Module 2: Applying the SDGs in Campus Life

Chapter 1: Introduction

What are the SDGs?

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 global goals adopted by the United Nations, aimed at addressing urgent social, environmental, and economic challenges by 2030. These goals range from ending poverty and improving education to combating climate change and protecting ecosystems. In simple terms, the SDGs provide a blueprint for a better and more sustainable future for everyone.

SDGs and Campus Life

Why bring SDGs to campus? Universities and colleges are like small communities – they consume resources, produce waste, and bring together people from diverse backgrounds. This makes campuses ideal places to practice sustainability and social responsibility. By applying the SDGs in campus life, students and staff can make positive changes in areas like energy use, waste reduction, equality, and community engagement. For example, a campus recycling program ties into SDG12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and a student wellness initiative supports SDG3 (Good Health and Well-being). Every action, big or small, can contribute to these global goals.

Module Overview

In Module 2: Applying the SDGs in Campus Life, you will explore how the SDGs can be put into practice in a university setting. We’ll start with some inspiring videos of campuses taking action, then dive into real case studies focusing on environmental initiatives (Unit A) and social inclusion efforts (Unit B). You will also participate in a group project (Unit C) to create your own Campus SDG Action Plan, allowing you to apply what you learn. By the end of this module, you should feel empowered to make your campus more sustainable and inclusive, one step at a time!

 

Chapter 2: Featured Videos: Campus SDGs in Action

Video 1: How The University of Manchester is Tackling the UN SDGs

This video showcases how a leading university addresses multiple SDGs through its research, campus operations, and community projects. University of Manchester highlights initiatives from climate action to quality education, demonstrating a comprehensive commitment to sustainability. Watch how they integrate all 17 goals into campus life, inspiring students to contribute.

Video 2: Students and Sustainability at Colorado State University

In this student-produced clip, you’ll see several student-led sustainability projects at CSU. The video features hands-on initiatives like community gardens, solar panels on dorms, and zero-waste events. It’s a great example of how students can take the lead in making their campus greener. After watching, think about which SDGs these projects align with (hint: Climate Action, Sustainable Cities, Responsible Consumption and more).

 

Video 3: Diversity and Inclusion in College

This video explores the experiences of students at the University of Kansas in creating an inclusive campus environment. It features real student perspectives on diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts at their college. You’ll hear how initiatives like cultural clubs, accessible facilities, and supportive campus policies help everyone feel welcome. This story highlights SDGs related to Reduced Inequalities (SDG10) and Gender Equality (SDG5) in a campus context.

 

Chapter 3: Unit A: Environmental Case Studies

Sustainable campuses benefit both people and the planet. In this unit, we look at how universities are tackling environmental challenges. Each case study below shows a different aspect of environmental sustainability on campus, aligned with relevant SDGs. These real-world examples illustrate how campuses can reduce their environmental footprint and serve as living laboratories for sustainability.

Case Study 1: Zero Waste Initiative – UC Berkeley’s Chou Hall

One inspiring example of campus sustainability is Chou Hall at UC Berkeley, which achieved TRUE Zero Waste certification. Over the course of a year, over 90% of the building’s waste was diverted away from landfills through aggressive recycling and composting programs. Students and staff worked together to sort waste properly, eliminate single-use plastics, and educate the community about waste reduction. This effort not only kept tons of garbage out of the landfill (supporting SDG12: Responsible Consumption & Production), but also created a culture of sustainability on campus. Chou Hall’s success is now a model for other buildings to follow.

Case Study 2: Clean Energy on Campus – Solar Power at ASU

Arizona State University (ASU) has turned its sunny weather into a sustainability advantage by installing solar panels across its campuses. With more than 24 megawatts of solar capacity installed on rooftops and parking structures, ASU generates a significant portion of its electricity from the sun. This large-scale adoption of renewable energy greatly reduces carbon emissions and utility costs for the university. It’s a practical demonstration of SDG7: Affordable and Clean Energy, as well as SDG13: Climate Action. Students benefit, too – many classes use the solar installations as a learning tool, giving future engineers and scientists hands-on experience with clean energy technology.

