AASHE Release: 2014 Higher Education Sustainability Review

Denver, Colorado (April 20, 2015) -- During its annual analysis of the higher education sustainability movement, the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) found a significant increase in sustainability planning, campus living learning laboratory initiatives and regional drought response efforts in 2014.

The latest review is a big picture look at the trends captured in the nearly 1,350 stories published in AASHE's weekly newsletter, AASHE Bulletin, in 2014. This year's review highlights campus sustainability success stories and implementation tips from colleges and universities in Canada, Denmark, Singapore and the United States. Eleven colleges and universities are highlighted, including two Associate colleges.

"We are hopeful for and encouraged by the campus community sustainability success stories included in this publication," says AASHE Executive Director Meghan Fay Zahniser. "I feel inspired to work with our staff, members and partners to increasingly engage a diverse array of institutions and organizations across the globe in leading the sustainability transformation."

Compared to 2013, notable findings for 2014 include:

• Stories related to campus living labs & experiential learning opportunities increased by 63 percent

• Stories related to reduction milestones and commitments in campus operations increased by 54 percent

• Drought response efforts emerged as a new topic of focus, particularly among California institutions

• Regional and local food initiatives increased by 60 percent

• Zero-waste and game day waste initiatives more than doubled

• Stories highlighting student-based funding and revolving loan funding for campus sustainability efforts increased by 41 percent

• Videos promoting campus sustainability initiatives more than tripled

Also notable, the number of first-time higher education sustainability-focused job announcements featured in the AASHE Bulletin in 2014 increased by 86 percent from 2013. AASHE will release an updated 2015 salary and staffing report in summer 2015 to provide additional information about the campus sustainability jobs outlook.

The trends toward high-impact transformative learning projects and partnerships to advance sustainability on a local and global front found in this report will be explored further at AASHE's annual Conference & Expo. Themed "Transforming Sustainability Education," this year's conference is taking place in Minneapolis, Minn., Oct. 25 - 28, 2015.

About the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) 

AASHE is helping to create a brighter future of opportunity for all by advancing sustainability in higher education. By creating a diverse community engaged in sharing ideas and promising practices, AASHE provides administrators, faculty, staff and students, as well as the businesses that serve them, with: thought leadership and essential knowledge resources; outstanding opportunities for professional development; and a unique framework for demonstrating the value and competitive edge created by sustainability initiatives. For more information, visit www.aashe.org. Follow AASHE on Facebook and Twitter.