| Overall Rating | Gold |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 71.04 |
| Liaison | Natalie Hayes |
| Submission Date | Oct. 19, 2023 |
Bentley University
EN-6: Assessing Sustainability Culture
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.00 / 1.00 |
Natalie
Hayes Associate Director of Sustainability Office of Sustainability |
Does the institution conduct an assessment of sustainability culture?:
Which of the following best describes the cultural assessment? The assessment is administered to::
Which of the following best describes the structure of the cultural assessment? The assessment is administered::
A brief description of how and when the cultural assessment(s) were developed and/or adopted:
The survey was drafted in collaboration between the Office of Sustainability and Institutional Research in January 2023. The survey was constructed to assess the practice of sustainable practices while on campus as well as attitudes and perceptions about sustainability on campus. Respondents were also asked to complete questions that were focused on assessing their knowledge of sustainability.
A copy or sample of the questions related to sustainability culture:
A sample of the questions related to sustainability culture or the website URL where the assessment tool is available:
The survey was a total of 17 questions (excluding demographic questions), with 7 questions asked about sustainability culture and 10 questions asked about sustainability knowledge.
Examples of questions asked about sustainability culture:
How often do you engage in the following activities at Bentley?
Recycle (paper, plastic, metal, and glass)
Attend events organized by the Office of Sustainability or student sustainability groups
Turn off lights or appliances when they are not in use
Use a reusable coffee cup
Dispose of batteries and small electronics (cell phones, cables) in electronic recycling drop-off locations at the Library and Morrison
Use reusable water bottles and refill stations
Participate in Bentley Brave activities, Dialogue Groups, or Diversity Retreats offered by the Office of Diversity & Inclusion
Make food choices with sustainability in mind
Donate unwanted food, clothing and furniture in the Give ‘N Go program during move out
How important is it that Bentley does the following?
Anticipate and plan for climate change impacts through operations and programs
Encourages sustainable behavior from members of the Bentley community
Have a Sustainability Office that is dedicated to advancing sustainability at Bentley
Make all decisions about campus operations using environmental, economic, and social criteria
Partners with the business community to expand career opportunities for Bentley graduates in sustainability-rela
Reduce climate change impacts through its operations and programs
Supports sustainability teaching in the classroom and provides opportunities to apply sustainability knowledge to real-world
challenges
Indicate the degree to which you agree or disagree with the following statements:
At Bentley, sustainability is everyone's business
Bentley is doing enough to combat climate change
I considered Sustainability when I chose to study or work at Bentley
My lifestyle has become more sustainable by working or studying at Bentley
Through my work or studies, I feel empowered to contribute to sustainability at Bentley
A brief description of how representative samples were reached (if applicable) and how the cultural assessment is administered:
A link to the survey was emailed to 6,106 Bentley students, faculty and staff members from the Office of Sustainability in April 2023. Overall, 542 members of the Bentley community completed the survey, yielding a 9% response rate. This survey will be administered yearly going forward, with the next survey scheduled in spring of 2024.
A brief summary of results from the cultural assessment:
A majority of respondents indicated that they “Never” dispose of batteries and small electronics (cell phones, cables) in electronic recycling drop-off locations at the Library and Morrison, and that they “Never” participate in Bentley Brave activities, Dialogue groups or Diversity retreats offered by the Office of Diversity & Inclusion. A majority of respondents indicated that they “Always” use reusable water bottles and refill stations while at Bentley. A majority of respondents indicated that they "Disagree" with the statement in which they considered sustainability when choosing to study or work at Bentley. A majority of respondents indicated that they "Somewhat agree" that through their work or studies they feel empowered to contribute to sustainability at Bentley.
Website URL where information about the assessment of sustainability culture is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.