How To Guide - Mapping current situation and developing a governance structure
The first step towards implementing sustainable practices on campus is to establish a solid management structure from which to operate. This structure may essentially already be in place, or may need to be created anew. Ultimately it should cover as many sectors of campus operations as possible. Obtaining funding for the various operations of this body is also essential.
- Assess the current environmental and sustainability-specific resources, actions, programs and policies in place
- Research any sustainability programs at the local, regional, and national levels
- Investigate any community or student efforts taking place
Resources:
- Executive Management: Whose approval is needed for environmental management activities?
- e.g. the Vice Chancellor (VC)
- Environmental Management: Who will be in control? Should it be centralized or distributed? Where are the nodes of authority?
- Departments/Offices/Groups: Who else will be involved – who needs to work together, and whose support is required?
- Key Staff: Who are the key staff working on this and what are their roles (can be multiple)? What roles can be filled by training existing staff members?
- Others: Is the proposed structure representative of the campus community and its place within the larger community? Are there other opportunities to integrate collaboration with others into the structure of university environmental management? (for further information, see Step 2)
Resources:
- Determine the existing budget for all current sustainability operations. Can this money be pooled and coordinated?
- Estimate how much money will be needed to implement and run planned sustainability operations on campus
- Determine where this money will come from – the university's budget, department budgets, etc.
- Assess how much funding can be readily obtained, and brainstorm ways of obtaining the remaining amount needed. Some suggestions include:
- Set up a direct donation program for specific projects
- Organize fundraisers for specific projects
- Apply for government-funded grants for appropriate projects
- Consider establishing a green loan or grant program to encourage others on campus to start their own sustainability initiatives
Resources:
Other Resources:
