| Overall Rating | Platinum - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 85.05 |
| Liaison | Lisa Kilgore |
| Submission Date | March 5, 2020 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Cornell University
EN-6: Assessing Sustainability Culture
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.00 / 1.00 |
Sarah
Carson Director, Campus Sustainability Office FS - Energy & Sustainability |
Does the institution conduct an assessment of sustainability culture (i.e. the assessment focuses on sustainability values, behaviors and beliefs, and may also address awareness of campus sustainability initiatives)?:
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:
A sustainability behavior survey has been used since the inception of the Think Big | Live Green sustainability behavior change and engagement program. This survey studies faculty and staff, while the "Climate Literacy Survey" (described below) surveys students.
A pre-survey is administered in the building or unit where the sustainability engagement program is going to be deployed yearly. After Think Big | Live Green program implementation, a post-survey is done yearly with the same group and assesses the impact and adoption of sustainability cultural awareness and behavior change. Additional long-term survey follow-up is a target strategy for the program.
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An additional "Climate Literacy Survey" is a longitudinal study for graduating students to see what they have learned in four years since their arrival to campus as first-year students. This survey is being run by a Cornell faculty member, along with a Cornell staff member from HR -- the initial survey was sent in fall 2016, and the final survey was sent in fall 2019.
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:
Please indicate which statement best describes your engagement with each of the below behaviors/practices:
- Use reusable mugs, water bottles, and/or plates
- Reduce the overall amount of printing you do
- Unplug computers, printers, and other electronics during winter and/or spring breaks.
Please indicate your level of agreement with each of the below statements:
- It is personally important for me to work for an employer who values sustainability.
- Since participating in Think Big, Live Green, I now engage in more sustainable practices in my home.
- Sustainability is a personal passion for me.
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"Climate Literacy Survey" questions:
- How urgent do you feel each of the following issues are for the U.S. government to address?
- Which one of the following statements best reflects your belief on the state of social justice in the United States today?
- What is your level of engagement with each of the following sustainable behaviors?
- Which of these motivate you to engage in sustainable behaviors (check all that apply)?
- To the best of your knowledge, which do you think is the largest contributor to Cornell’s greenhouse gas emissions?
- Please indicate how much you DISAGREE or AGREE with each of the following statements about your attitudes toward the environment in general. Please respond as you really feel, rather than how you think “most people” feel.
- How concerned are you about the state of the natural environment?
- Now, please think about the average Cornell student. How concerned do you think they are about the state of the natural environment?
- Which of the activities and/or experiences listed below have you engaged in since coming to Cornell? (Check all that apply)
- In a few words, what Cornell experience or activity most affected your knowledge, beliefs, and/or attitudes towards sustainability?
- Which statement best reflects your future employment plans?
A brief description of how representative samples were reached (if applicable) and how the cultural assessment is administered:
The staff/faculty survey was sent through Qualtrics to the unit or building where the sustainability engagement program was deployed. Responses were anonymous – though participants did provide basic demographics and some provided contact information for a prize drawing.
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Climate Literacy Survey - The survey was sent out to students in randomly selected residence halls, through the residence hall listserv.
A brief summary of results from the cultural assessment, including a description of any measurable changes over time:
An example excerpt from one program survey summary:
"Key programs of the College Engagement Program in the College of Engineering were the Green Labs and Offices Certification Programs. According to the survey, 45% of respondents did not know about the Green Lab Certification Program. 43% of respondents did not know about the Green Office Certification. “Lack of departmental organization and communication” and “physical constraints” were the main barriers to participating in this program. COE Green Ambassadors were also key to the campaign communication and success by actively conducting the self-assessment for their work-group with campaign provided outreach materials and strategies."
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Climate Literacy Survey - Learned what sustainable behaviors students already had in place before arriving at Cornell and what behaviors they were interested in cultivating. Longitudinal results will be available later this year.
The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives 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.