<p> A rating system known as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Neighborhood Development, LEED-ND, was developed in 2007 to assess sustainability at the neighborhood scale. Although at this time LEED for buildings is a well-known and well-established program in the United States, LEED for Neighborhood Development is less widely recognized since it was developed in 2007 as compared to LEED for buildings. LEED-ND requires that certified developments meet credit areas in three main categories: a) smart location and linkage (SLL), b) neighborhood pattern and design (NPD), and c) green infrastructure and buildings (GIB). LEED-ND goes above and beyond singularly requiring sustainable mobility, traditional neighborhood design, or green building; rather, it incorporates the above three categories into a single rating system. To date, prior LEED rating systems (New Construction and Existing Buildings) have focused on the building scale, as have most critiques of such metrics. Few authors have ventured to analyze the neighborhood rating system with the exception of Garde (2009) and Ewing et al. (2013) and Sharifi and Murayama (2013), who have only used only secondary scorecard data and other aggregated data to assess the success or predict outcomes of LEED-ND neighborhoods. No post-occupancy studies have been conducted to date that take into consideration the resident&rsquo;s perception and stated preferences. Additionally, no studies have examined in detail the provision of affordable housing within LEED-ND developments. </p><p> LEED-ND has been rapidly adopted as the de-facto green neighborhood standard and is now used to measure the sustainability of neighborhood design around the world. Like the previous LEED green building rating systems, LEED-ND is heavily reliant on physical &amp; environmental design criteria (measures such as compact urban form and transit accessibility), and is based on an expert-generated point system. LEED-ND thus excels in measuring &lsquo;environmental sustainability&rsquo; through its stringent environmental performance criteria. However, it fails to critically address important livability factors&mdash;namely social and economic factors&mdash;and there has not been a critical examination of how to properly weigh the various factors in response to user preferences. Scholars have emphasized that the major weakness of sustainable development agendas, emphasizing that although assessment of <i>environmental</i> sustainability is quite thorough, often sustainable development projects fail to adequately address or operationalize social and economic sustainability. Ultimately, creating metrics for <i>social</i> and <i>economic </i> sustainability is more complicated than developing metrics for environmental sustainability, which can be reduced to direct built environment performance measures. At the neighborhood scale, socio-cultural and socio-economic concerns&mdash;such as affordable housing&mdash;become magnified for residents. Accordingly, this dissertation argues that socio-cultural and socio-economic factors and user preferences require a more significant foothold in neighborhood scale rating systems, if such systems purport to fully support all three tiers of sustainability: social, economic and environmental (Wheeler 2004). Specifically, this study examines affordable housing as a proxy for social equity and social sustainability in LEED-ND neighborhoods, and determines the extent to which principles of social sustainability are being upheld. </p><p> This dissertation advances the emerging field of sustainable neighborhood rating systems, by illustrating and evaluating a significant gap in current sustainable neighborhood evaluation systems. Cutting across planning, landscape architecture, architecture, psychology and sociology in both Canada and the US, the study critically questions the LEED-ND rating system as the epitome of sustainable development. This dissertation illustrates that in order to be truly sustainable, developments must consider social-cultural and socio-economic livability factors alongside environmental factors, including post-occupancy evaluation. This dissertation also asks the question if social equity and affordability issues can be singularly addressed by a voluntary, market-based rating system, or if a broader range of strategies is needed to ensure the provision of affordable housing in new sustainable developments. Ultimately, this study provides recommendations to improve the rating system, with a specific focus on affordable housing.</p>

Sustainability has become a universal goal stated by communities and public agencies in visioning their future. However, when it comes to implementing sustainability, stakeholders often confront all sorts of barriers, ranging from different metrics of performance measures to competing local or agency-specific interests. This professional report (PR) introduces a tool developed through the Sustainable Places Project (SPP) for the Austin, TX region for collective visioning and practicing of sustainable development. SPP received a grant support from the federal program "the Partnership for Sustainable Communities", which was initiated jointly by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, Department of Transportation, and Environmental Protection Agency in 2009. Under SPP, the Capital Area Texas Sustainability (CATS) Consortium was formed. "Envision Tomorrow plus for Austin"(ET+Austin) is developed as both an analytical tool and a platform for public dialogue among CATS partners. The PR focuses on the development of transportation modules within ET+Austin. It VI first introduces the local setting in which SPP originated. Following the introduction, the PR describes a general policy context concerning sustainability and sustainable transportation. Next, it provides a review of the empirical and analytical context in which the transportation modules of ET+Austin are structured and built. The basis that transportation indicators are selected and grouped is presented in the subsequent section. The implementation of ET+Austin Transportation is illustrated through scenario analyses for four SPP demo sites from four communities in the region; they are Hutto, Elgin, Dripping Spring and Lorkhart. The PR ends with a brief summary and discussion of directions for tool improvements. / text

