SDG11 Archives - Office of Sustainability

SDG11 SDG12 SDG14 SDG3 SDG6 STARS

Waste Assessment: Auburn University’s STARS Report

By Hannah Schwartz Reducing waste is a cornerstone of sustainable practice for universities worldwide. By minimizing their ecological footprint, institutions not only contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment but also demonstrate a commitment to responsible stewardship. From conserving natural resources to saving costs and inspiring future generations, waste reduction in…

ContributorApril 15, 2024

SDG11 SDG13 SDG16 SDG17 SDG5 STARS

Coordination & Planning Assessment: Auburn University’s STARS Report

By Randy Martin & Bella Wright A quick look at the top public colleges reveals that in each of their strategic plans, sustainability is taken seriously and given a prominent seat in the future of their institutions. This isn’t for show. Beyond the “good citizen” reasons, it's a smart business…

ContributorApril 13, 2024

SDG11 SDG12 SDG3 SDG6 SDG7 SDG9 STARS

Buildings Assessment: Auburn University’s STARS Report

By Bella Wright Building and innovation are pivotal to advancing society. However, how we build can have significant impacts on our planet and our future. To ensure the health and well-being of our planet, it is important to practice sustainable building of infrastructure and sustainable operations management. The STARS* assessment…

ContributorApril 6, 2024

SDG11 SDG14 SDG6 STARS

Water Assessment: Auburn University’s STARS Report

By Hannah Schwartz Conserving water is crucial for the health of our planet and future generations. With water scarcity continuing to be a pressing global issue, every drop saved makes a difference. By reducing water usage, we protect ecosystems, wildlife, and agricultural lands that rely on this precious resource. With…

ContributorApril 6, 2024

SDG11 SDG3 SDG8 SDG9 Sustainability in Action

Campus Changemaker: Blake Butcher

By Bella Wright “Find where there’s a need, and go meet that need” ~ EL Spencer This philosophy is what led Blake Butcher to where he is today: Auburn University. Blake began his work in the Auburn community as a personal trainer. Over the span of fifteen years, Blake and his wife…

ContributorDecember 6, 2023

Guest Posts SDG10 SDG11 SDG3

Parks for People

By Binita Mahato A stroll through Town Creek Park, Auburn AL in Spring 2023 (credit: author) I vividly remember my parents visiting from India last spring. Every weekend, we would stroll in one of the parks in Auburn. For me, this was an everyday activity. For my parents, however, it…

ContributorSeptember 15, 2023

SDG11 SDG2 SDG4 Sustainability in Action

Campus Changemaker: Charlie Gordon

By Bella Wright Charlie Gordon As the Service Program Coordinator for the Office of Involvement and Student Affairs at Auburn University, Charlie Gordon dedicates his time to serving students and the Auburn/Opelika community. Through the Beat Bama Food Drive, AU Dance Marathon, and the Student Impact program, Charlie promotes community,…

ContributorSeptember 6, 2023

Director's Corner SDG11 SDG3

Director’s Corner: Sustainability Reflects “The Progress of the Human Mind”

“Sustainability is a non-negotiable yardstick against which all our actions, goals, and plans have to be measured.” Robert Costanza My favorite memorial or monument in Washington, D.C. is the Jefferson Memorial. It is a beautiful structure in a gorgeous setting, especially when cherry blossoms bloom in the spring. Photo Credit: Neal…

Mike KenslerSeptember 6, 2023

Guest Posts SDG SDG11 SDG3 SDG6

Building Community in Switzerland

By Becki Retzlaff I am writing this blog from the beautiful city of Bern, Switzerland, where I am attending an academic conference on environmental history. It is poetic that I am tasked with writing a blog about the society point of the sustainability compass from Bern, a city with a…

ContributorSeptember 1, 2023

Guest Posts Professional Development SDG11 SDG12 Updates

Energy Efficiency is in the Air

By Betsy Farrell Garcia, recipient of the Sustainability Professional Development Sponsorship Award. Extending the applied research in housing access and affordability conducted by faculty and students at Auburn University Rural Studio, the faculty-led Front Porch Initiative works with not-for-profit builder partners across the southeast offering housing products and technical assistance…

ContributorApril 28, 2023