Sustainable Practices: 10 Suggestions To Obtain Faculty “Buy In”

Thomas Head & Melissa Stutz

Roosevelt

University

• Sustainability is not just a call for radical environmentalism,

• It is all about managing a behavioral change among the employees.

• But, how do we typically approach such issues in colleges & universities?

Suggestion 1

• Make people aware of the need for action – it must be significant and personal.

Suggestion 2

• Give people feedback – specific and concrete, even if it isn’t “good”

Suggestion 3

• Don’t dictate. Participate! All Levels!!

Suggestion 4

• Don’t do everything all at once. Use the incremental approach – step-by-step

Suggestion 5

• Celebrate successes along the way!

Suggestion 6

• Lead by action, quietly and clearly.

Suggestion 7

• Coopt the naysayers, don’t ignore or force them.

Suggestion 8

• Reward people – share the gains and the credit

Suggestion 9

• Keep things “light” – not hopeless and “doom and gloom”

Suggestion 10

• Institutionalize the program. Make sure it isn’t simply the “fad of the month”.

• Human Resources, not Marketing

Thank you. Comments?