| Overall Rating | Gold |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 66.40 |
| Liaison | Parker Long |
| Submission Date | Aug. 27, 2021 |
Virginia Commonwealth University
EN-6: Assessing Sustainability Culture
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
0.50 / 1.00 |
Parker
Long Sustainability Reporting and Outreach Coordinator Facilities Management - Office of Sustainability |
Does the institution conduct an assessment of sustainability culture?:
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:
The Office of Sustainability created this cultural assessment to gauge sustainability knowledge and interest across the university. This was drafted through research of other cultural assessments and specific information we hoped to learn about the VCU community.
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:
Questions included in our survey-
Please indicate your level of awareness of VCU sustainability initiatives.
- I do not know that VCU sustainability initiatives exist.
- I do not know of any VCU sustainability initiatives except that they exist.
- I have a vague understanding of the VCU sustainability initiatives and program.
- I could give a few examples of VCU sustainability initiatives and summarize the whole program.
- I have a comprehensive understanding of the VCU sustainability program and initiatives
How aware are you of the VCU Monroe Park Learning Garden?
- I do not know that it exists.
- I have heard that it exists, but I do not know where it is.
- I have visited the garden once or twice, but I have no involvement beyond that.
- I have participated in some garden work days.
- I have frequently worked in the garden.
How aware are you of the VCU MCV Community Garden?
- I do not know that it exists.
- I have heard that it exists, but I do not know where it is.
- I have visited the garden once or twice, but I have no involvement beyond that.
- I have participated in some garden work days.
- I have frequently worked in the garden.
How aware are you of VCU Rambikes?
- I do not know that it exists.
- I have heard that it exists, but I do not know what it is.
- I'm aware of the services o ffered by Rambikes, but have never utilized them
- I have utilized the services off ered by VCU Rambikes once or twice
- I have frequently utilized the services off ered by VCU RamBikes
How do you get to campus?
- I live on campus
- I walk to campus
- I bike to campus
- I drive to campus
- I take public transportation to campus
How often do you conscientiously choose food based on its impacts (fairtrade, pesticide free, local etc)?
- Very often
- Sometimes
- Once in a while
- Very rarely or never
How often do you minimize purchases that are not environmentally friendly (styrofoam packaging, single use disposables etc)?
- Very often
- Sometimes
- Once in a while
- Very rarely or never
How often do you recycle your waste?
- Very often
- Sometimes
- Once in a while
- Very rarely or never
Please rate your opinion on the statements below:
Sustainability on campus is important to me
- Strongly agree
- Agree
- Neutral
- Disagree
- Strongly disagree
I believe I have the ability to advocate for sustainable projects at VCU
- Strongly agree
- Agree
- Neutral
- Disagree
- Strongly disagree
VCU should devote more fi nancial resources to sustainability projects
- Strongly agree
- Agree
- Neutral
- Disagree
- Strongly disagree
What are the top 3 most important sustainability initiatives, in your opinion, that VCU should pursue?
- Zero waste events
- Alternative transportation and increased bicycle accommodation
- Energy efficiency upgrades
- Composting and foodwaste reduction
- On-campus & Off-campus renewable energy
- Environmentally friendly purchasing
- Pesticide & herbicide reduction
- Divestment from fossil fuel industries
- Improving recycling infrastructure, signage, and messaging
- Water use reduction initiatives and infrastructure
A brief description of how representative samples were reached (if applicable) and how the cultural assessment is administered:
The survey was administered through RedCap, VCU's survey platform. The survey was posted in the VCU TeleGram, a daily email delivered to all VCU students, faculty, and staff.
A brief summary of results from the cultural assessment:
The surveys themselves have value in informing students, and the data from the surveys influences how the Office of Sustainability moves forward with new and existing initiatives. For example, a this survey indicated that students saw the biggest hurdle regarding proper recycling was lack of clear signage and lack of education on what single stream means. This assessment also allowed our office to focus our marketing on the programs that are least known by students and employees.
Website URL where information about the assessment of sustainability culture 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.