A comparison on the evaluation standards of sustainable campus between China and America

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to make a comparative study on the latest version of green campus evaluation standard between China and America: Green Campus Evaluation Standard (GB/T51356-2019) and the sustainability tracking, assessment and rating system (STARS 2.2). The differences of evaluation methods and contents are analyzed and their respective characteristics and advantages are sorted out, so as to promote the development of sustainable campus evaluation standards. Design/methodology/approach The research mainly adopts the method of comparative study, which is carried out from three dimensions, namely, the related policies development of campus construction and world university sustainable rankings; the content of evaluation standards (including evaluation methods and evaluation categories and scores); the characteristics and current application of standards. Findings There are great differences between the evaluation standards of China and America in organization and participation mode, evaluation method and content. Public engagement, energy and campus engagement are the hot spots. Buildings, energy, food and dining and investment and finance will become the focus of sustainable campus in the future. Specific optimization strategies of key points, evaluation method and content and organization and participation mode of Chinese standard are put forward. Practical implications This paper clarifies the advantages and disadvantages of the current global sustainable campus, and provides the basis for the next stage of construction policy. At the same time, it is helpful for all countries, especially China, to formulate construction guidelines that not only meet their own actual needs but also conform to the trend of global sustainable campus development. Social implications The connotation of sustainable campus is enriched, and the evaluation standards of sustainable campus are improved. The development of sustainable campus is promoted, so as to realize the sustainable development goals. Originality/value This research expands the scope of the study to the whole campus, rather than just one aspect of campus buildings. It compares the evaluation standard of green campus in China with STARS in the USA, and no longer compares leadership in energy and environmental design for schools. It discusses the campus building’s energy conservation while paying attention to the campus green consciousness, green management and green planning. Based on the relevant data currently used by STARS in the global evaluation, this paper analyzes the hot spots and shortcomings of the current global sustainable campus construction and puts forward some optimization suggestions for China’s green campus evaluation system.

Análisis de la sostenibilidad universitaria basada en el enfoque integral institucional

“…El Sistema de Seguimiento, Evaluación y Calificación de la Sostenibilidad (STARS 2.2) permite la autoevaluación y ejercicios de intercomparación entre campus universitarios (Zhu et al, 2022). Sin embargo, los indicadores requieren datos cuantitativos globales institucionales que no son parte del objeto de este estudio.…”

Readiness of sustainability course in accounting curriculum at Indonesian Higher Education

“…Furthermore, the UN SDGs maintain and substantially reinforce the commitment to HEI sustainability. Aside from that, determining sustainable campus assessment criteria in different nations must follow their national situations, which favor issue solutions [7].…”