The purpose of this article was to highlight the Ball State University (BSU) model for integrating social, economic and environmental considerations that are based in community education to grow green jobs. The article does this by using a historical and organizational lens to focus on the “issues related to energy and resource use, alternatives, and conservation on the BSU campus.” The larger purpose was to illustrate the role of colleges and universities to serve as role models and positive influences on their surrounding communities, as well as providers and supporters of lifelong adult learning.
From 2007-2012, BSU created 102 unit level sustainability plans that have provided the foundation for enterprise in education and research. The article discusses the following examples: (a) Performance dashboards that monitor and provide knowledge of the building and campus operational performance, (b) Building-integrated photovoltaics, which involved graduate assistants applying photovoltaic technologies to buildings on campus,(c) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) used by the graduate architecture curriculum to shape the use of daylight components on campus building design, and (d) Geothermal heating and cooling systems for which students and faculty collected data to help shape the development of educational outreach to the public.
In summary, this article demonstrates how higher education can work as a testing ground for developing and implementing projects that assist in greening the economy. The author states, “Everyone wins in these scenarios. These experiences prepare our students, enrich our faculty, and benefit the citizenry of our state. Moreover, by working together to be models of sustainability, our university and the Muncie community are helping not only to supply the burgeoning green workforce but also to educate the current and future patrons in that emerging green economy.” He concludes, “Most importantly, students learn the modeled values and can apply them later in life as they become lifelong adult learners.”
Research Partner