ASU's holistic climate plan inspires Harvard's new green standards

Using Arizona State University's holistic climate plan with its emphasis on faculty involvement in sustainability research and education, Harvard University has announced its five-year sustainability plan that "will apply 'green' standards across all 12 schools to reduce waste and energy use."

The Harvard Crimson quoted Heather A. Henriksen, director of Harvard's Office of Sustainability, as saying that "the Harvard plan takes a more 'holistic' approach, wtih a greater emphasis on everyday campus operations, health and sustainability research."

ASU's framework for addressing the challenges of sustainability incorporates four pillars; namely, education, research, business practices, and global partnerships and transformation. The Julie Ann Wrigley Global Institute of Sustainability serves as the hub of ASU's overall sustainability initiatives. ASU's School of Sustainability, one of the first such schools in the country, trains the next generation of sustainability practitioners, entrepreneurs and leaders. A focus on sustainability across the curriculum directs coursework, research and outreach toward solving today's most pressing challenges. A university-wide commitment to sustainable operations encompasses all units at all four campuses.

Learn more about ASU's sustainability efforts at https://sustainability.asu.edu.