Sustainability in higher education continues to be an emerging and dynamic field, and, to some, unexplored terrain. Thus, the sharing of knowledge and information is a compelling and propelling force to the higher education sustainability movement, which continues to gain momentum.

In order to emphasize and recognize the institutions that are willing to go above and beyond to not only share their successes but also the lessons they learned during the journey in spite of the end result being different of what was desired, AASHE has created the “Oops” Award for Honest Disclosure of Lessons Learned, as part of the Awards Program (which also includes awards for students, institutions, green building and faculty achievements).

Oftentimes, stories of projects that don’t go as planned can be really helpful, but campuses can be hesitant to tell such stories. The transition towards sustainability requires a willingness to try new things and inevitably this involves some mistakes. Campuses willing to go out on a limb to try something new deserve credit and recognition.

The “Oops!” Award for Honest Disclosure of Lessons Learned, recognizes the best case study of a project that did not go as planned and that offers important lessons from which others can learn. This is an opportunity for your institution to be recognized for disclosing its process for implementing a given sustainability initiative, help peer institutions avoid or prevent similar obstacles, and encourage them to be conversational about their own methods as well.

Winners of the award will receive a complimentary conference pass to AASHE 2011 where the award will be presented. In addition, the winner of this year's award will be featured in Sustainability: The Journal of Record and invited to a VIP reception during the AASHE 2011 conference

To apply, please fill out the application form found here by June 17, 2011.

If you have any questions / comments, please email Niles Barnes at niles@aashe.org.