Assessment Measures

Several reports, surveys, and assessments on a variety of sustainability-related topics have been implemented by students, faculty, and staff.

Commuting

In December 2008, the campus Sustainability Coordinator worked with the Campus Environmental Policy Committee (CEPC) and Dr. Brad Christensen to implement a faculty/staff commuter survey.  The first part of the survey focused on employee commuting habits and attitudes, and the second part gathered information concerning the feasibility of alternative transportation and attitudes toward alternative vehicles.

• Commuter Survey Questions and Results (Fall 2008)
• Research Report Brief: Faculty and Staff Commuter Survey (April 2009)

Ecological Indicators

The Campus Environmental Policy Committee (CEPC) produced a report on ecological indicators for Berea College in collaboration with SENS classes in 2003 and 2004.  The CEPC is working on the formal approval of the indicators through the College governance structure and updating the indicator data.

• Sustainability Report Fiscal Year 2011-12

Ecovillage

Students who live and work in the Ecovillage collect and compile information about the community’s overall energy/water use, recycling, and composting.

• Ecovillage Assessment Plan Matrix (2003)
• Formative Program Evaluation of the Berea College Ecovillage (2004)
• “Ecovillage Makes Progress Toward Energy and Water Use Goals” (pp. 3-4, Sustainable Campus Newsletter, November 2005)

Greenhouse Gas Inventory

As a signatory of the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC), Berea College performed its first comprehensive greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory for the institution, and the Sustainability Coordinator and Energy Manger completed the first comprehensive inventory.  The 2010-2011 GHG inventory for Berea College is available online.

Local Food

The Local Food Initiative (LFI) conducted surveys in 2005 and 2008 to assess student interest and awareness of local food systems in general as well as Berea College efforts in particular.

• Local Food Interest Survey 2005
• Local Food Interest Survey 2008

Student Learning

The Office of Institutional Research includes questions on various student surveys about how their awareness/behavior related to environmental issues has changed as a result of their education.

• General Studies Program Aims and Assessment: Knowledge of the Natural Environment and Our Relationship to It
• Summary Report for the 2008 Senior Inquiry (Appalachia and Sustainability)
• Sustainability and Environmental Studies Student Survey Items