The Sustainable University: Green Goals and New Challenges for Higher Education Leaders - Softcover

Martin, James; Samels, James E.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1421412519 ISBN 13: 9781421412511

Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press, 2013

Synopsis

Colleges and universities are at the forefront of efforts to preserve the earth’s resources for future generations. Carbon neutrality, renewable energy sources, green building strategies, and related initiatives require informed and courageous leaders at all levels of higher education. James Martin and James E. Samels have worked closely with college and university presidents, provosts, and trustees to devise best practices that establish sustainable policies and programs in the major areas of institutional operations.

While almost seven hundred chief executive officers have signed the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment, several thousand have yet to do so. This book identifies four of the most formidable challenges facing these presidents and leadership teams along with solutions to address them: effectively institutionalizing sustainability thinking; developing an efficient, flexible system of sustainability benchmarks; implementing an accountable university budget model; and engaging boards of trustees in the campus sustainability agenda.

The volume’s contributors, including recognized authorities on sustainability as well as campus executives with broad-ranging experience, consider these challenges and discuss specific action plans, best practices, and emerging trends in sustainability efforts. They offer sustainability solutions for almost every major operational area of campus and consider what sustainability means for colleges and universities―and the legacy of those entrusted with shaping their future.

The meaning of sustainability is evolving, and it differs from one campus to the next. This timely and comprehensive volume guides institutional leaders past the myths and misconceptions to the sustainable university.

About this title

About the Author

James Martin is a professor of English and humanities at Mount Ida College and senior advisor at The Education Alliance. James E. Samels is CEO and president of The Education Alliance and founder of Samels & Associates, a law firm concentrating in higher education law. They are the authors of Turnaround: Leading Stressed Colleges and Universities to Excellence; Presidential Transition in Higher Education: Managing Leadership Change; Merging Colleges for Mutual Growth: A New Strategy for Academic Managers; and First Among Equals: The Role of the Chief Academic Officer, all published by Johns Hopkins.

Review

"Provides a fascinating insight into the current status of action on sustainability in the higher education sector in the USA."

(Victoria Jenkins Journal of Environmental Law)

"In a series of case studies and examples, the authors conclude there is, ultimately, no common path to sustainability success. However, administrators and community partners can work together to find the solutions that work best for them."

(University Business)

"While the general public and especially younger generations are embracing sustainability, the task remains to implement advances in knowledge through sound policy decisions in academia, the private sector, and government alike. This important volume brings together leading voices in our national discussion, providing invaluable perspective and practical guidance on how to institute sustainability on our campuses."

(Michael M. Crow, President, Arizona State University)

About this edition

• Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 1421412519
• ISBN 13: 9781421412511
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 352