Developing the potential of third level campuses as change agents in transition toward sustainable communities

Project Description

This medium scale project evaluates the role of third level campuses as change agents in transition toward more sustainable communities developing evidence-based solutions for campuses, policymakers, EPA and support agencies. The environmental impact of campuses is currently unknown and resource efficiency targets, with exception of energy consumption, have not been established. Campuses have potential to become “living laboratories” both in physical manifestation and as change agents; campuses can have profound influences on stakeholder behaviour during key life-events. The work packages will address the following objectives: 1) Identify behaviour change and resource efficiency opportunities and develop sustainability benchmarks, 2) Track and evaluate real-life campus sustainability initiatives, 3) Calculate resource efficiency capacity of third level campuses and evaluate potential of campuses to drive community sustainability, 4) Develop recommendations for campuses, policymakers, support bodies and communities to realise potential of third level campuses as change agents. A postdoctoral researcher and research masters student will be employed thus gaining, not only project deliverables, but valuable upskilling and training of early career researchers.