<p> With increasing uncertainty regarding the health of natural ecosystems susceptible to climate change, a growing and diversifying human population is continuing to strain the sustainability of natural resources. How is society to prepare a future citizenry in the age of information and technology to lead though unforeseen sustainability challenges while still using education methods designed for the age of industrialization? In this dissertation, the author proposes a dramatic shift in the intent of curriculum design, arguing to achieve a society competent in sustainability, the traditional industrial model of education must be replaced with models derived from natural systems. The research tests a sustainability curriculum design that mimics the strength of living systems and organic molecular structure, an example of biomimicry. Placing assessment emphasis on competency relationships and not solely assignment completion, students utilized digital technology and communication to develop the emerging 21st century skill of digital media literacy. Following an extensive literature review of voices in critical pedagogy, systems theory, sustainable design, sustainability education and communication, the researcher presents a mixed methodology approach to triangulate data collected from students. Comprised of rubric assessment, student interviews and phenomenological student blogging, the data mapped each student's "molecule" representing their individual sustainability systems thinking. After further data analysis of student academic success and positive experience, the molecular model gives way to a heightened model mimicking cellular structure. The research offers a new tool and evidence to the field of sustainability education while challenging educators to adopt living systems into their own instructional designs.</p>

No description available.

Much contemporary research and theory on marriage focuses on observable patterns of interactions and tries to delineate sequential patterns of behavior that differentiate distressed from non-distressed couples. There is, however, a notable lack of theorizing about the data beyond “theories” that offer little more than empirical generalizations. In their latest Sourcebook (2004), The National Council on Family Relations recognizes the need to develop broader integrative frameworks to guide research in this field. This theoretical dissertation questions some of the dominant assumptions and theoretical orientations in the field of marriage research and explores how we might rethink how contemporary marriage and its goods are conceptualized as part of the search for more sustainable marriage and family policies and practices. Questions about marriage are situated in a larger socio-cultural and historical perspective. Section One identifies ethical ideals and moral goods associated with a vii number of the prominent traditional epochs in Western culture prior to the Enlightenment. Section Two explores the changes in marriage brought about by the transition from a traditional, hierarchical worldview to the modern outlook that prioritizes the inherent dignity and rights of individuals that frequently need to be defended against the tradition. Section Three develops a theoretical framework for dealing with a seemingly intractable dilemma. On one hand, many continue to feel that marriage and family life incorporate genuine goods that should be preserved, in some form, for their own sake and the larger good. On the other hand, traditional ideals appear riddled with elements of inequality and irrational authority that make them unacceptable in a modern liberal democracy. It is argued that many of the proposed ways for overcoming or coping with this dilemma are inadequate. Finally, the dissertation argues that hermeneutic and dialogical approaches to understanding human action may offer resources for making some real headway in resolving these dilemmas. These approaches complement one another and suggest what might be a credible way “beyond objectivism and relativism” (Bernstein, 1983) that allows us to affirm certain substantive goods of marriage and family life that carry real weight but also might be found acceptable in a post-traditional, postmodern world.Much contemporary research and theory on marriage focuses on observable patterns of interactions and tries to delineate sequential patterns of behavior that differentiate distressed from non-distressed couples. There is, however, a notable lack of theorizing about the data beyond “theories” that offer little more than empirical generalizations. In their latest Sourcebook (2004), The National Council on Family Relations recognizes the need to develop broader integrative frameworks to guide research in this field. This theoretical dissertation questions some of the dominant assumptions and theoretical orientations in the field of marriage research and explores how we might rethink how contemporary marriage and its goods are conceptualized as part of the search for more sustainable marriage and family policies and practices. Questions about marriage are situated in a larger socio-cultural and historical perspective. Section One identifies ethical ideals and moral goods associated with a vii number of the prominent traditional epochs in Western culture prior to the Enlightenment. Section Two explores the changes in marriage brought about by the transition from a traditional, hierarchical worldview to the modern outlook that prioritizes the inherent dignity and rights of individuals that frequently need to be defended against the tradition. Section Three develops a theoretical framework for dealing with a seemingly intractable dilemma. On one hand, many continue to feel that marriage and family life incorporate genuine goods that should be preserved, in some form, for their own sake and the larger good. On the other hand, traditional ideals appear riddled with elements of inequality and irrational authority that make them unacceptable in a modern liberal democracy. It is argued that many of the proposed ways for overcoming or coping with this dilemma are inadequate. Finally, the dissertation argues that hermeneutic and dialogical approaches to understanding human action may offer resources for making some real headway in resolving these dilemmas. These approaches complement one another and suggest what might be a credible way “beyond objectivism and relativism” (Bernstein, 1983) that allows us to affirm certain substantive goods of marriage and family life that carry real weight but also might be found acceptable in a post-traditional, postmodern world.Much contemporary research and theory on marriage focuses on observable patterns of interactions and tries to delineate sequential patterns of behavior that differentiate distressed from non-distressed couples. There is, however, a notable lack of theorizing about the data beyond “theories” that offer little more than empirical generalizations. In their latest Sourcebook (2004), The National Council on Family Relations recognizes the need to develop broader integrative frameworks to guide research in this field. This theoretical dissertation questions some of the dominant assumptions and theoretical orientations in the field of marriage research and explores how we might rethink how contemporary marriage and its goods are conceptualized as part of the search for more sustainable marriage and family policies and practices. Questions about marriage are situated in a larger socio-cultural and historical perspective. Section One identifies ethical ideals and moral goods associated with a vii number of the prominent traditional epochs in Western culture prior to the Enlightenment. Section Two explores the changes in marriage brought about by the transition from a traditional, hierarchical worldview to the modern outlook that prioritizes the inherent dignity and rights of individuals that frequently need to be defended against the tradition. Section Three develops a theoretical framework for dealing with a seemingly intractable dilemma. On one hand, many continue to feel that marriage and family life incorporate genuine goods that should be preserved, in some form, for their own sake and the larger good. On the other hand, traditional ideals appear riddled with elements of inequality and irrational authority that make them unacceptable in a modern liberal democracy. It is argued that many of the proposed ways for overcoming or coping with this dilemma are inadequate. Finally, the dissertation argues that hermeneutic and dialogical approaches to understanding human action may offer resources for making some real headway in resolving these dilemmas. These approaches complement one another and suggest what might be a credible way “beyond objectivism and relativism” (Bernstein, 1983) that allows us to affirm certain substantive goods of marriage and family life that carry real weight but also might be found acceptable in a post-traditional, postmodern world.Much contemporary research and theory on marriage focuses on observable patterns of interactions and tries to delineate sequential patterns of behavior that differentiate distressed from non-distressed couples. There is, however, a notable lack of theorizing about the data beyond “theories” that offer little more than empirical generalizations. In their latest Sourcebook (2004), The National Council on Family Relations recognizes the need to develop broader integrative frameworks to guide research in this field. This theoretical dissertation questions some of the dominant assumptions and theoretical orientations in the field of marriage research and explores how we might rethink how contemporary marriage and its goods are conceptualized as part of the search for more sustainable marriage and family policies and practices. Questions about marriage are situated in a larger socio-cultural and historical perspective. Section One identifies ethical ideals and moral goods associated with a vii number of the prominent traditional epochs in Western culture prior to the Enlightenment. Section Two explores the changes in marriage brought about by the transition from a traditional, hierarchical worldview to the modern outlook that prioritizes the inherent dignity and rights of individuals that frequently need to be defended against the tradition. Section Three develops a theoretical framework for dealing with a seemingly intractable dilemma. On one hand, many continue to feel that marriage and family life incorporate genuine goods that should be preserved, in some form, for their own sake and the larger good. On the other hand, traditional ideals appear riddled with elements of inequality and irrational authority that make them unacceptable in a modern liberal democracy. It is argued that many of the proposed ways for overcoming or coping with this dilemma are inadequate. Finally, the dissertation argues that hermeneutic and dialogical approaches to understanding human action may offer resources for making some real headway in resolving these dilemmas. These approaches complement one another and suggest what might be a credible way “beyond objectivism and relativism” (Bernstein, 1983) that allows us to affirm certain substantive goods of marriage and family life that carry real weight but also might be found acceptable in a post-traditional, postmodern world. / text

