As editor of the AASHE Bulletin, I am lucky to be able to highlight the positive steps toward sustainability that campuses make each week. The number of Bulletin submissions that detail higher education sustainability efforts is encouraging, in particular the steadily growing number of green building stories. In 2007, the Bulletin featured 60 green campus buildings that were planned or certified. In 2008, that number more than doubled with the planning, opening or green certification of 130 green campus buildings reported in the Bulletin. In 2009, another 165 eco-friendly campus structures were covered as opening or receiving green certification.
The green building social media community Green Building Pro dedicated the August issue of itsGreen Building Journalto sustainable schools. AASHE is featured in the issue with the article, A Look at the Growing Trend of Green Building in Higher Education. From student advocacy to the renovation of crumbling campus structures, the piece looks at emerging trends within campus green building. While green building often conjures up images of shiny new structures, campuses are also looking for ways to green without adding to campus square footage. The article features interviews with The Chronicle of Higher Education Senior Reporter Scott Carlson, U.S. Green Building Council Higher Education Sector Manager Jaime Van Mourik, and Emory University's Director of Sustainability Initiatives Ciannat Howard.