Sustainable products provide benefits to the population without diminishing public health or any segment of the environment during the product life cycle, from accumulation of the raw materials to the final disposal of all the parts.

Soybeans are the most versatile of commonly produced crops. Soy oil and other by-products have been used as ingredients in human and animal food, environmentally friendly bio-diesel fuel, bio-composites for construction, adhesives, carpet, upholstery, industrial lubricants, solvents and cleaners. Soy components are also being used in coolers, refrigerators, auto interiors and even footwear.

Colleges and universities are often on the leading edge of social and environmental initiatives. Today sustainability is a major area of focus on campuses and many breakthroughs have burst forth from all around the country.

Universities have been at the forefront of sustainability initiatives for decades. Academics were among the first to recognize the damage that human involvement imposes on our planet and the potential devastating impact of pollution and the depletion of resources on future generations.

“Going green” should be a key objective for any company. A few of the rewards for embracing sustainability include a positive public image, cost savings and potential competitive advantage. Less tangible, but certainly real, is the heightened morale and sense of accomplishment that employees enjoy while participating in green projects. A culture of sustainability is important to the success of any initiative.

Worldwide, infrastructure is constantly expanding to support our growing population. Cities are constantly paving new roads and resurfacing old roads to accommodate increased vehicle traffic.

Without preventative care, asphalt parking lots will begin to crack and show age after a few years, especially when exposed to severe weather, heavy traffic, and overdoses of harsh sunlight. Planned preventative maintenance keeps parking lots looking great and saves money over the long haul by preserving the underlying substrate, thus delaying the costly capital expenditure associated with laying new asphalt.

The United Nations recognizes three pillars of sustainability: economic development, social equity, and environmental protection. One of the major hurdles for implementing sustainable practices are the perceived costs involved. Switching to environmentally positive fuel sources, improved management of toxic emissions, waste management and recycling, and the reduction of water usage typically requires a significant investment.

Full Commitment from University Administration

An impactful Sustainability Policy for any organization requires a strong commitment from top management. In a university or college environment, administrators and faculty must position themselves to support and mentor the execution of any strategic direction set by the policy.

Grants are important tools for implementing sustainability strategies. Naturally the most common grant categories grab the most attention and receive the most applications. Some others are important, yet less conspicuous. The United States Government is the biggest grantor of all, allocating over $4 billion in grants for environmental and sustainable projects alone.