Forming a community partnership to enhance education in sustainability

TLDR

This paper presents a unique college–EcoVillage partnership model that links sustainability curriculum to campus operations and community outreach. The study demonstrates how colleges can partner with local EcoVillages to enhance sustainability education and strengthen community ties. Four structured courses—sustainable communities, land use, energy, and environmental futures—alongside research projects in wind, solar, and GIS/GPS, and ancillary activities were developed to promote sustainability campus‑wide. The partnership provides guidance for developing community‑based sustainability education, recruiting faculty, and influencing college operations.

Abstract

Purpose To provide an example of how colleges can partner with local EcoVillages to further sustainability curriculum on campus and the educational mission of the EcoVillages, and to strengthen ties with the community. Design/methodology/approach Describes four structured courses developed for the Environmental Studies Program, including sustainable communities, sustainable land use, sustainable energy and environmental futures. Additionally, independent research opportunities in wind energy, solar photovoltaics, and GIS/GPS developed as part of the curriculum. Describes numerous ancillary activities that have promoted sustainability across campus and the community. Findings Provides information about how to develop educational partnerships with community groups, foster sustainability education on campus, recruit additional faculty involvement, and influence college operations with respect to sustainability. Practical implications A very useful source of information for those involved in building sustainability curriculum and linking it to campus operations and community outreach. Originality/value This paper describes a unique partnership between a college and an intentional community that serves as a model for other colleges and universities.