Case Study 3: Green Transportation – Bike & Transit Programs

Reducing car traffic is another way campuses help the environment. University X (a representative example) introduced a campus-wide bike-share program and free public transit passes for students and staff. As a result, more people opted to bike or take the bus instead of driving to campus. Within a year, the university saw a notable decrease in parking lot congestion and greenhouse gas emissions. Encouraging cycling and public transit supports SDG11: Sustainable Cities and Communities by cutting pollution and making the campus more livable. It also promotes healthier lifestyles (biking and walking contribute to SDG3: Good Health and Well-being). This example shows that even transportation policies can make a big difference in campus sustainability.

 

Chapter 4: Unit B: Social Inclusion Examples

A truly sustainable campus addresses people as much as the planet. In this unit, we focus on social inclusion – ensuring that campus life is equitable, diverse, and supportive for all. The following examples highlight how universities promote inclusivity and well-being, aligning with SDGs that focus on people and communities. These initiatives range from celebrating diversity to supporting community and student health.

Example 1: Campus Diversity & Inclusion Programs

Many universities have dedicated offices or centers for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) that foster a welcoming environment for all students. For instance, a campus might hold an annual Global Cultures Week featuring multicultural festivals, international food fairs, and performances by student groups. Such events celebrate different ethnicities, religions, and backgrounds, helping students learn from each other. Additionally, workshops on topics like unconscious bias or allyship training educate the campus community on respecting differences. These efforts reflect the spirit of SDG10: Reduced Inequalities and SDG5: Gender Equality by ensuring everyone – regardless of gender, race, or background – feels valued and included on campus.

Example 2: Community Engagement and Service Learning

Social sustainability often extends beyond the campus gates. Many colleges encourage students to get involved in the local community through service learning projects and volunteer programs. For example, students might volunteer as tutors at nearby schools, organize a campus food drive to support local food banks (addressing hunger and poverty), or collaborate with city officials on neighborhood clean-ups. One university program paired college mentors with at-risk youth in the community, improving the kids’ academic performance (contributing to SDG4: Quality Education). Such outreach not only helps the community (supporting SDG11: Sustainable Communities and SDG1: No Poverty), but also enriches students’ education. By applying their skills to real-world challenges, students develop empathy, leadership, and a sense of social responsibility.

Example 3: Student Well-being and Mental Health Initiatives

An inclusive campus cares about the well-being of its members. Mental health and wellness programs have become a priority at many schools, recognizing that students learn best when they are healthy and supported. Universities often provide free or low-cost counseling services, stress management workshops, peer support groups, and recreational activities to help students cope with challenges. Some campuses host events like Mental Health Awareness Week or a "Wellness Day" with activities like yoga, meditation, and seminars on work-life balance. By investing in mental health (aligned with SDG3: Good Health and Well-being), colleges ensure that all students – including those struggling with stress, anxiety, or other issues – have access to help and can thrive in their studies. A supportive environment where it’s okay to ask for help makes the campus more inclusive for everyone.

 

Chapter 5: Unit C: Group Project – Campus SDG Action Plan

It’s time to put ideas into action! In this unit, you will work with a team to develop a Campus SDG Action Plan. This project is a chance to apply what you’ve learned about sustainability and inclusion to a real situation at your university. You’ll identify a specific challenge on campus and come up with a plan to address it in a way that advances one or more SDGs. Think of it as designing your own mini–SDG initiative for your campus! This could be an environmental project (like improving recycling or saving energy) or a social project (like promoting mental health or accessibility) – or a mix of both. Be creative and practical.

Project Objectives

• Identify a sustainability or social inclusion issue on campus that you and your team care about.

• Connect that issue to relevant SDGs (for example, choosing a project on reducing food waste ties into SDG12).

• Develop a realistic action plan to tackle the issue, with specific steps and solutions.

• Demonstrate teamwork, problem-solving, and an understanding of how global goals can be advanced locally.

By the end of this project, you should have a clear plan that could make a positive difference on campus and a deeper understanding of how the SDGs can guide local action.

Instructions: Steps to Follow

1. Form Your Team: Gather in groups of around 3–5 students (your instructor may assign teams). Successful sustainability projects often require collaboration, so make sure to involve everyone and value different ideas in your group.

2. Select a Focus Area: Discuss with your team and choose one campus issue or area for improvement. It could be something environmental (energy use, waste, water, green spaces) or social (inclusivity, student health, community engagement). Identify which SDG(s) relate to your chosen issue. For example, a recycling project links to SDG12, or a mental health initiative links to SDG3.

