The idea of shared sustainability initiatives between universities and their host communities – “Getting Green Together: Campus – Community Collaborations” is a continuing story that will be presented by SMMA at the APA’s 2012 National Conference in Los Angeles. This evolving report is a continuing update on the progress of the movement that started in 2007 with an SMMA Academy presentation to understand the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment. It has included a 2009 NASCUP presentation Getting Green Together – Town/Gown Sustainability Planning with an emphasis on the mandate and the awareness gained through strategy and experience. SMMA reported our findings at SCUP 46 in 2011 on community efforts and now again in 2012 on the interaction of policy and tactical solutions.
The main focus behind town-gown climate change collaboration was being defined five years ago and now we can present information on how the collaboration has proceeded and what components have been put into place. Communities are working more closely with university groups on sustainability actions because both sectors have put into place similar programs that complement each other. Both parties realize there is a strong mutual interest in reducing greenhouse gasses. Since they all share the same resources and breathe the same air, it makes sense to find ways to work together and achieve a broader impact.
There are several areas where cooperation and a combined front will succeed. Recycling, energy reduction, transportation and waste management are issues with large scale impact on carbon reduction goals. Whether you represent a college or a municipality, the challenges and opportunities are comparable. As a member of the Town of Brookline Planning Board, and its representative on the town’s Climate Action Committee, I am after the same outcome as the colleges – reducing energy costs and saving money.
Initially there was no established mechanism in most communities for working together beyond the usual boundries. There are well intentioned people on both sides, but too often there is no visible link or place that exists to review the opportunities and goals. Presently there are dedicated groups in communities and colleges with overlapping goals and tasks. The process of teamwork can begin immediately if it has not already facilitating discussions to keep on track and get the full benefit of coordination.
The ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability is a global association of local governments committed to advancing climate protection and sustainable development. Currently, there are over 500 US cities and towns participating, and 1,000 locales around the world. In addition, this association provides technology tools and a practical protocol for local governments to follow as a benchmark. Many of the ICLEI tools can be applied in partnership with universities. As universities implement green campus programs or conform to the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment, they are realizing that they can only proceed just so far on their own. They are part of a larger community with shared issues and sustainable ideals. The financial resources for implementing any kind of community or campus improvement program are scarce for the foreseeable future therefore, the rationale for combining initiatives is more important than ever. Why not broaden the vision and expand beyond your own green island?
A way to begin collaboration is to discuss aligning policy goals and tactical solutions that can be implemented by working together to organize and coordinate effort. The following table outlines a starting point for discussion to include sustainability in the planning process.
Integrating Sustainability into the Panning Process.
Mark J. Zarrillo, FASLA, AICP is a partner at SMMA (Symmes Maini & McKee Associates, Inc.) in Cambridge.
Getting Green Together: Campus – Community Sustainability Collaborations by Mark Zarrillo
The idea of shared sustainability initiatives between universities and their host communities – “Getting Green Together: Campus – Community Collaborations” is a continuing story that will be presented by SMMA at the APA’s 2012 National Conference in Los Angeles.