Oregon Institute of Technology
ER-15: Sustainability Research Identification

Definition of Sustainability Research Oregon Institute of Technology April 28, 2011 Education and Research Credit #15: Sustainability Research Identification Background As part of the Oregon Institute of Technology’s (OIT) participation in the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education’s Sustainability, Tracking, and Rating System (STARS 1.0), OIT needed to complete the following task: “Institution has developed a definition of sustainability research. The definition was developed by a committee comprised of at least three faculty members from different departments who conduct research. The committee may include students, staff, and other stakeholders as well. The definition does not have to be formally adopted.” On April 28, 2011, the OIT Sustainability Committee (a formal standing committee comprised of administrative staff and faculty) met to define sustainability related and focused research at the institution. Adopted May 12, 2011. Definitions The committee formally adopted the following definition: Sustainability research a)focuses on a key principle or principles of sustainability (such as ecological restoration, environmental health, renewable energy, lean manufacturing, high-performance building and infrastructure, social justice, vernacular solutions, population dynamics, triple bottom line) or b)addresses a sustainability challenge (such as climate change, energy conservation, transportation, population growth, environmental or human health) or c)furthers our understanding of the interconnectedness of societal and environmental challenges or d)leads toward genuine solutions that embrace multi-generational long-term economic prosperity, social well-being, and ecological health. April 28, 2011, DOW 251 Sustainability Committee Meeting Attendees: Charles Riley, CIV Ron Swisher, NATSCI Cristina Negoita, MATH Carrie Wittmer, ENV Tom Chester, OREC Linda Riley, OREC Jan Abeita, Library