3. Research the Current Situation: Investigate how the issue currently stands on campus. Gather some facts or data if possible – for instance, find out current recycling rates, energy bills, or survey students about the issue. Also look at what efforts (if any) are already in place by the university or student groups. Understanding the baseline will help you propose effective solutions.

4. Brainstorm and Develop Solutions: Now get creative! Brainstorm a list of possible actions or solutions your team could implement or propose. Then, evaluate your ideas and decide on a set of practical actions to include in your plan. For each proposed action, consider details like who would be involved, what resources are needed, and any challenges you might face. Aim for solutions that are realistic for your campus but also innovative enough to make a difference.

5. Create the Action Plan Document: Organize your findings and ideas into a clear action plan. This should include: an Introduction (defining the problem and why it matters), Goals (what you aim to achieve, tied to SDGs), Proposed Actions (the steps or initiatives you plan, with details), and Expected Outcomes (what results you anticipate, and how you will measure success). You might also add a timeline for implementation and a section on required resources or support. Make sure your plan is easy to follow and persuasive – you want readers (or campus leaders) to see the value in your ideas!

6. Share Your Plan: Finally, prepare to present your action plan to the class (and possibly to campus stakeholders). You could create a short slideshow, a poster, or any visual aid to help explain your project. Each team will share what issue you tackled, what solutions you propose, and how it ties into the SDGs. This is a chance to showcase your work, so be clear and enthusiastic. Who knows – your idea might even catch on in real life!

Deliverables

By the end of Unit C, each group should submit or present the following:

• Written Action Plan: A concise report or proposal document detailing your project. It should cover the problem you addressed, the SDG context, your proposed actions, and expected outcomes. (Aim to make it well-organized and informative, as if you were pitching it to campus officials.)

• Presentation or Poster: A brief presentation to the class (or a poster) that summarizes your action plan. This should highlight the key points and make a compelling case for why your project matters. Visuals, slides, or even a prototype (if applicable) can help illustrate your ideas.

Working on this project is meant to be a fun and practical learning experience. Tip: Don’t hesitate to think outside the box, and remember to apply the knowledge from the videos and case studies you’ve seen. Good luck, and enjoy the process of creating your Campus SDG Action Plan!

 

Chapter 6: Project Evaluation Rubric

Your Campus SDG Action Plan will be evaluated based on several criteria to ensure a fair and comprehensive assessment. Make sure your project touches on each of these aspects:

• Relevance to SDGs (20%) – How clearly does your project align with one or more of the Sustainable Development Goals? Did you explicitly connect your campus issue and solutions to the appropriate SDG targets or themes? A top score in this area means the project demonstrates a strong understanding of the SDGs and effectively links global goals to local action.

• Analysis & Research (20%) – How well did you research the current situation and justify the need for your project? High-quality projects will include some data or evidence (even if small-scale) about the problem on campus, and they will discuss any existing efforts. This shows you’ve done your homework and are addressing a real gap or opportunity with informed reasoning.

• Action Plan Quality (20%) – This looks at the feasibility and clarity of your proposed solution. Are the actions in your plan specific and achievable? Is it clear what you want to do and how you will do it? A strong action plan will have well-structured steps, clear responsibilities, and a sense of timeline or priorities. Essentially, could your plan realistically be implemented on campus?

• Creativity & Impact (20%) – How innovative or creative are your ideas, and what potential impact could they have? We encourage you to think creatively – projects that bring fresh ideas or approaches to campus challenges will stand out. Also, consider the depth of impact: will your plan significantly improve sustainability or inclusion on campus if carried out? The best projects are both original and impactful, even if they start on a small scale.

• Teamwork & Presentation (20%) – This covers both how you worked as a team and how you present your project. Effective teamwork might be reflected in a well-coordinated presentation or a project where multiple perspectives are integrated smoothly. During your presentation (or in your written report), we’ll look for clarity, enthusiasm, and professionalism. Did the team communicate their ideas well? Did everyone contribute? A polished, engaging presentation and evidence of good collaboration will earn a high score here.

Note: Each criterion is equally important, and together they add up to 100% of the project grade. Be sure to address all these areas as you work on your action plan. If you have questions about what any of the criteria mean, just ask your instructor for guidance.

Good luck with your project, and remember – the ultimate goal is not just a grade, but to learn how you can make your campus (and the world) a better place through the SDGs! Enjoy the challenge and have fun collaborating with your teammates.