Every college and university claims to be striving to be sustainable.  Two significant obstacles stand in the way:  too much space and ineffective management practices.

The most sustainable building is the one that is never built.  Unfortunately, most institutions continue to build space they don’t need and can’t afford.  Even if these buildings are at the cutting edge of sustainable design, institutions are increasing their carbon footprint problem.  Having more bricks than necessary is expensive, regardless of how good those bricks are.

Everyone wants more space, but only occasionally is that appropriate and sustainable.  Two articles in the SCUP journal Planning for Higher Education provide insight into these dynamics.  Space and Power in the Ivory Tower, by Sandra Blanchette, identifies the challenges in achieving effective space management in the political milieu of the university.  New Metrics for the New Normal, by Gregory Janks, Mel Lockhart and Alan Travis, identifies the limitations of current space allocation guidelines.  Together they describe an environment with inadequate tools and ineffective decision-making. Continue reading →