Old Dominion University
AC-6: Sustainability Literacy Assessment

See attachment.

The Go Green Survey was developed by Go Green Committee members, who represent various departments in the Student Affairs division as well as other vested campus offices. The committee met over the span of two months and provided suggestions for appropriate questions. The final questions were selected by the committee based on focus group feedback. The focus groups were conducted the semester prior to the survey.

Once the survey was created, the committee staffed information tables in the Webb University Center with laptops to gather student input. Tables were staffed during different days and times to garner various student perspectives. The link for the survey was also made available via student announcements to reach students who did not participate at the scheduled table times. Responses were compiled and the results summarized.

Go Green Student Survey Percent & Comments 1. Do you know what sustainability is? Yes - 78.22 % No - 21.78 % 2. Have you heard of Blue Goes Green Week? Yes - 42.57 % No - 57.43 % 3. To what extent do you believe that recycling on campus is convenient? Very convenient - 21.78 % Somewhat convenient - 52.48 % Somewhat inconvenient - 13.86 % Not convenient at all - 11.88 % 4. The following are some of ODU's initiatives to increase sustainability on campus. Please check any that you were aware of: Energy efficient lighting in residence halls - 24.65 % Energy efficient showers and toilets in residence halls - 14.08 % Storm water management - 13.38 % Energy Star® rated Pepsi machines - 18.31 % I'm not aware of any of these - 29.58 % Question: Please explain why it's not convenient: Comments details specific suggestions and reasons that students find recycling inconvenient. Many comments reflect the best practice knowledge ODU students have in regards to recycling. Examples are provided below and many issues presented by students are being reviewed and addressed. “I feel like there is a lack of recycling containers on campus (for paper, cans, bottles, everything). I also feel like there is a lot of waste on campus from everyone - some teachers use a lot of handouts that don't seem relevant, they only print off on one side of the paper (same for students), and because there are no paper recycle bins people just throw it away. I also feel like there is the opportunity to buy a lot of waste, from the food vendors on campus in particular. “There are very few recycling bins around campus. I have only noticed one or two in the Webb center. I have not seen any in the classrooms that I have been in.” “I can rarely find recycling containers in the main buildings, if I do it is specifically for plastic bottles or cans. I have a lot of paper products that I'd like to recycle. I also find it difficult to locate recycling containers in classrooms/ education buildings. Sometimes I come across recycling containers filled with regular trash, which makes me question whether the recycling containers are (1) effective, (2) actually recycled, and (3) well used/ understood by the ODU community. Personally, I think a recycling container should be near as many trashcans as possible- making it easy to find, and potentially easily distinguishable from trash containers.” “…Wherever there is a trash can, there should be a recycling can/bin. This will give the convenience of recycling, versus people deciding not to recycle since they can't find a can.” 5. Please list any locations on campus where you would like to see recycling receptacles that currently do not have them. Comments details specific suggestions and reasons students have for recycling locations. Examples are provided below and many suggestions presented by students are being reviewed and addressed. “I believe that in order for recycling to be fully effective, there must be a bottle/can recycling container available right next to EVERY garbage can on campus (or as many as possible/feasible) - inside and outside of buildings. People generally will take the most convenient option and usually won't make those few extra steps to a recycling container…” “…small blue paper recycling bins should be made available to every classroom and office.” “A battery recycling container in Webb Center would be great...” “More frequent e-recycling events would also be great!” “Everywhere.” “Parking garages.” What are some other initiatives that you would like to see at ODU? “Sensor lighting inside the academic buildings. So the lights are not on at night time when their is no one there. If someone is there is not supposed to be the lights will turn on and cause concern for campus police.” “There are schools around the U.S. that are motivating bicycling instead of car use for those close to campus by having bikes that are rented out for a period of time or given to them if freshman do not bring cars as a switch off. Therefore bicycling as a mode of transportation should be more available so that students will cut down on driving.” “Less use of paper by student organizations for advertising. I sometimes forget about it, so more awareness.” “More activities/events pertaining to the Go Green initiatives.” “…less waste in the cafeteria, NOT through smaller portions, but allowing students to fill up their plates from different food stations so they don't use so many plates.” “ [R]ecycling used like it should be and explained and promoted on campus” Use of energy further reduced by for example increasing AC temperature in the summer. There are so many to list. More recycling, more funding for sustainable efforts, marketing and programs: Presentations to Freshman Seminar/UNI courses; Internships created from various academic departments; A sustainability Coordinator hired; Sustainability made a part of the university mission/strategic plan/vision/goals; Implementation of a sustainability fee to cover costs; Benchmarking of aspirant programs and efforts.” 6. The following are some ways to conserve energy. Please check any that you currently do: Turning off lights - 23.57 % Unplugging cell phone chargers - 10.67 % Turning off or hibernating your computer - 21.84 % Turning off unused power strips - 10.67 % Turning off water while brushing teeth - 18.86 % Limiting the amount of time spent showering - 14.39 % Please list any other ways you conserve energy: “I walk to the gym, post office, and other places rather than drive.” “Unplugging things that aren't being used.” “[R]ecycling, donating, carpooling, reusable water bottles.” “Eating organic food, limiting use of plastics” “[R]euse plastic bags” “[R]euse old containers” “I make sure my tire pressure is correct so that I drive more fuel efficient. I have made myself of good way fuel efficient driving. As well, I walk when it is a distance under 2 miles. I turn off the lights whenever I leave a room. I also recycle anything I possibly can.” “We keep our thermostat set low and dress appropriately for the weather. We also have a compost heap to recycle some of our garbage.” “Actually turning off computer monitors instead of letting it go to standby.” [U]nplug my xbox.”