University of Iowa
PAE-20: Inter-Campus Collaboration on Sustainability

The Iowa Board of Regents Sustainability Initiative, a set of sustainability guidelines, was developed in collaboration with Iowa State University, University of Northern Iowa and the University of Iowa. Science faculty and research staff at Iowa universities and colleges collaborate on findings regarding climate change in Iowa. For instance, scientists came together to serve on the Iowa Climate Change Advisory Council, which was responsible for providing policy options for reducing statewide greenhouse gases, while also considering the cost-effectiveness of different scenarios. http://www.iowadnr.gov/Environment/ClimateChange/ClimateChangeAdvisoryCo.aspx Scientists at Iowa's colleges and universities have collaborated to issue statements on the impacts of climate change in Iowa: http://www.cgrer.uiowa.edu/images/main_slideshow/ICS_drought2012FINAL.pdf In addition, University of Iowa, Iowa State University and University of Northern Iowa partnered to develop Iowa’s Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR), aimed at building research capacity and increasing competitiveness for the State of Iowa through investments in infrastructure and human capital. EPSCoR provides support for key research areas at Iowa’s Regents Institutions while establishing partnerships with the state’s community colleges, private colleges, school districts, government agencies and industries. The ultimate goal is to stimulate lasting research infrastructure improvements for the State of Iowa. The many institutes and centers located at the University of Iowa also include affiliate appointments from other colleges and universities, both in and outside of Iowa. The UI is also an active participant in the Committee on Institutional Cooperation which promotes collaborative research among Big Ten universities and the University of Chicago. http://www.cic.net/home

Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education Upper Midwest Association for Campus Sustainability National Association of College and University Business Officers Big Ten & Friends Environmental Stewards APPA Iowa Clean Cities Coalition Center on Sustainable Communities Iowa Bicycle Coalition EPA Game Day Challenge/Waste Wise Recyclemania

The UI Office of Sustainability is an member of the Big Ten and Friends Environmental Stewards group which meets at least twice a year to present campus sustainability best practices. The UI Biomass Planning Partnership includes representation from Iowa State University, University of Northern Iowa and other Iowa schools. Data from this initiative is shared with many schools and organizations.