Using the learning in future environments (LiFE) index to assess James Cook University's progress in supporting and embedding sustainability
Macgregor, Colin J., Connell, Adam, O'Connor, Kerryn, and Sagar, Marenn (2019) Using the learning in future environments (LiFE) index to assess James Cook University's progress in supporting and embedding sustainability. In: Leal Filho, Walter, and Bardi, Ugo, (eds.) Sustainability on University Campuses: learning, skills building and best practices. World Sustainability Series . Springer, Cham, Switzerland, pp. 147-164.
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Abstract
Increasingly, higher education institutions (HEIs) are seeking to assess and report on their sustainability performance. One of the more widely known assessment tools is STARS (Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System). Developed in 2007, STARS has been criticised because of its pressuring characteristic i.e. it has been designed to support external performance reporting. The LiFE (Learning in Future Environments) index is a non-committal assessment tool that allows HEIs to monitor their progress in supporting and embedding sustainability without the need to reveal their performance externally. LiFE has been adopted by members of the Environmental Association of Universities and Colleges (EAUC) and Australasian Campuses Towards Sustainability (ACTS). This paper presents findings from a study of James Cook University’s experiences with LiFE since 2013. Scores suggest JCU has had an inconsistent response to sustainability over the last five years. The paper describes and discusses some of the factors that have influenced JCU’s scores and highlights some of the factors that emerged to support or interfere with the University’s sustainability aspirations. The paper will be of interest to any HEI using or considering using the LiFE index or anyone who is interested or involved with embedding sustainability in HEIs.
Item ID: | 61904 |
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Item Type: | Book Chapter (Research - B1) |
ISBN: | 978-3-030-15863-7 |
ISSN: | 2199-7381 |
Keywords: | Higher education institutions, LiFE index, Reporting, Sustainability assessment |
Copyright Information: | © Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2019. |
Date Deposited: | 04 Feb 2020 01:26 |
FoR Codes: | 41 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES > 4104 Environmental management > 410404 Environmental management @ 100% |
SEO Codes: | 93 EDUCATION AND TRAINING > 9305 Education and Training Systems > 930502 Management of Education and Training Systems @ 100% |
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