Thank you to all who participated in the Ecological Integrity Survey during winter quarter. The results show strong interest among our campus community in sustainability-related curriculum, an expanded composting program, and more sustainable dining options. Below is a list of the key results. For a full summary of survey results, please download and review the Ecological Integrity Employee Survey the Ecological Integrity Student Survey and the combined staff, faculty, and student powerpoint.
• About 600 students (about 10%) and 300 employees (about 40%) responded to the survey.
• Most students (about 80%) did not think they had taken a course or participated in activities related to sustainability, but almost 80% were interested.
• Most students (over 62%) and employees (over 75%) agreed about the importance of curriculum related to sustainability.
• Students and employees shared interest in climate change.
• Students also showed interest in the relationship between power, privilege, economics and the environment (note: that’s the 3 E’s!).
• Students showed interest in our campus as a living laboratory for learning, with highest interest in food and dining, waste, air & climate, energy, and transportation.
• Employees showed interest in learning about recycling/composting, climate change, and the natural world/conservation.
• Faculty showed interest in using campus as a living laboratory to explore topics like waste, transportation, public engagement, air & climate, energy, and food & dining.
• While only 5-8% of students plan a major or career related to sustainability, a strong majority felt it was an important topic of study.
• Over 40% of students and 50% of employees put food waste in garbage with over 80% of both groups saying that they would compost more if there were more bins.
• Most students and employees were willing to pay more for sustainable dining options including locally-produced food and compostable cutlery.
• About 80% of employees and about 45% of students reported they drive alone to the college. Improved bus access to campus, bus subsidies, and assistance coordinating carpools were listed as the most effective incentives toward alternative forms of transportation.
All results from the Ecological Integrity Survey will be used to inform priorities for recommendations to the Executive Team.
