Online Visibility of Sustainability Programs at UNC System Universities and North Carolina Community Colleges: A Spatial Analysis Approach

Keywords: Sustainability, HBCU, Higher Education, spatial, North Carolina
Abstract Type: Poster Abstract

Abstract

Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) sustainability efforts play a crucial role in fostering a sustainable attitude and building a sustainable ecosystem within communities. Previous studies have looked at the sustainability efforts and initiatives of various higher education institutions and their impact on the transformation of global sustainability. However, no literature is currently available on the qualitative or quantitative heterogeneity of sustainability efforts among all public higher education institutions in North Carolina (NC). To comprehend the spatial pattern of HEI’s sustainability efforts, this study aimed to survey, evaluate, and compare the heterogeneity in sustainability efforts in all NC’s public higher education institutions with data available in the public online domain. In addition, the study will examine how different demographics and socioeconomic factors contributes to their spatial variability. Eventually, the best practices will be determined for North Carolina Central University (NCCU), a historically black college/university (HBCU) based in Durham, North Carolina, to share sustainability programs online across departments. At NCCU, current sustainability initiatives span academic departments (such as the School of Business, Family and Consumer Sciences, Department of Environmental, Earth and Geospatial Sciences), student organizations (such as the Sustainable Garden Club and Climate Corps), research programs, and other departments (Transportation, Facilities, Food Service). However, the outcomes of these efforts are not routinely cataloged and presented to the institution or the general public. Finally, we will use ArcGIS Pro to develop and publish online dashboards and storymaps that compile the sustainability efforts and initiatives at the NCCU campus.