| Overall Rating | Silver |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 54.78 |
| Liaison | Christa Rieck |
| Submission Date | Jan. 3, 2024 |
University of Houston
AC-6: Sustainability Literacy Assessment
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
4.00 / 4.00 |
Elizabeth
Clark Sustainability Coordinator Facilities Planning |
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indicates that no data was submitted for this field
Does the institution conduct an assessment of the sustainability literacy of its students?:
Yes
Which of the following best describes the literacy assessment? The assessment is administered to::
The entire (or predominate) student body, directly or by representative sample
Which of the following best describes the structure of the assessment? The assessment is administered as a::
Pre- and post-assessment to the same cohort or to representative samples in both a pre- and post-test
A copy of the questions included in the sustainability literacy assessment(s):
A list or sample of the questions included in the sustainability literacy assessment or the website URL where the assessment tool may be found:
Below are sample questions of the sustainability literacy survey, followed by the link.
1. Which of the following is not typically included in defining sustainability?
a. Society
b. Economy
c. Environment
d. Government
e. Do not know
2. Please indicate your level of agreement with the following statements about your overall knowledge of carbon emissions (1= strongly disagree, 4= strongly agree; N/A =0):
a. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas.
b. Greenhouse gases absorbs infrared radiation and then radiates heat in all directions.
c. Trees and oceans absorb carbon dioxide which decreases carbon emissions in the atmosphere.
d. Burning fossil fuels (such as coal, natural gas, and oil) does not contain greenhouse gases.
e. Carbon footprint is the amount of carbon emissions emitted due to an individual’s consumption of fossil fuels.
f. Chicken and salmon leave behind less of a carbon footprint than lamb chops.
3. Please select the following statements that you believe are true:
a. The University of Houston offers single stream recycling
b. Recyclable plastics are typically labeled at the bottom of containers
c. Glass can be recycled in the City of Houston
d. Styrofoam can be recycled on campus
1. Which of the following is not typically included in defining sustainability?
a. Society
b. Economy
c. Environment
d. Government
e. Do not know
2. Please indicate your level of agreement with the following statements about your overall knowledge of carbon emissions (1= strongly disagree, 4= strongly agree; N/A =0):
a. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas.
b. Greenhouse gases absorbs infrared radiation and then radiates heat in all directions.
c. Trees and oceans absorb carbon dioxide which decreases carbon emissions in the atmosphere.
d. Burning fossil fuels (such as coal, natural gas, and oil) does not contain greenhouse gases.
e. Carbon footprint is the amount of carbon emissions emitted due to an individual’s consumption of fossil fuels.
f. Chicken and salmon leave behind less of a carbon footprint than lamb chops.
3. Please select the following statements that you believe are true:
a. The University of Houston offers single stream recycling
b. Recyclable plastics are typically labeled at the bottom of containers
c. Glass can be recycled in the City of Houston
d. Styrofoam can be recycled on campus
A brief description of how the literacy assessment was developed and/or when it was adopted:
The University of Houston Office of Sustainability Literacy Survey and assessment was developed using subject and content matter experts. The Office of Sustainability staff conducted research and data collection while utilizing resources from academic advisers, other higher education institutions and from the AASHE and STARS website. The assessment was adopted in Fall 2018 and continued through Spring 2021, when further assessments were halted due to staffing changes. The current UH Sustainability staff is reviewing the survey with campus stakeholders to improve its applicability and accessibility.
A brief description of how a representative sample was reached (if applicable) and how the assessment(s) were administered :
Generated from an enrollment database, a stratified random group of enrolled students were selected to receive the online survey via email. The survey administration was done through Baseline software offered by Campus Labs. The Manager of UH Services Assessment and Evaluation oversaw the assessment and administration.
A brief summary of results from the literacy assessment(s):
The sustainability literacy survey results revealed participants are familiar with the core elements when defining the three pillars of sustainability (environment, economy, and society). The majority of participants were able to identify harmful carbon emissions. Approximately half of the participants understand common factors related to carbon emissions such as atmospheric absorption of greenhouse gases, as well as example methods for carbon sequestration. Participants are aware of different recycling practices offered on campus. Below are a few key findings.
• 42% of participants were able to correctly identify the 3 pillars of sustainability (environment, economy, and society)
• 89% of participants agreed that methane is a harmful greenhouse gas
• 87% of participants agreed that trees and oceans absorb carbon
• 34% of participants were unable to identify the carbon footprint of food items
• 73% of participants knowledge proper recycling practices on campus
The Fall 2020 assessment results are attached to this report above, and the follow up assessment from Spring 2021 is attached under "additional files to support the submission" so the two assessments can be compared.
• 42% of participants were able to correctly identify the 3 pillars of sustainability (environment, economy, and society)
• 89% of participants agreed that methane is a harmful greenhouse gas
• 87% of participants agreed that trees and oceans absorb carbon
• 34% of participants were unable to identify the carbon footprint of food items
• 73% of participants knowledge proper recycling practices on campus
The Fall 2020 assessment results are attached to this report above, and the follow up assessment from Spring 2021 is attached under "additional files to support the submission" so the two assessments can be compared.
Optional Fields
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Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
The most recent Literacy Assessments were conducted in Fall 2020 and Spring 2021, as a complete pre- and post-assessment. The survey is currently under revision by UH Sustainability staff, with the next assessment anticipated for 2024.
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.