Sustainability Conference, 2010
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Item Open Access The Transitions House(Kansas State University, 2010-03-10T22:28:26Z) Coates, Gary J.; Hanlon, Bill; gcoatesBuildings and the built environment have major resource impacts throughout their lifetimes. Much of the sustainability movement has focused on how to design, construct, and manage the built environment in ways that minimize resource impacts while enhancing the quality of built spaces. This panel will feature higher education and business professionals from Kansas with different specialties in green building. They will discuss current needs for green building in Kansas as well as ways that higher education can respond to these needs to enhance the livability, affordability, and environmental performance of the Kansas built environment.Item Open Access Tackling Assessment of Education for Sustainable Development: A Rubric for Collaborative Work(Kansas State University, 2010-03-10T22:27:14Z) Armstrong, Cosette; cosetteThis reorientation has wide-reaching pedagogical implications for the advancement of skills, attitudes, and values that support sustainable development (Sterling, 2004). Specifically, ESD should prepare students to foster a relationship with and participate in their local as well as the global community (Egan, 2004). Though the movement has been responsible for significant progress in campus sustainability and advancing research interests related to sustainability, curriculum development has lagged, especially in higher education (Everett, 2008; Rode & Michelsen, 2008; Sterling & Scott, 2008). Most notably, assessment remains an area of opportunity (Forum for the Future, 2005; Rode & Michelsen, 2008; Svanström, Lozano-Garcia, Rowe, 2008; Venkataraman, 2009). The purpose of this project was to develop an instrument to assess skill development among undergraduate students receiving a teaching methodology reflective of ESD. Further, as these skills are fundamental to community involvement, the rubric was developed to measure skill use in collaborative work. From a comprehensive review of the literature about ESD, six dominant skills-related themes emerged: Collaboration and cooperation, effective communication, conflict resolution, systems thinking, values-focused thinking, and introspection. The first five themes were used as anchors for the rubric. Descriptors from the literature were organized under each theme by author. Finally, points were refined for student understanding. The sixth theme, introspection, was incorporated into the rubric design, requiring the student to reflect on their own behavior in their collaborative work. The rubric requires a score on a 0-5 scale (quantitative) for each theme by the student and the instructor as well as reflection about their behavior in their group work (qualitative). The rubric is currently being tested in an apparel product development course. Preliminary results will be available by the conference date.Item Open Access Colby Community College "Get a Jump Start!"(Kansas State University, 2010-03-10T22:21:55Z) Kaaz, BarryKansas is the third windiest state in the nation and is centrally situated geographically for providing access to commercialized wind energy. Kansas wind could be a major contributor to an energy future for the United States that is renewable, efficient, and home-grown. Yet, there are many steps to go from here to there. This panel will feature experts in wind energy technologies and development from around Kansas. They will discuss some of the technical hurdles and workforce needs if this development is to take place. They will also discuss the potential role of higher education partnerships across Kansas in fully developing our wind resource for the benefit of all Kansans.Item Open Access Measuring College and University Dining Services Directors’ Knowledge, Attitudes, Challenges, and Implementation of Sustainable Development(Kansas State University, 2010-03-10T22:20:01Z) Zhou, Ying; yingToday, the rapid development of modern science and technology has allowed humans to use many of these technological conveniences to improve daily life. At the same time because of these improvements and population growth, humans are facing serious challenges of global warming, overrun of solid waste materials and environmental pollutants, natural resource depletion, biodiversity loss, decreased air quality, increase in acid rain, ozone depletion and many other critical environmental issues which need urgent solutions to avoid long-term and irreversible damages to our climate (Goodland, 1995; Hedin & Likens, 1996; and Last, 1993). Along with the increasing rate of environmental challenges and large quantities of energy demands many have begun to be concerned about the environment and relate to it as the “Going Green” movement (Dale & Stuart, 2001, and Pyle, 2008). As a result, strategies for sustainable development are being adopted by governments, institutions, operations, and individual households (Citizens United for Renewable Energy and Sustainability [CNRES], 2006). Because sustainability is defined as using methods, materials, and systems that will not deplete resources and has a zero or a positive impact on the environment (Rosenbaum, 1993), the concept of sustainability has begun to gain momentum in various functions and activities in the hospitality and tourism industries (Micheal, 1999). Many of the sustainable strategies implemented in hospitality have been to: (1) protect the environment, (2) provide better ways to meet customers’ needs through “green” operations, (3) cut down waste and costs, (4) increase environmental related governmental policies and regulations, (5) gain more competition power for “green” markets, (6) boost employee morale, (7) limit risks, and (8) build a strong reputation and public relations (Morgan, 2007, and Enz & Siguaw, 1999). Many colleges and universities have joined this sustainability effort by participating in the green campus competition. By doing so, more schools are taking action on sustainability measures reflecting increasing concern about the environment (Sustainable Endowments Institute [SEI], 2008). Kelly (2003), a NACUFS guest director, stated that the first step in starting a green dining services program is to understand what sustainability is and is not. Many dining services directors may have heard about sustainability, yet can they apply their knowledge to developing practical outcomes and solutions? To date, this knowledge has not been measured for managers of college and university services and research is needed to determine their current knowledge, attitudes, challenges and implementation about sustainability (Aber & Mallory, 2009). The primary purposes of this study are to determine what college and university foodservice directors know about sustainability, what are their attitudes about sustainability, what sustainable programs have been implemented in their operations and what are the challenges to implementing a sustainable program in their facilities. A secondary purpose would be to determine differences in sustainability by age of foodservice director, number of meals served and area of the country. The population (n = 2,936) for this study will be members of National Association of College & University Food Services (NACUFS) directors, who have e-mail addresses which listed in the NACUFS 2009 Membership Directory. Members in the directory can be sorted by membership regions: Continental (n=261), Northeast (n=394), Mid-Atlantic (n=737), Midwest (n=524), Pacific (n=460), and Southern (n=560). An instrument will be developed based on previous research and focus group input. An online survey using the Axio system will be e-mailed to the directors. The online letter will introduce the instrument, the research goals, and provide a timeframe for completion. A response rate of 20% (n = 577) is desired to conduct statistical analysis. The data will be analyzed using SPSS version 16.0 (correlation analysis and regression analysis).Item Open Access SustainED: Sustainability Resources for Educators Website(Kansas State University, 2010-03-10T15:54:29Z) Hammel, Mary; Clarke, Dru; mhammel; dclarkeSustainED: Sustainability Resources for Educators is a new website initiated by the K-State College of Education. Created as a repository for sustainability and environmental education resources, it reinforces the vision of the College of Education to prepare educators to be knowledgeable, ethical, caring decision makers. The focus is on collected resources pertaining to sustainability in education: lesson plans, books, resource links, recycling hints, people who are making a difference, classroom activities, or environmental education programs or events.Item Open Access Teaching Sustainability as a Professional Responsibility: Transformative Learning in Interior Design(Kansas State University, 2010-03-10T15:51:39Z) Griswold, Wendy; Anderson, Barbara G; griswold; barbaraIn a profession that holds the power to create and modify the built environment, interior designers have an obligation and responsibility to meet the needs of the present without compromising the quality of life for future generations. A course offered in the fall semester of 2008, ID 630 Topics in Advanced Interior Design Theory: Sustainable Design and Interiors, was designed to help students develop greater awareness of the impact of the built environment on the natural environment and the potential of the design professions to promote a more ecologically and socially responsible future. The course used reading, writing, and discussion to help students develop an understanding of sustainability from technological and cultural points of view. One of the expectations was that each student would develop a person ethical position on issues related to sustainability that would influence his or her future as an interior designer. Student anticipation and reflection writings from this course were analyzed using the frameworks of critical reflection and transformative learning theory. The research sought to answer the following questions: 1. What discussions facilitated critical questioning around student assumptions about design and sustainability? 2. Were students able to envision a positive future? 3. Did students develop an understanding of their impact on environmental and social problems? 4. Did students’ sense of self in a global context change? This presentation of research will focus on findings relevant to classroom practice.Item Open Access LEEP in Action: The Lawrence Environmental Education Project(Kansas State University, 2010-03-10T15:49:33Z) Griswold, Wendy; griswoldTitle: LEEP in Action: The Lawrence Environmental Education Project Author: Wendy Griswold, Center for Hazardous Substance Research, Kansas State University Abstract Community education plays a key role in informing the public about issues and opportunities related to sustainability. The Lawrence Environmental Education Project (LEEP) provides family-friendly educational activities designed to illuminate current environmental issues and encourage participants to take action. LEEP program includes community field trips and an eco-literacy book club. This poster presentation highlights local community based efforts to engage citizens in discussions and activities to advance sustainability.Item Open Access Environmental Ethics for Upward Bound Math-Science Program(Kansas State University, 2010-03-10T15:49:16Z) Denney, Anne; Wigfall, LaBarbara James; Lester, Erica; amdenney; lbjw; ejl244Professor Wigfall developed an environmental science experience for Upward Bound students between 7th and 12th grade from Topeka, KS. This summer 6- week course required students to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and man-made, and examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them. KSU partnered with the students who explored six themes through class assignments, video, internet searches, field trips to Konza Prairie, student farm/ Derby Composting project, greenhouses, and herbarium. The course included: 1) weekly service at the KSU recycling center; 2) daily accounting of personal waste and recycling; 3) maintenance of their terrariums made from recycled bottles; 4) composting and planting; 5) reuse of liquor bottles discarded by local