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sierra Hovet ◽  
Blair Farley ◽  
Jason Perry ◽  
Kevin Kirsche ◽  
Michael Jerue ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electric Vehicle ◽  
University Campuses ◽  
University Of Georgia ◽  
Electric Vehicle Charging ◽  
Vehicle Charging ◽  
The University ◽  
Charging Stations
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