time, incentivize institutions to boost future sustainability efforts and initiatives, as well as provide an open platform for information sharing both nationally and internationally. With more than 650 ratings since the program’s inception, the importance of the rating system as a valuable tool for both seasoned campus sustainability leaders and institutions just beginning their sustainability endeavors is clear. 2017 AASHE CONFERENCE & EXPO Expected to draw over 2,000 participants, AASHE’s annual conference is the largest stage in North America for sharing effective models, policies, research, collaborations, and transformative actions which advance sustainability in higher education and beyond. As we continue our work towards advancing sustainability globally, I am confident that our passionate and strong AASHE community will continue, and accelerate, our efforts toward a more sustainable future. As our 2017 AASHE Conference & Expo theme suggests, we are “Stronger in Solidarity”. This year’s conference takes place Oct. 15-18 in San Antonio, Texas, USA. Attendees can expect thought provoking keynote speakers, hundreds of sessions to engage all higher education sustainability interests, and an expo hall with innovative products and services sure to inspire. PARTNERSHIPS We work with a wide variety of partners to help advance our mission to inspire and catalyze higher education to lead the global sustainability transformation. Our partnerships help to better align our work and create space for collaboration. APPALACHIAN STATE UNIVERSITY.
With the aim of increasing international collaboration and accelerating the campus sustainability movement, AASHE continues to work with many international partners throughout the globe. A common theme amongst our discussions has been supporting the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which are an important framework for recognizing the depth and breadth of sustainability. These goals align with our mission and provide an incredible teaching tool for students and others to understand the complexities of sustainability. We encourage businesses, colleges, and universities to embrace and share these important goals. It is more important now than ever before, that we come together to learn from one another and work vigorously toward a
more sustainable world. The “Sustainable Campus” series provides us the opportunity to better understand what strategies and programs are working well at institutions throughout the world. Higher education, in many ways, leads the sustainability transformation and other sectors can learn a lot from the successes of colleges and universities. My hope is that we will continue to come together, to learn, innovate, and advance sustainability everywhere.
Meghan Fay Zahniser AASHE Executive Director BOWDOIN COLLEGE.
SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MAGAZINE
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