| Overall Rating | Gold |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 66.51 |
| Liaison | Jennifer Lamy |
| Submission Date | July 14, 2022 |
Emerson College
AC-8: Campus as a Living Laboratory
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
4.00 / 4.00 |
Duncan
Pollock AVP Campus Services Campus Services |
Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Campus Engagement?:
A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Campus Engagement:
EmComm
Housed in Marketing and Communication, EmComm gives students advertising/marketing experience through real-world engagements. EmComm continues to partner with sustainability at Emerson to create awareness marketing campaigns to increase community participate in Emerson's climate commitment.
Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Public Engagement?:
A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Public Engagement:
Alternative Spring Breaks
Emerson Alternative Spring Break is an impactful social justice program grounded in community relationships and lifelong learning. Each team works to unpack the issue of immigration in the United States through research, discussion, reflection, and hands-on engagement with local organizers. Students question the status quo and takes steps to do something about it. Alternative Spring Break is more than just a week, it’s a way.
Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Air & Climate?:
A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Air & Climate:
MK371: Motivating Pro-Environmental Strategies for Saving the World
Students in the course "Topics in Marketing Communication: Motivating Pro-Environmental Strategies for Saving the World" devote an entire semester to a sustainability project within the Emerson College context. One project (which will be pursued by a group each year) centers on emissions and relates to the College's progress towards our 2030 carbon neutrality goal.
Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Buildings?:
A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Buildings:
Journalism
Journalism students regularly examine BERDO data, comparing Emerson buildings and other Boston buildings. Through these investigates, the students have sparked administrative action, including LED fixture upgrades and increase energy system monitoring.
Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Energy?:
A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Energy:
SC220: Energy and Sustainability
Undergraduate students enrolled in SC220 (Energy and Sustainability) examine campus energy data, interview Emerson community members, and make recommendations on how the college could conserve energy.
Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Food & Dining?:
A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Food & Dining:
Weigh the Waste
In collaboration with Emerson's dining partner, students regularly host Weigh the Waste campaigns at the Dining Center. This effort brings attention to the amount of food wasted per diner, and also tests whether solutions alleviate food waste. Previous solutions have included small plate size, menu changes, and self-serving.
MK371: Motivating Pro-Environmental Strategies for Saving the World
Students in the course "Topics in Marketing Communication: Motivating Pro-Environmental Strategies for Saving the World" devote an entire semester to a sustainability project within the Emerson College context. One project (which will be pursued by a group each year) centers on organic waste diversion.
Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Grounds?:
A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Grounds:
MK371: Motivating Pro-Environmental Strategies for Saving the World
Students in the course "Topics in Marketing Communication: Motivating Pro-Environmental Strategies for Saving the World" devote an entire semester to a sustainability project within the Emerson College context. One project (which will be pursued by a group each year) focuses on an ongoing proposal to create a green roof on a specific building on our Boston campus.
Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Purchasing?:
A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Purchasing:
Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Transportation?:
A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Transportation:
EC412
Air travel continues to increase as Emerson furthers its global engagement priorities. Students in EC412 (Behavioral Economics) designed a campus carbon offset program, aiming to align Emerson's travel expansion and sustainability goals.
Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Waste?:
A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Waste:
CM620
Graduate students enrolled in CM620 (Civic Design Studio) designed student-centered recycling and sustainability initiatives to transform the culture of recycling at Emerson. Three ideas that stemmed from this course are:
1) RecyCLEO – a transformation of Emerson recycling bins into charming monsters that the community has to care for. Along with a social media account and personality to engage with digitally.
2) Mind the Bin – a series of flash mob performances to be undertaken by Emerson students at recycling bins that provides immediate, tragicomic feedback to students on what is and isn't recyclable.
3) Are you Trash? – a provocative/mysterious, highly visual guerrilla art campaign that leads community members to a social media site where they learn what is and isn't recyclable at Emerson.
MK371: Motivating Pro-Environmental Strategies for Saving the World
Students in the course "Topics in Marketing Communication: Motivating Pro-Environmental Strategies for Saving the World" devote an entire semester to a sustainability project within the Emerson College context. One project (which will be pursued by a group each year) developed a plan for updating waste bins and signage around campus. The facilities department is now putting the students' ideas into action.
Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Water?:
A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Water:
Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Coordination & Planning?:
A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Coordination & Planning:
Sustainability Committee
Undergraduate and graduate students sit on the Sustainability Committee, which provides high level guidance for Emerson's climate commitment. Most recently, students have engaged in the climate action strategic planning process.
Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Diversity & Affordability?:
A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Diversity & Affordability:
Fusion
Fusion, an Emerson resource group, seeks to foster a more welcoming and supportive environment for members of the community who self-identify as people of color and their supporters and allies. They seek to provide peer support, education, and advocacy; and to promote increased visibility and greater engagement with students, staff, and faculty through educational, social events, and other activities. Fusion also seeks to advocate for changes within the College that support the strategic goal of making Emerson a forerunner in diversity and inclusion.
Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Investment & Finance?:
A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Investment & Finance:
Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Wellbeing & Work?:
A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Wellbeing & Work:
The Office of Wellness Education
The Office of Wellness Education produces dynamic educational workshops, health information, and campus events to enhance personal, academic, and career success. The Let's Be Blunt (LBB) class uses a peer-to-peer model for drug use reduction efforts. The fifth floor of the Colonial Building houses the Wellness Learning Community where students commit to living and advancing healthy lifestyles.
Website URL where information about the institution’s living laboratory program is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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