Stockholm, Sweden, June 13, 2018.  Higher education is an exciting and growing area for sustainability, with many opportunities to reduce impact through innovation and leadership.  For this reason, top-tier universities from across the world have joined forces through the International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN), to incorporate sustainability in their teaching, research, and campus operations.

Every year the ISCN conference brings together thought leaders, practitioners and change agents for a unique opportunity to exchange perspectives and form global partnerships in pursuit of sustainability. This year, KTH Royal Institute of Technology hosted the ISCN 2018 Conference, Sustainable Development: Acting with Purpose and welcomed registrants from 120 different universities and higher-education organizations.

Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) have a unique role and responsibility for the future and for driving the development of a sustainable society. HEIs are charged with the task of fostering sustainability in the leaders of tomorrow, developing solutions and methods to address a sustainable future and ensuring that we contribute knowledge to society. HEIs must also ensure that our everyday operations and practices are consistent with a sustainable future and we work to holistically integrate sustainability into mission of the university and our daily tasks.

The aim of the 2018 ISCN Conference was to emphasize the current and future role of HEIs for sustainable development. This included discussions around education, research, collaboration and operations and facilities for sustainable development.

One of the most anticipated events at ISCN 2018 was the tenth annual ISCN Sustainable Campus Excellence Award Ceremony on June 13^th, 2018 at the KTH Royal Institute of Technology. These awards recognize universities for exceptional sustainability efforts in campus planning, integration with academics, student leadership, and exemplary building projects.

Matthew Gardner, 2018 ISCN Jury Chair, claimed: “Once again, our Campus Excellence Award entries were exceptional, therefore making it a challenge to pick the winning candidates. Each project portrayed passion and creativity; this was an excellent group to judge.”

The awards for this year included the Building and Innovative Infrastructure Award, Campus Planning and Management Systems Award, Innovative Collaboration Award, and Student Leadership Award. A brief description of each is listed below:

The winners of the 2018 ISCN Sustainable Campus Excellence Awards are:

• Building and Innovative Infrastructure Award: University of Copenhagen, Denmark
• Campus Planning and Management Systems Award: Stanford University, United States
• Innovative Collaboration Award: Freie Universität of Berlin, Germany
• Student Leadership Award: University of Cyprus, Cyprus

“It was an honor for us to award these great efforts and provide global recognition that show leadership in sustainability. The projects submitted this year were innovative, creative, and provided numerous examples of how we can further sustainability in higher education institutions.” said Zena Harris, the 2018 ISCN Executive Director.

The awards are open to any college or university worldwide that has developed outstanding planning, construction, or educational projects that promote sustainability on campus and in the surrounding community. Each year, an international panel of experts serves on the jury to review award applications and select the ISCN Award winners.

About the ISCN:

The ISCN provides a global forum for universities pursuing sustainability across their educational and research missions, and operations. ISCN Members commit to sustainability principles and report their performance according to the ISCN-GULF Sustainable Campus Charter, which was jointly developed with the World Economic Forum’s Global University Leaders Forum. Founded in 2007, the ISCN features international awards, conferences, and working groups to promote best practice exchange. More information on the ISCN and its Members can be found at https://international-sustainable-campus-network.org/

ISCN Contact:

Heather Vickery
ISCN Network Relations Manager
c/o Sustainserv, Inc.
31 State Street, 10^th floor
Boston, MA 02109
[email protected]
+1-617-330-5001