The Sustainable Learning Community: One University’s Journey to the Future

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288 pp @ 360 ppi =13/16 in. Sustainable Learning Community One University’s Journey to the Future John Aber, Tom Kelly, & Bruce Mallory, editors The The Sustainable Learning Community E c o l o g y & E n v i r o n m e n t / S u s ta i n a b i l i t y Case studies from the University of New Hampshire explore all the dimensions of sustainability in campus life, combining frugality and creativity University communities have the potential to serve as models in the development and application of sustainability principles and practices, not only by what they teach and study, but also by how they operate facilities and engage with off-campus partners. With the oldest endowed campus-wide sustainability program in the country, established in 1997, the University of New Hampshire has become a leader in advancing a campus culture of sustainability . The UNH experience provides a unique window into the development of a new and integrated approach to teaching, learning, research, and operations. It is also a valuable guide for other institutions that aim to enhance the quality of campus life while reducing their environmental footprint. “This is not an academic exercise. The Sustainable Learning Community describes the ten-year transformation of a university with ideas and aesthetics: using organic farming techniques to train and feed students; constructing a 12.7 mile pipeline to bring landfill gas to a new co-generation plant; and fostering lively engagement in public policy. An outstanding accomplishment ! A privilege to read. A beacon and blueprint for all.” —Paul R. Epstein, M.D., M.P.H., Center for Health and the Global Environment, Harvard Medical School “It has become clear that finding a way to meet the basic needs of all current and future humans on a finite and stressed planet requires transformative change in thinking, values, and action which must be led by higher education. The Sustainable Learning Community demonstrates how the University of New Hampshire is addressing this challenge in innovative and exciting ways. Highlighting 60 independent voices across its programs and academic disciplines , The Sustainable Learning Community provides an excellent framework for aligning the core functions of a university with sustainability principles, including integrating formal learning and campus operations to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and values they will need to be effective citizens and professionals in the twenty-first century.” —Anthony D. Cortese, President of Second Nature and Co-organizer of the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment john aber is Professor of Environmental Science and former Vice President for Research , University of New Hampshire. tom kelly is Chief Sustainability Officer and Director, Office of Sustainability Programs. bruce mallory is Provost and Executive Vice President. Cover image courtesy artist Dennis Balogh and the UNH Foundation, Inc. University of New Hampshire Press Durham, New Hampshire Published by University Press of New England Hanover and London www.upne.com 978-1-58465-771-2 Aber, Kelly, & Mallory, editors One University ’s Journey to the Future New Hampshire ISBN 978-1-58465-771-2 The Sustainable Learning Community ...