Sustainability Education
The Center for Sustainable Economy works with educators at the University and K-12 levels to incorporate sustainability into formal education. We publish academic papers to advance the science and practice of sustainability. We provide guest instructors, conduct seminars and workshops, sponsor outdoor education programs and prepare modules and materials for economics, environmental studies, and science courses. We also sponsor forums for decision makers and voters on sustainability issues of current relevance.
Some recent examples of our sustainability education work include:
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San Jose State University's Ecological Footprint Challenge
For San Jose State University, CSE developed a customized on-line footprint calculator for students, faculty and staff as well as a competition for the lowest footprint score and greatest footprint reduction. Participants will take a baseline footprint in the fall of 2009, and then be encouraged to implement a wide range of personal sustainability initiatives over the winter. A second round of footprint scores will be taken in the spring to see how well the university community has done in reducing its overall footprint. Prizes include a 6-speed Alloy Folding MTA Metrobike by Citizen Bike, a Dell Inspiron Mini 10v Netbook Computer, and a Sony e-Book Reader. The competition is based on a unique, licensed version of the Ecological Footprint Quiz that includes data specific to the local area as well as a database capable of storing results. Visit:
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Assessing Energy's Footprint and Carbon Emissions: A Free University Web-Course Module
Recently, Kinga Dow Productions worked with California State University and Redefining Progress to create an on-line energy footprint course complete with energy conversion calculators, informative graphs and figures, and links to important scientific studies and sources of data. For those unfamiliar with footprinting, the course starts by providing some background on ecological footprints and their uses. Next, the course proceeds to an overview of the energy footprint. From there you will be led through the various steps required to calculate the energy footprints of different energy sources. View:
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Costa Rican Adventures, Susan Leopold.
Costa Rican Adventures is a family-run company co-founded by CSE Director Susan Leopold. The company has dedicated 10 years to creating a healthier and more sustainable planet through eco-centered travel. Named one of Conde Nast Traveler Magazine's Best Ecotourism Operators of 2004, Cost Rican Adventures offer experiences for travelers of all ages to personally connect with the natural wonders of the Earth. Costa Rican Adventures offers an EcoClassroom that provides learning excursions for teachers and their students germaine to the studies of tropical ecology, environmental science, biology and Spanish. CSE (formerly Forest Conservation Council) has sponsored Susan in her work as a regular instructor in the EcoClassroom. Read:
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Assessing the Ecological Impact of a University: The Ecological Footprint for the University of Redlands, Jason Venetoulis.
Since the environmental movement began, teachers, researchers, and activists on college and university campuses have made great strides toward making campuses "greener" places. As effective as these efforts have been and continue to be, some increasingly salient questions about sustainability remain unanswered. This paper offers an answer to the question, "How big is the University of Redlands's ecological impact?'', using a recently developed technique called ecological footprint analysis (EFA). The paper was published in the International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education. Read:
