4 Filters to Consider When Prioritizing Sustainability Initiatives on College Campuses

The scope of sustainability is rapidly expanding. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, a global standard first established in 2012, delineates 17 diverse targets ranging from clean water and sanitation to gender equality. The Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS), a popular framework for assessing sustainability performance in North America, outlines 70 unique opportunity areas for higher education institutions to improve their sustainability strategies. These overarching sustainability structures go beyond the physical environment to promote a healthier society overall.

Simultaneously, higher education institutions face growing pressure to increase their sustainable commitments through transparent action. From vocal student and faculty concerns to increased government regulations, a consensus about the importance of investing in sustainable initiatives is growing. Even prospective high school students are cutting class to draw attention to the climate crisis. However, universities have limited resources and competing priorities, and therefore need to choose intentionally which sustainability initiatives to pursue.

As institutions revisit their sustainability plans and consider future investments, leaders may benefit from categorizing each initiative into one (or more) of the four strategic filters below. These filters represent the overarching results sustainability leaders should desire when allocating limited time and money.