Welcome to the Higher Education Associations Sustainability Consortium (HEASC). HEASC is an informal network of higher education associations (HEAs) with a commitment to advancing sustainability within their constituencies and within the system of higher education itself. The current member associations that make up HEASC see the need for developing in-depth capability to address sustainability issues through their associations and have decided to work together in this effort. HEASC hopes to involve all higher education associations to get the broadest perspectives and produce the greatest effectiveness and synergy in our efforts.

Announcements and Events

Second Nature Calls on Associations to Sign Letter to Senators Urging "1% for Education in New Climate Bill

Second Nature and the Campaign for Environmental Literacy are informing higher education associations of a letter to Senate leaders urging them to set aside at least 1% of the proceeds of emissions allowances being considered in a new climate bill for a range of educational activities that will prepare the American workforce and public for a clean, green energy future. Deadline for signing the letter is Tuesday, July 7.

HEASC 2008 Annual Report

HEASC is excited to announce the release of its 2008 Annual Report . This report provides an impressive view of the consortium's collective and individual efforts; including webcasts and professional development opportunities at annual meetings and conferences to articles, practical guides and comprehensive books on renewable energy, climate neutrality, and the financing strategies higher education institutions can employ to make the transition to a clean and green economy a reality.

HEASC introduces the Higher Education Sustainability Fellows Program

HEASC is facilitating the inaugural Higher Education Sustainability Fellows Program. The eleven Fellows have begun work on their projects to accelerate the national movement toward a just, healthy, and sustainable society. Click here to learn about each of the them and the projects that they are working on.

HEASC is an Official Endorser of the American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment

HEASC has officially endorsed the American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment (ACUPCC), a high-visibility effort to make campuses more sustainable and address global warming by garnering institutional commitments to reduce and ultimately neutralize greenhouse gas emissions on campus. As of May 1, 2009 over 630 college and university presidents have signed the commitment. Read more at: Presidents Climate Commitment.

Visit the HEASC website Resource Center to find the latest tools for supporting the ACUPCC. And, visit the ACUPCC website to get the latest news and updates.

Education for Climate Neutrality and Sustainability (PDF) guidance document - April 2009

Signatories to the ACUPCC have committed to take “actions to make climate neutrality and sustainability a part of the curriculum and other educational experiences for all students.” Education for Climate Neutrality and Sustainability is intended to give high-level guidance to college and university decision-makers and key staff to clarify the intent of this element of the Commitment, and to provide some resources for signatories to create strategies for fulfilling this commitment.

Best Practices Toolkit: Energy Performance Contracting for Higher Education - April 2009

The ACUPCC and CCI, with the assistance of many industry experts (see below), have created a best practices toolkit as a comprehensive resource for signatories interested in learning about and conducting an Energy Performance Contract (EPC). It includes an EPC overview, highlights critical issues, provides in-depth financing information, contains sample documents, and details industry and state resources

The 2008 Annual Report (PDF) released in March 2009 contains data views of the ACUPCC's impact and inspiring success stories from over twenty signatories. Additionally, there is a progress report outlining each school's standing as of December 31, 2008.

HEASC Adopts Statement of Shared Principles & Activities

HEASC member organizations adopted and signed the Statement of Shared Principles & Activities in June 2007. Originally drafted by Kent Blumenthal of NIRSA, the statement lays the foundation for HEASC's values and commitments and defines the role of its coordinating agent, Second Nature. Click on the link below to view the statement: HEASC Statement of Shared Principles & Activities (PDF)

Check Out New Resources

Be sure to visit our Resource Center page on a regular basis to find the latest tools, articles, presentations and more to support your sustainability efforts

All material copyright 2007
For questions about the site, please contact Stephen Muzzy .