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Article
Publication date: 11 April 2008

Kristan L. McKinne and Angela C. Halfacre

This paper aims to examine the challenges of volunteer‐driven college campus sustainability projects through a case study of the development of an urban native plant species…

1585

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the challenges of volunteer‐driven college campus sustainability projects through a case study of the development of an urban native plant species garden on the College of Charleston campus in Charleston, South Carolina, USA.

Design/methodology/approach

The research used participant observation as the primary data‐gathering technique. The primary author coordinated this volunteer‐driven sustainability project, and recorded observations throughout the process. The authors used content analysis to examine garden volunteer interview data and campus/community documents. These methods allow the reader to view this case first‐hand, providing a unique look at undertaking projects of this nature.

Findings

The paper provides specific guidance for creating sustainable sustainability projects in similar communities and college campuses, identifies challenges specific to this case study that are easily generalized to other volunteer‐driven sustainability projects, and provides solution strategies to avoid or address these challenges.

Research limitations/implications

The findings have relevance for projects with similar campus and community characteristics as displayed in the case study, whilst the study provides important guidance for campuses seeking to initiate and sustain volunteer‐driven sustainability projects. Further, it offers a step‐by‐step account of the process of creating a native species garden in an urban environment.

Practical implications

The paper provides a “handbook” for undertaking similar volunteer‐driven sustainability projects.

Originality/value

This paper fulfills a need to provide first‐hand information for the ever‐growing effort to create more sustainable sustainability projects on college campuses world‐wide. It is the first paper of its kind to document the process of campus native species garden creation and the challenges inherent with this type of volunteer‐driven project. Solution strategies are offered that can be followed for those seeking to implement similar sustainability efforts on their campuses.

Details

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, vol. 9 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1467-6370

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 7 July 2014

Michelle Horhota, Jenni Asman, Jeanine P. Stratton and Angela C. Halfacre

– The purpose of this paper is to assess the behavioral barriers to sustainable action in a campus community.

2586

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the behavioral barriers to sustainable action in a campus community.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reports three different methodological approaches to the assessment of behavioral barriers to sustainable actions on a college campus. Focus groups and surveys were used to assess campus members’ opinions about the barriers that limit sustainable behaviors on campus. After identifying general barriers, behavioral assessment was used to assess specific barriers to energy conservation in a target location on campus and to develop an intervention to reduce energy use for that location.

Findings

Across methodologies, four key behavioral barriers to sustainable actions were consistently reported: communication/awareness, inconvenience, financial concerns and lack of engagement. The intervention that was developed targeted the barriers of communication issues and lack of awareness and resulted in reduced energy use for a target campus location.

Originality/value

This paper highlights the value of assessing barriers to ongoing sustainability efforts using multiple methods and using this information to develop an intervention to foster behavioral change. The paper also highlights strategies that have been implemented to address some of the barriers which were identified.

Details

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, vol. 15 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1467-6370

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 1 April 2006

Katharine A. Owens and Angela Halfacre‐Hitchcock

This paper seeks to disseminate knowledge regarding the experiences of a student team in implementing a campus‐level sustainability initiative, outlining the strategy to measure…

2914

Abstract

Purpose

This paper seeks to disseminate knowledge regarding the experiences of a student team in implementing a campus‐level sustainability initiative, outlining the strategy to measure the potential impact of this initiative.

Design/methodology/approach

Project design is a case study. Via interviewing and surveys, the study observed student and faculty attitudes, information levels and behaviors regarding sustainability both before and after project implementation. Calculated sustainability scores were calculated for both faculty and students. Data were collected with the intention of understanding first, if any changes occurred in these campus community members, and second, if changes occurred, could the changes be linked to the project.

Findings

Faculty experienced a significant increase in sustainability scores over the course of the project. Faculty interviews were used to glean a rich understanding of attitudes, information and behaviors about sustainability. A building waste audit was conducted to substantiate any self‐reported changes in recycling behavior. In contrast, students experienced either a significant decrease in sustainability scores or an insignificant decrease in sustainability scores. Large‐scale, campus‐wide behavioral changes of individuals did not take place. Some community members showcase sustainable behaviors, but for reasons not definitively linked with this project and its outreach.

Practical implications

This project serves as a stepping stone for other student teams; an opportunity to learn from our successes and mistakes, improving design of similar projects. General information about this type of project was discovered namely faculty and student participants were cooperative and outreach was not as extensive as imagined. The study also suggest future research could benefit from analyzing barriers to sustainable behaviors, addressing these in outreach for a similar project. Evaluating future projects to understand their effectiveness produces increasingly informative research.

Originality/value

This paper looks beyond the initial enthusiasm for conducting campus sustainability projects, shedding light on the ways they may effect the campus community.

Details

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, vol. 7 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1467-6370

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 1 January 2006

Katherine S. Zimmerman and Angela Halfacre‐Hitchcock

To identify some of the barriers to mobilizing students of higher education in sustainable initiatives, in order to enhance project success on campuses.

1753

Abstract

Purpose

To identify some of the barriers to mobilizing students of higher education in sustainable initiatives, in order to enhance project success on campuses.

Design/methodology/approach

Uses a case study of a model green building retrofit on the College of Charleston campus in Charleston, South Carolina, USA. Several constraints already identified in the literature are pin‐pointed in this case study as well as additional barriers important for understanding success (or the lack of success) of sustainability efforts. Using participant observation, delineates new impediments and lists previously studied constraints from existing literature.

Findings

Previous barriers identified include: stereotypes associated with activism; apathy among students; lack of tangible results; lack of coordination among the campus community; troubling national policies; cuts in state budgets; lack of project funding; and lack of sufficient time to implement satisfactory projects. New barriers include: the emotional dynamics between students and the issues associated with an urban, municipal, historic campus.

Research limitations/implications

The case study is based on results after one year of project work versus long‐term results. The conclusions are intended to help all campuses, but particularly include historic and urban institutions and emotional dynamics between case study participants.

Practical implications

Overcoming barriers for an urban campus has the practical implications of a beneficial student project for both campus and community stakeholders.

Originality/value

The addition of these constraints to the list of barriers will help campus mobilization efforts to better anticipate and address concerns of students, and take into account the real‐world issues associated with sustainability, such as corresponding with the local municipality's needs, particularly addressing stringent historic preservation codes and various socio‐economic groups.

Details

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, vol. 7 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1467-6370

Keywords

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