Presentation meant as talking points for SXSW ECO panel discussion on collaborative sustainability efforts in higher education and how to encourage other higher education institutions (regardless of size) to participate in green initiatives and start up their own sustainability program

1. Scalable Sustainability in Higher Education
Implementing a sustainability program in an academic setting
with limited budget and resources.

2. Any organization can participate in sustainability, but…
• What are the "low hanging fruit" to start my sustainability program?
• Thinking outside of the box: what unique ideas have universities
implemented to enhance sustainability on campus?
• How can I get my academic community involved?
• The sky is the limit: where could I go with my sustainability program?
• Collaboration is key: How can academic institutions work together toward
a sustainable future?

3. What are the "low hanging fruit" to start my
sustainability program?
• Changing Vendors or Selecting Sustainable Products from Existing
Vendors:
– Use only “Green Oil” products for all vehicles/machines
– Convert all plastics used for dining purpose to biodegradables
• Reduction of paper and waste
• Recycling E-waste
• Improved Building life cycle through improved maintenance processes

4. Thinking outside of the box: what unique ideas have
universities implemented to enhance sustainability on
campus?
• Installing water bottle refilling stations to encourage reusable bottle use
• Using sky-lights where possible to reduce need for artificial illumination
• Recapture condensate from HVAC units and collect rain water for irrigation
• Convert Campus Operations vehicles from gasoline/diesel to natural gas
and electric

5. How can I get my academic community involved?
• Create a “Certified Green Office” program to encourage sustainable
practices
• Community garden program
• Community outreach

6. The sky is the limit: where could I go with my
sustainability program?
• Convert buildings to 100% solar
• Install wind power generators
• Natural Gas fill stations
• Electric car charging stations to encourage electric vehicle commuters

7. Collaboration is key: How can academic institutions
work together toward a sustainable future?
• Creation of collaborative think-tanks
• Regular sharing of ideas on sustainable practices
• Establishment of best-practices
• Publication of institutional sustainability initiatives and outcomes to
demonstrate successes