Understanding the Limits of Assessing Sustainability at Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Ecuador, While Reporting for a North American System

Autor/inn/en	Velasco, Alexandra; Valencia, Melanie; Morrow, Samantha; Ochoa-Herrera, Valeria
Titel	Understanding the Limits of Assessing Sustainability at Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Ecuador, While Reporting for a North American System
Quelle	In: International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, 19 (2018) 4, S.721-738 (18 Seiten)Infoseite zur Zeitschrift PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	1467-6370
DOI	10.1108/IJSHE-04-2017-0054
Schlagwörter	Sustainability; Foreign Countries; Evaluation Criteria; Universities; Benchmarking; Evaluation Methods; Institutional Evaluation; Pilot Projects; Feedback (Response); Improvement; Correlation; Geographic Location; Comparative Analysis; Measurement; Case Studies; Energy Conservation; Wastes; Transportation; Purchasing; Social Responsibility; School Buildings; Climate; College Housing; Barriers; Quality of Life; Ecuador + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Nachhaltigkeit; Ausland; University; Universität; Pilot project; Modellversuch; Pilotprojekt; Qualitätssteigerung; Korrelation; Messverfahren; Case study; Fallstudie; Case Study; Energieerhaltung; Energiespeicherung; Gargabe; Abfall; Verkehrswesen; Beschaffungswesen; Kauf; Soziale Verantwortung; School building; Schulgebäude; Klima; Studentenunterkunft; Lebensqualität
Abstract	Purpose: Universidad San Francisco de Quito, USFQ, completed an assessment study to understand its performance in sustainability in 2012. This study aims to recognize the limitations of applying a North American rating system considering relevant criteria to a South American university and to emphasize the importance and lack of benchmarks available in the region. Design/methodology/approach: Methodology used for this study is based on the Sustainability Tracking Assessment Rating System (STARS) by AASHE. In December 2013, USFQ joined the Pilot Program that included publicly documenting efforts, sharing feedback and making suggestions for system improvements. Findings: Data collected by USFQ in 2012 and 2013 illustrate how the status of USFQ as a non-residential, teaching university in Ecuador in a developing country had several challenges while using an evaluation system established for universities within a North American system. The limits of assessing sustainability in South America are associated to its geographical location, the number of students and staff that commute to University and the lack of environmental services and certifications available in Ecuador. There are applicability issues with the use of STARS without performance reports from regional peers that can guide the development of relevant benchmarks for future comparability. Originality/value: Little research has been conducted in the assessment and tracking of sustainability within universities in South America. This paper is one of the first to address the applicability of a North American self-reporting tool to a South American university. (As Provided).
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Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2020/1/01