bars; and 6) measuring of creek flow on the prairie. Students extended their recycling projects to their families in Topeka on the weekends in order to raise awareness.Item Open Access Innovative green infrastructure(Kansas State University, 2010-03-10T15:48:20Z) Brokesh, Dea; brokeshDescribes an urban stormwater management plan for the K-State Center for Child Development building.Item Open Access Sustainable communities(Kansas State University, 2010-03-02T17:19:28Z) Hanlon, BillLocal governments, counties, and regional planning entities throughout the US have been developing new strategies and implementation plans for sustainability. Sustainability planning often integrates areas such as green building standards, urban redevelopment and regeneration districts, smart growth policies, public and pedestrian/bike friendly transportation, local food supply and area food policies, and more. This panel will discuss major trends and needs for sustainable communities in Kansas as well as how higher education is involved and how it can be more involved.Item Open Access Education and Action for a Sustainable Future(Kansas State University, 2010-02-22T14:47:13Z) Rowe, DebraItem Open Access Welcome and Opening Remarks(Kansas State University, 2010-02-19T22:51:55Z) Champion, Benjamin L.; Mason, April; champion; masonaItem Open Access Grand challenge for the 21st century(Kansas State University, 2010-02-11T22:20:29Z) Wisely, Samantha M.; wiselyOne Health refers to the interconnected nature of the health and well-being of people, animals and the environments that they share. Central to this idea, is the realization that adverse health-effects in one area are linked to adverse effects in other area. Therefore, sustainable human health is intimately linked with sustainable animal and environmental health. This panel will include discussions of important and emerging aspects of One Health by experts in this field, each with specializations in different, but complementary, aspects of One Health that covers a wide range of disciplines and areas of expertise.Item Open Access Climate component of the Kansas EPSCoR project(Kansas State University, 2010-02-11T22:15:08Z) Feddema, Johannes; Rice, Charles W.; Wildcat, Daniel; Harrington, John A., Jr.; cwrice; jharrinSeveral Kansas researchers have been at the forefront of climate science research internationally. This panel discussion will feature some of those researchers as they discuss some of the lessons learned for Kansas as well as next steps internationally, nationally, and in Kansas. They will also discuss the role and importance of higher education in knowledge production and dissemination about climate risks and trends. Finally, they will also comment on how higher education could improve its response to these issues.Item Open Access Understanding and responding to climate change in the great plains: source, impact, and mitigation(Kansas State University, 2010-02-11T22:13:02Z) Rice, Charles W.; Feddema, Johannes; Harrington, John A., Jr.; Hutchinson, Stacy L.; Ma, Chunseng; cwrice; jharrin; sllhutchSeveral Kansas researchers have been at the forefront of climate science research internationally. This panel discussion will feature some of those researchers as they discuss some of the lessons learned for Kansas as well as next steps internationally, nationally, and in Kansas. They will also discuss the role and importance of higher education in knowledge production and dissemination about climate risks and trends. Finally, they will also comment on how higher education could improve its response to these issues.Item Open Access Cloud power wind farm(Kansas State University, 2010-02-11T22:10:05Z) Graham, BruceKansas is the third windiest state in the nation and is centrally situated geographically for providing access to commercialized wind energy. Kansas wind could be a major contributor to an energy future for the United States that is renewable, efficient, and home-grown. Yet, there are many steps to go from here to there. This panel will feature experts in wind energy technologies and development from around Kansas. They will discuss some of the technical hurdles and workforce needs if this development is to take place. They will also discuss the potential role of higher education partnerships across Kansas in fully developing our wind resource for the benefit of all Kansans.Item Open Access Education and action for a sustainable future(Kansas State University, 2010-02-11T22:06:07Z) Rowe, DebraItem Open Access Creating a national model for statewide sustainability networks(Kansas State University, 2010-02-11T22:03:19Z) Rowe, DebraItem Open Access Environmental Knowledge and Assessment Tool(Kansas State University, 2010-02-11T21:52:21Z) Erickson, Larry E.; lerickOne Health refers to the interconnected nature of the health and well-being of people, animals and the environments that they share. Central to this idea, is the realization that adverse health-effects in one area are linked to adverse effects in other area. Therefore, sustainable human health is intimately linked with sustainable animal and environmental health. This panel will include discussions of important and emerging aspects of One Health by experts in this field, each with specializations in different, but complementary, aspects of One Health that covers a wide range of disciplines and areas of expertise.Item Open Access Energy and sustainability at Fort Hays State University(Kansas State University, 2010-02-11T21:47:37Z) Adams, PaulKansas is the third windiest state in the nation and is centrally situated geographically for providing access to commercialized wind energy. Kansas wind could be a major contributor to an energy future for the United States that is renewable, efficient, and home-grown. Yet, there are many steps to go from here to there. This panel will feature experts in wind energy technologies and development from around Kansas. They will discuss some of the technical hurdles and workforce needs if this development is to take place. They will also discuss the potential role of higher education partnerships across Kansas in fully developing our wind resource for the benefit of all Kansans.
