Overall Rating Gold
Overall Score 66.21
Liaison Stephen Ellis
Submission Date June 9, 2023

STARS v2.2

Boston University
EN-6: Assessing Sustainability Culture

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 1.00 / 1.00 Lisa Tornatore
Sustainability Director
BU Sustainability
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Does the institution conduct an assessment of sustainability culture?:
Yes

Which of the following best describes the cultural assessment? The assessment is administered to::
The entire campus community (students and employees) directly or by representative sample

Which of the following best describes the structure of the cultural assessment? The assessment is administered::
Longitudinally to measure change over time

A brief description of how and when the cultural assessment(s) were developed and/or adopted:
The Sustainability Annual Survey is used partially as a cultural assessment as well as a literacy assessment for BU students, staff, and faculty.

A copy or sample of the questions related to sustainability culture:
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A sample of the questions related to sustainability culture or the website URL where the assessment tool is available:
Sample questions related to sustainability culture:
1. "I am aware of Boston University's efforts in reducing our environmental footprint"(agreement scale)

2. "When it comes to how you think and act on sustainability and climate change, to what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Compared to 2-3 years ago, today I am more likely to . . ."
-Consider, economic, social, environmental impacts when making purchasing decisions.
-Prioritize working for an employer that demonstrates sustainable business
practices....

3."The amount and breadth of opportunities to support/participate in sustainability and climate change efforts at BU"(satisfaction scale)

A brief description of how representative samples were reached (if applicable) and how the cultural assessment is administered:
The assessment is administered via email to the entire BU community annually in January/February.

A brief summary of results from the cultural assessment:
"Since 2010 (with the exception of 2012 and 2013), BU Sustainability has administered a survey about sustainability-related issues on and beyond the BU campuses. Responses (which have ranged in number from 2,100 to 4,900) have aligned closely with actual BU demographics and have become increasingly representative of the general population (rather than simply those who are most interested in sustainability-related topics).

The FY21 survey received 2,266 total respondents:
- 78% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that they are aware of BU's efforts in reducing its environmental footprint.
- 57% of respondents were either extremely satisfied or somewhat satisfied with the opportunities to participate in sustainability & climate change efforts at BU.
- 67% of respondents are more likely to choose sustainable means of transportation compared to 2-3 years ago.
- 75% of respondents are more likely to incorporate energy and water conservation at home compared to 2-3 years ago.

Between 2010-2014, awareness of sustainability efforts increased. Since then, awareness has since plateaued."

Optional Fields 

Website URL where information about the assessment of sustainability culture is available:
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Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
This represents FY2021 BU Metrics.

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.