1. Mapping and Development
Mapping the current situation and developing a governance structure
The underlying goal of a campus sustainability program should be to mainstream environmental management into the operational and academic activities of the university.
In order for this to happen efficiently, an appropriate governance structure should be established, complete with an office responsible for campus sustainability – a “Sustainability Team”, supported by and working in conjunction with the executive management and the campus community. Ultimately, such a solid governance structure should cover as many sectors of campus operations as possible. Obtaining sufficient funding for the various operations of this body is also essential.
To begin, a review of the current environmental activities on campus should be completed, identifying resources and funding currently being invested in campus environmental management (if any) as well as finding programs that may have been established at local levels (amongst students or staff for instance). This allows for building upon and developing past successes.
STEP I. Assessing the current operational structure
Where does environmental management fit in and/or where has it already been established?
- Assess the current environmental and sustainability-specific resources, actions, programs and policies in place
- Complete a SWOT (Strength, Weakness, Opportunities, Threats) analysis about the current situation with regards to campus sustainability
- Research any sustainability programs at the local, regional and national level and any community or student efforts already taking place
- Look at the achievements of universities that are known for their campus sustainability initiatives
STEP II. Establish an appropriate governance structure
Who will be responsible for what?
- Executive management
Whose approval is needed for environmental management activities? - Environmental management
Who will initiate and manage campus sustainability initiatives? Should it be centralized or distributed? - Key staff
Who are the key staff working on this and what are their roles? What roles can be filled by training existing staff members? - Departments/offices/groups
Who else will be involved? Who needs to work together and whose support is required to make campus sustainability initiatives successful? - Others
Are there any opportunities to establish collaboration within the larger community to draw on examples of best practice in the sector?
STEP III. Begin to establish a budget and financial plan
How much money is available and how much will be needed overall?
- Determine the existing budget for all current sustainability operations – can this money be pooled and coordinated?
- Estimate how much money will be needed to implement and run planned sustainability operations on campus
- Determine where this money will come from (the university budget, department budgets etc.)
- Assess how much funding can be readily obtained, and brainstorm ways of obtaining the remaining amount needed (donation programs, fundraisers for specific projects, government-funded grants)
- Consider establishing a green loan fund or grant program to encourage others on campus to start their own sustainability initiatives
