Overall Rating Silver - expired
Overall Score 53.00
Liaison Debbie Liddick
Submission Date April 21, 2020

STARS v2.2

Black Hills State University
AC-8: Campus as a Living Laboratory

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 4.00 / 4.00 Sandra Marker
PhD, Coordinator, Master of Science in Sustainability Program
School of Behavioral Sciences
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Campus Engagement

Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Campus Engagement?:
Yes

A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Campus Engagement:
Two BHSU biology and geology classes have identified, mapped, and measured all campus trees. The biology classes use this inventory in coursework, identifying patterns in planting choices and species health.The information is available for use in GIS, online map, Excel and the following URL: https://www.bhsu.edu/President/Sustainability/Tree-Campus-USA

Public Engagement 

Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Public Engagement?:
Yes

A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Public Engagement:
Students are heavily involved in the public engagement programming in the sustainability office: advertising, publicity, outreach, press releases, videos, social media, graphic design, and event planning. Their work leads to press, education, and increased public engagement.

Air & Climate 

Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Air & Climate?:
Yes

A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Air & Climate:
The campus's greenhouse gas report is used to educate students about the effects that campus activity has on the climate. Students aid with the data collection and calculations for the greenhouse gas report. Participation in the carbon footprint report allows for students to be more conscious of their impact as individuals.

Buildings  

Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Buildings?:
Yes

A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Buildings:
The Student Union is a LEED certified building which has a sustainability tour, which is commonly used in classes as a living lab. Tours and signage show various points that make up the building certification.

Energy 

Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Energy?:
Yes

A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Energy:
The university has faculty engaged in solar energy research that use the several renewable energy devices (solar cells, wind turbine) on campus in student discussions and experiments. On campus student fabricate and measure solar cell activity and have received grants for funding in this area.

Food & Dining 

Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Food & Dining?:
Yes

A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Food & Dining:
BHSU has a campus community vegetable and fruit garden. Several workshops on organic gardening and growing food take place throughout the summer. Volunteers are able to take home produce. Biology lab students are planting seeds to test growth. Those starts will be planted in the garden after the semester is over.
In previous years, students have received internship class credit for work on local food marketing through out Spearfish Local program.

Grounds 

Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Grounds?:
Yes

A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Grounds:
BHSU science professors worked with their students to develop a native plant ethnobotanical garden on campus located on the southwest corner of the Life Sciences Laboratory. The plants grown there are native to the region and use less water and require less care than the green grass elsewhere on campus. Students continue to maintain the garden and utilize it in their coursework.

Purchasing 

Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Purchasing?:
No

A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Purchasing:
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Transportation 

Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Transportation?:
Yes

A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Transportation:
A sustainability masters student conducted and completed a survey that measured transportation behaviors for a capstone class project. Faculty are working with students to determine the transportation modal split for students, faculty, and staff. This information is utilized in our annual carbon footprint.

Waste 

Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Waste?:
Yes

A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Waste:
A student wrote a proposal for a waste minimization overhaul program. The report included three phases of a researched based implementation plan including a budget proposal. The report resulted in implementation of the trash buddy system in all campus offices. This new system has increased recycling participation across campus.

Water 

Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Water?:
No

A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Water:
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Coordination & Planning 

Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Coordination & Planning?:
Yes

A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Coordination & Planning:
Outdoor education students developed a curriculum plan for an Eco-Rep training using the campus sustainability programs.

Diversity & Affordability 

Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Diversity & Affordability?:
No

A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Diversity & Affordability:
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Investment & Finance 

Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Investment & Finance?:
No

A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Investment & Finance:
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Wellbeing & Work 

Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Wellbeing & Work?:
No

A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Wellbeing & Work:
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Optional Fields 

Website URL where information about the institution’s living laboratory program is available:
http://www.bhsu.edu/AboutBHSU/NewsEvents/tabid/3454/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/5138/BHSU-holds-grand-opening-of-its-native-plant-ethnobotanical-garden.aspx

Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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