Are stricter waste management processes the key to attracting the next cohort of university students?

Some of the greatest minds in history have been inspired, nurtured, and have flourished through university education. Promoting independence of thought and critical thinking, these establishments encourage students to become changemakers of the future – building the capabilities necessary to advocate for what they believe in. And as an increasingly eco-conscious generation takes its first steps towards campus, it’s more crucial than ever that universities are practicing what they preach when it comes to sustainability and waste management practices. Scott Owen, director of business development at Advetec North America, explores.

Understanding the mindset of future students

For this generation, the world has always been at their fingertips. Unlike many before them, news has never been restricted to a TV time slot or local paper. Instead, the explosion in internet usage and social media has seen them gain access to a variety of opinions and insights from across the globe – all at the touch of a button.

As a result, climate change and broader eco concerns are no longer the reserve of those considered to be living an ‘alternative’ lifestyle. Role models like Greta Thunberg have raised the profile of the importance of environmental activism among the masses. And while there is no formal requirement for schools to teach sustainability, it’s generally considered socially responsible to do so — with litter picking becoming almost a rite of passage for those of elementary-age.

Armed with all of this information, and often a steadily increasing allowance, young people are now voting with their feet – choosing companies with an ethical stance, while foregoing those who lack the sustainability credentials this generation holds dear. And so, with the ability to access and compare information about universities far and wide, it follows that this level of scrutiny will be applied to the next stage of their educational journey.

The role of universities in promoting sustainability

As champions of academic research, universities are a source of knowledge, progression, and change. A melting pot of expertise, they have a unique responsibility to act in the face of learnings – with the most prestigious institutions often leading the way in innovative solutions and approaches to problems.

With sustainability an increasingly prominent topic, it’s crucial that universities seek to adapt their processes — utilizing eco-friendly alternatives which showcase a commitment to doing what’s right. A move not just for the sake of attracting new students, but to ensure they are upholding the responsibilities and moral duty that our higher educational institutions are trusted to maintain.

With the right steps in place, not only can universities create a positive environmental impact, but by publicizing these developments they can increase awareness and affect further change in the process. Prominently placed sustainability certifications shared through online prospectuses act as a signal of trust to prospective students — indicating the kind of institution they’re becoming a part of. This not only increases the competitiveness and reputation of a university but helps to attract an eco-conscious cohort in the process.

Sustainability initiatives in higher education

With a growing appetite for sustainability among the higher education sector, a number of schemes have been created to support and encourage progress – while providing recognition of advancement along the way.
Aiming to assist institutions in improving their sustainability credentials, while providing a framework for progression, the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System (STARS) is a self-reporting framework tailored to educational settings. Supporting universities and colleges at every stage of their sustainability journey, they award progress badges which further incentivise and reward positive change.
As organizations endeavor to enhance their environmental performance, it’s essential to acknowledge that waste represents one of the most straightforward metrics to measure, given its tangible nature as a known physical resource.

However, the significance of waste management extends beyond mere quantity considerations. When waste containing organic materials is deposited in landfills, the consequential release of methane emissions becomes a critical concern. Methane is known to be significantly more potent than carbon dioxide, with a global warming potential that can be 60 times or more, despite its shorter atmospheric lifespan.

In the pursuit of elevating environmental credentials, organizations must give due attention to Scope 3 emissions, particularly those linked to methane. This greenhouse gas, originating from various sources such as landfill activities, livestock farming, and oil and gas operations, possesses a substantial global warming potential. The imperative to minimize methane emissions has gained prominence as a crucial facet of environmental conservation. Recognizing the role of methane in climate change, organizations are increasingly prioritizing efforts to reduce emissions, aligning with broader sustainability goals.

The zero waste movement

Encouraging individuals and businesses to take a zero waste stance — while promoting a reuse and recycle approach to items no longer needed — the movement encourages people to follow the 5Rs: refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle and rot. Playing an influential role in the lives of thousands of young adults each year, have an important duty to lead by example, role modeling positive examples to the universities’ student bases.

And with sprawling campuses, comes an equally large potential for waste – plus a significant opportunity to make a difference. Unfortunately, as packaging for food and goods still lags behind, achieving zero waste and a full recycling and reuse system from waste appears unlikely in the near future. Challenges such as expensive infrastructure, legislative hurdles, and taxation complexities contribute to this delay. However, the overarching goal is to move towards full circularity. We must strive to bend the linear economy so that it eventually develops into a circle. By disposing of trash responsibly, organizations can transform their no-longer-needed items into usable resources. The University of Texas at Austin is one example of an institution which has already successfully implemented a zero waste initiative, with Stanford University also following suit.

Strategies for universities

Taking the first steps in reducing wastage can feel like a daunting prospect. But it’s important to remember that sustainability is a journey. Putting in place a few initial processes can help to get started, while alleviating some of the overwhelm that may set in. As a starting point, we recommend universities should first seek to better understand the source of their discarded products. This will help identify the most impactful place to start.

As settings which host a large number of people on site each day, trash thrown in bins and daily food waste is likely to be a significant contributor. Therefore, investigating methods to reduce the volume of this trash, while recycling into usable resources is a sensible start – and one which could not only save the environment, but significant sums of money too! The road to sustainable campuses is a long one, with a number of contributing factors to consider — behavioral habits of inhabitants, investment, and time limitations, to name a few. But a more circular approach needn’t be as complex as you may think. At Advetec, we can reduce existing waste mass by 50% and volume by 70% in just 48 hours, stabilize waste so it will no longer produce methane, reduce CO2e emissions by 70%, and what’s more, waste will be converted into a coal replacement product known as Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF) – which can be used in applications like cement kilns and aviation fuel. Find out more, here.

To further maximize this success, we recommend exploring the various schemes and frameworks available to support businesses in their quest. Organizations such as Planet Mark and BCorp, perhaps two of the most well-known, help companies in a range of fields and can be invaluable when it comes to maintaining momentum during what is often a long-term project. Alternatively, those specializing within the education sector — such as the STARS scheme referred to above — could be best placed for advice. Speaking to two or three organizations will help to identify which is best aligned with your setting and goals.

And don’t forget to involve your student base within your efforts. They’ll likely be bursting with their own ideas, becoming huge advocates for your project. If appetite is high, you could even consider a dedicated project group of staff and students – who can work together to help reach your goals.

Remember, making a start on your journey – wherever you’re at — is what counts. Your project will likely evolve over time, but starting by tackling just one significant area can make a valuable difference – communicating these changes far and wide can help you create a legacy which makes your educational establishment a top choice for students with their own sustainability aspirations. For more inspiration to help you get started, read this article from Sustainability Times which shares some more in-depth insight and a series of useful pointers.