Campus Climate Lab Researcher Wiley Hundertmark Named AASHE Sustainability Award Finalist
November 9 – The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) announced “Influence of Landscape Management Practices on Urban Greenhouse Gas Budgets”, with first author Wiley Hundertmark (CAS’20), as a finalist for a 2021 AASHE Sustainability Award in the campus sustainability research category, recognizing outstanding scholarship in higher education. Hundertmark is the first student in BU’s history to be named a finalist for an AASHE Sustainability Award.
This award provides global recognition to the individuals and organizations leading the higher education sustainability movement. With the help of volunteer judges, this program raises the visibility of high-impact projects, pioneering research, and student leadership that helps to disseminate innovations and inspire continued progress toward environmental, social and economic health.
The outstanding individuals and institutions recognized as finalists were selected based on overall impact, innovation, stakeholder involvement, clarity and other criteria specific to each award category. Winners will be celebrated during a virtual awards ceremony on Thursday, Dec. 9 at noon Eastern.
“Influence of Landscape Management Practices on Urban Greenhouse Gas Budgets” was produced by a Campus Climate Lab team overseen by professors Lucy Hutyra (Earth & Environment, CAS) and Pamela Templer (Biology, CAS). The research investigated how much biological fluxes contribute to the campus CO2 emissions. Hundertmark et. al. found that BU’s grounds were actually a source of carbon, rather than a sink. The research team then collaborated with Facilities Management & Operations to pilot landscape management changes across BU’s campuses.
“The higher education sustainability community continues to show themselves as leaders in the global sustainability movement. This is never more evident than through the many entries received for the AASHE Sustainability Awards,” said Executive Director Meghan Fay Zahniser. “I am proud to recognize the innovation and leadership demonstrated by this year’s finalists.”
To learn more about Wiley’s research, watch this BU Today video.