University of Vermont Housing: Motivations Behind Institutional Sustainability Transitions
Stommel, Noah JB
Stommel, Noah JB
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Abstract
This thesis surveys the motivating factors behind transitions towards sustainability in the University of Vermont’s student housing. In conducting this research, I take into consideration the existing perspectives between different stakeholder groups affected by student housing transitions in Burlington. The main stakeholder groups were identified as students of the University of Vermont, faculty and staff at the university, community members living in neighborhoods surrounding the university campus, City Council members serving the City of Burlington, and landlords who own properties where students currently reside off-campus. These groups were targeted with unique surveys which were used to identify perspectives associated with the construction of an environmentally friendly dormitory on a brownfield in Burlington. The objective of my research is to highlight social trends in support of increased investment in institutional sustainability improvements to mitigate climate change at UVM. This project has the potential to build an understanding of housing relationships between UVM and Burlington, and offers insights into the pathways towards establishing sustainable housing environments for UVM students. This is especially important in the context of the University of Vermont, which prizes its reputation as a “green” university at the forefront of institutional environmental innovation. After survey data was collected, it was important to acknowledge this gathered information as preliminary, with many more perspectives still to be uncovered and large proportions of stakeholder groups left to be investigated.
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2020-01-01