Sustainable Assessment Tools for Higher Education Institutions: Developing Two-Hierarchy Tools for China

Journal article (2023)

Authors

Yawei Du Du Chinese Academy of Sciences
Qing Ye Hebei University of Technology
Hongjiang Liu Tianjin University
Yuting Wu Tianjin University
F. Wang Network Architectures and Services - EEMCS
Research Group
Network Architectures and Services (EEMCS) (TU Delft)
Copyright: © 2023 Yawei Du Du, Qing Ye, Hongjiang Liu, Yuting Wu, F. Wang
DOI
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https://doi.org/10.3390/su151511551
Campus sustainability Green campuses Higher education institution Sustainable assessment tools Two-hierarchy tools
More Info
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Published Date

2023

Language

English

Faculty

Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science

Department

Quantum & Computer Engineering

Research Group

Network Architectures and Services

Abstract

Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) play an increasingly significant role in the practice of sustainability. For HEIs in their early stages of sustainability, they are still in need of sustainable assessment tools (SATs) that are suitable for their local context and also lead international sustainable development. The purpose of this paper is to develop a two-hierarchy sustainability assessment tool (THSus) for Chinese higher education institutions, including a quick analysis tool (QAT) and an in-depth benchmarking tool (IBT). The QAT provided a general overview of campus sustainability for HEIs to initiate initial actions and screen cases for the IBT. The IBT then provides more targeted analysis to plan long-term strategic changes. Based on the analysis of HEI cases, a 34-person Chinese research team was enlisted to discuss and select characteristics to formulate THSus. Indicators and weightings were developed according to the tool’s purpose and applied to 15 cases to test its effectiveness. Results showed that THSus is suitable for systematically analyzing campus issues, particularly in research areas. It offers a regional solution for Chinese campuses that is adaptable and considers the comprehensive core of sustainability.