University of Nebraska Sustainability Recommendations

Authors

Kat Woerner

Date of this Version

5-2022

Document Type

Article

Citation

Environmental Studies Undergraduate Student Thesis, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2022

Comments

Copyright 2022, Kat Woerner

Abstract

In August 2020, the University of Nebraska (NU) system published a 5-year strategic plan with a point to “set and achieve University-wide sustainability goals.” Sustainability efforts at the University of Nebraska are well established as each campus has developed a Sustainability Master Plan (SMP) over the course of the last six years. With limited resources, a system-wide, coordinated effort is critical and requires a hierarchy of actions that are based on: clear goals and metrics that support the university mission, effective tracking systems, policies, strategies, actions, practices that support the goals, and organizational structure to oversee and support implementation.

The scope of the recommendations included in this report includes the four University of Nebraska campuses (UNK, UNL, UNO, UNMC). The SMP is meant to be a guiding, living document with annual updates and changes as necessary. By using sustainability assessments, the university will ensure it is holistically reviewing its target goals and continually engaging NU stakeholders to meet its community needs as the campus grows.