Theory and Practice of Sustainability in Higher Education - From the Perspective of Green University

摘要

Higher education in China has been growing rapidly in recent years. Sustainability in higher education has also achieved much attention. The concept of green university was proposed more than 10 years ago in China. It has received the positive response from colleges and universities, which also achieved further development in theoretical research and practice. The essence of building green university that is to build and operate a university in a way of sustainable development has been widely recognized. The theoretical analysis of the developments, formation of the concept and a field study at the campuses of Shandong University was carried out. The results show that many initiatives have been adopted at Shandong University, such as energy-saving and water-saving measures, waste management, good opportunity for students and the sustainably oriented courses. In order to accelerate the further development of green university, a coordination committee, special fund and training for new staff and the first year students are important and necessary. The theoretical and practical analysis of green university reflects the efforts for a more sustainable higher education in China.