META-ANALYSIS OF PAST EVS-300 SEMINAR PROJECTS ON CAMPUS AND COMMUNITY SUSTAINABILITY ELLEN KREITMEIER EVS – 300 MAY 8, 20081 In the Bass Hall Environmental Resource Center there are two large binders containing approximately one thousand pages of research and recommendations for improving sustainability at Smith College and in the surrounding community. When I first studied these reports, I noticed that certain issues were addressed again and again throughout the five years represented by the collected papers. I became interested in seeing if these recurring themes were tracking the progress of sustainability efforts or merely beating a dead horse. The fact is, it is a little of both. There is progress and there is retrenchment, some of the reports offer recommendations that have become part of the sustainability program here at Smith and others are waiting for their time to come. I am interested in determining what factors support the implementation of student research recommendations. Initially I had considered doing a three-by-three comparison analysis: comparing and contrasting a sub group of three similarly themed papers that appear to have contributed to the implementation of certain sustainability efforts with another sub group of three analogous papers that do not appear to have entered the pipeline. As I gathered more information, it became apparent that this model is too contrived to explain the complex inter and intra relationships that exist among the study group. Also, as I became more familiar with the student’s papers, it was clear that it was not a difference of degree in passion or vision that finds certain ideas being implemented while others are not: the factors are much more complex. Therefore, to best represent and comment on the past EVS seminar papers, I thought it valuable to expand my field of view and consider a much larger sample to analyze. Through interviews with faculty and staff who are engaged in sustainability efforts at Smith College, I have learned that certain patterns emerge which help to determine if a student suggestion will be picked up for implementation. For the sake of this study, I have categorized the reports into six broad areas of interest: sustainability education; sustainable2transportation; campus housing and trash; food; paper use and printing policies on campus: landscaping and grounds. In addition, there are several studies outside of the bounds of my analysis, these reports examine systems in the surrounding community or are unique in other ways and do not fit within this limited analysis. Interestingly, no papers address water use on the college campus or in the local ecosystem. Is this a sign of how mightily we take water for granted? Does the continuous flow of water from every tap make it seem as though there are no problems, no need for conservation, with plenty of hot water always available? For these questions I have no answers. However, I will consider the completed EVS-300 seminar papers, giving a brief description and commentary on selected papers and conditions within the six categories, applying my observations and suggestions for furthering the visions set out by the students. WEAKNESSES/POTENTIAL While the purity of ideas and virtue of intention contained in these papers is inspiring, few papers provide a cost/benefit analysis, point out possible problems that may be encountered by following the student suggestions, or detail the logistical and mundane specifics relative to real world implementation. I found that many of the papers fail to indicate what specific further research might be necessary to bring the student suggestions from theory into utility. Based on interviews or email correspondence that I conducted with various staff and faculty of the college,1 it seems the critical pieces that are limiting the implementation of student research on sustainable practices are communication between all the interested parties and a staff position to assume responsibility for managing projects 1 Carole Fuller, Amy Rhodes, Bob Dombkowski, James Lowenthal, L. David Smith, Michael Marcotrigiano and Joanne Benkley3towards completion. Fortunately, these critical needs are in the process of being satisfied. In March 2008, in accordance with the recommendations of the Committee on Sustainability (COS), the Smith College Human Resources department posted a job listing for Environmental Sustainability Coordinator.2 The COS hopes to hire an individual to fill this position during the summer of 2008. The job responsibilities for the position of Environmental Sustainability Coordinator are comprehensive: The Environmental Sustainability Coordinator is responsible for coordinating Smith's integration of sustainable principles and practices into campus operations and practices. The Coordinator proposes plans and goals and coordinates, tracks and reports progress on implementation; advocates for sustainable practices; collaborates with students, staff, faculty and relevant committees; and communicates regularly with members of the campus community. • Coordinate development and implementation of college sustainability plan, goals and standards, including specific areas such as the President's Climate Commitment, building and renovation standards, purchasing and the like. • Encourage environmental stewardship among members of the college community. • Conduct informational and orientation sessions for students, staff and faculty. • Communicate regularly with the campus community about sustainability trends, college goals and current projects, using the website, email, an annual report, and other means. • Work with college departments and programs to develop a culture of sustainability and department-specific plans. • Collect, analyze and report on data relevant to sustainability on campus including such areas as progress on sustainability goals and commitments, green building, and transportation. • Meet regularly and coordinate data tracking/reporting efforts with other environmental staff in areas such as recycling/waste reduction and energy consumption. • Research and recommend environmentally sustainable technologies and practices. 2 Committee on Sustainability, Strategic Planning: Making Sustainability Part of the College's