Brandeis Sustainability Ambassadors

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Categories
Project Coordinator
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Timeline
2018

Problem

Brandeis University's carbon footprint was alarmingly 40% greater than that of similar-sized institutions. After committing to the Paris Climate Agreement in 2016, the goal was set to cut this footprint by 15% by 2020. A significant portion of the university's environmental impact stemmed from students—specifically through their recycling, composting habits, and their consumption of energy and water, leading to considerable yearly waste. The challenge was to engage students in environmental activism and instill a comprehensive understanding of environmental practices.

Action

As the chair of the Sustainability Committee using Google's Design Sprint, I collaborated with the Sustainability Manager, VP of Operations, Office of Community Living, and the Environmental Studies department chair to establish the Brandeis Sustainability Ambassadors (BSA). We successfully recruited 27 dedicated members to this cause.

Response

The BSAs were tasked with the mission of lowering the university's carbon emissions. They integrated sustainability into school orientation programs, residential life, and departmental operations, ensuring adherence to newly implemented environmental standards. Through initiatives like educational sessions for new students, move-in and move-out day donation bins, and infrastructure changes—such as installing occupancy-sensing thermostats and promoting meatless Mondays—the BSAs contributed to a reduction of 15 metric tons of CO2 in their inaugural year. Additionally, students participating as BSAs received internship opportunities and stipends for their contributions. In recognition of my role in forming this impactful group, the student community honored me with the David A. Alexander Award for Social Consciousness and Activism.