Leading Universities Gather at National University of Singapore to Share Environmental Best Practices
The pressing need for sustainability is one of the society’s greatest challenges. For this reason, top-tier universities from across the world have joined forces through the International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN), to incorporate sustainability in their teaching, research, and campus operations.
Every year, thought leaders from institutions such as University of Tokyo, Harvard University, and KTH Royal Institute of Technology come together at the ISCN conference for a unique opportunity to exchange perspectives and form global partnerships in pursuit of sustainability. This year’s conference was hosted by National University of Singapore (NUS), a founding ISCN member and forerunner in campus sustainability.
“Universities can lead in catalyzing action on environmental sustainability issues. National University of Singapore is pleased to host the ISCN Conference 2013, connecting people and ideas relating to campus sustainability. We look forward to thoughtful and engaging exchanges during the Conference, that would pave the way for universities to shape the future of sustainability,” says Joseph Mullinix, Deputy President (Administration) of NUS.
The 2013 theme, “The Future is Now” featured prominently in a keynote speech from the notable environmental diplomat, Professor Tommy Koh, and lively discussions among the participants from 50 universities across Asia, North and South America, Africa, Australia, Europe, and the Middle East.
One of the most anticipated events was the fifth annual ISCN Sustainable Campus Excellence Award Ceremony on June 19th. These awards recognize universities for exceptional sustainability efforts in campus planning, integration with academics, student leadership, and exemplary building projects. Matthew Gardner, of the ISCN Secretariat remarks, “This year’s award winners have clearly demonstrated that the energy and ingenuity found in higher education can be used to solve the challenges of sustainability. It is an honor for us to provide global recognition for universities leading us to a brighter future.” The 2013 winners of the ISCN Sustainable Campus Excellence Awards are:
- Excellence in Building: University of Gothenburg (Sweden)
- Excellence in Campus: Lappeenranta University of Technology (Finland)
- Excellence in Integration: Chatham University (United States of America)
- Excellence in Integration: Anglia Ruskin University (United Kingdom)
- Excellence in Student Leadership: Zhejiang University (China)
The awards are open to any college or university worldwide that has developed outstanding planning, construction, or educational projects that promote sustainability on campus and in the surrounding community. The jury responsible for selecting the 2013 winners included: Bart Meehan (Visiting Fellow, Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University), Professor Claude Siegenthaler (Associate Professor for Business Strategy and Environmental Accounting, Hosei University), and Professor Hongwei Tan (Professor of Mechanical Engineering College, Associate Director of Building Energy Conservation Center), Tongji University.
About the ISCN:
The ISCN provides a global forum for universities pursuing sustainability across their educational and research missions, and operations. ISCN Members commit to sustainability principles and report their performance according to the ISCN-GULF Sustainable Campus Charter which was jointly developed with the World Economic Forum’s Global University Leaders Forum. Founded in 2007, the ISCN features international awards, conferences, and working groups to promote best practice exchange. More information on the ISCN and its Members, can be found at http://www.international-sustainable-campus-network.org/.
ISCN Contact:
Dr. Matthew Gardner
ISCN Secretariat
c/o Sustainserv, Inc.
311 Summer Street, Suite 310
Boston, MA 02210
matthew.gardner@isc-network.org
+1-617-330-5001
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