Overall Rating Gold - expired
Overall Score 75.35
Liaison Megan Litke
Submission Date March 30, 2016
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.0

American University
IN-3: Innovation 3

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 1.00 / 1.00 Hannah Debelius
Sustainability Manager
Office of Sustainability
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Title or keywords related to the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
ECOllaborative Colloquium

A brief description of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:

American University's Environmental Collaborative ("ECOllaborative") is the gathering place for members of the American University community who are working to advance environmental protection and societal prosperity during a period of rapid global environmental change. The function of the ECOllaborative is to enhance and showcase American University's groundbreaking environmental and sustainability research, degree-granting programs, and campus infrastructure. Our efforts pull together the diverse perspectives and talents of more than fifty American University faculty and numerous staff and students. Our interests and our particular lines of inquiry are as varied as our backgrounds. We are united by considerations of justice, equity, and inclusion, as we work to develop new knowledge and insights to mitigate or reverse the effects of environmental degradation in the United States and around the world, and as we contribute to building more resilient relationships between human endeavors and the planet on which all life depends.

The ECOllaborative Colloquium series brings together faculty conducting research in a specific field of sustainability to share findings, elevate each other's research, and bring greater awareness of sustainability to the campus community. Unlike other lecture series, this colloquium is specifically designed to have faculty share peer to peer while enlightening the community and driving forward not just campus sustainability but the greater movement. Series themes have included water, conservation, energy, climate. and environmental law and are widely attended by faculty, staff, and all levels of students.


A brief description of any positive measurable outcomes associated with the innovation (if not reported above):

As a result of the ECOllaborative group and colloquium series, there has been increased camaraderie and communication across academic schools and issue areas. It has been a driving force behind the fostering of sustainability in campus culture, especially among faculty.


A letter of affirmation from an individual with relevant expertise:
Which of the following STARS subcategories does the innovation most closely relate to? (Select all that apply up to a maximum of five):
Yes or No
Curriculum Yes
Research Yes
Campus Engagement Yes
Public Engagement No
Air & Climate No
Buildings No
Dining Services No
Energy No
Grounds No
Purchasing No
Transportation No
Waste No
Water No
Coordination, Planning & Governance Yes
Diversity & Affordability No
Health, Wellbeing & Work No
Investment No

Other topic(s) that the innovation relates to that are not listed above:
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The website URL where information about the innovation is available:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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