<p> The focus of this mixed-methods study was to identify waste reduction strategies that reduced the impact of California jails and prisons on the environment through waste diversion and reduction. This study also sought to identify barriers that hindered jail and prison personnel from developing such strategies, and pursued recommendations on how those barriers could be overcome.</p><p> Traditionally, California county jails and state prisons are resource intensive, overcrowded housing locations for about 200,000 adult men and women (Glaze &amp; Herberman, 2013). California jails and prisons operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week and utilize resources such as electricity, personnel, food, and other products. Accordingly, they generated significant waste (California Department of Resources and Recovery [CalRecycle], 2012). The prisoners alone generated about four pounds of waste per person each day, consistent with societal averages (CalRecycle, 2012; Corrections Corporation of America, 2007; Environmental Protection Agency [EPA], 2012a). Because of this, jails and prison must do more to reduce waste.</p><p> This study provided examples of organizations currently reducing waste through strategic initiatives and highlighted areas where jails and prisons could begin or further improve waste diversion practices. The study utilized archival data, a web-based survey, and interviews for data collection and analysis. The data from California jails and prisons were analyzed to identify strategies, barriers, and ways to eliminate or reduce barriers to waste reduction programs in California jails and prisons.</p><p> The findings conclude, California state-operated prisons and sheriff-operated county jails are using two primary strategies to divert waste from landfills. The number one strategy is recycling. The second strategy being used is waste prevention and material reuse. The barriers identified by California state-operated prisons and sheriff-operated county jails include finding vendors to collect certain materials as well as finding vendors to travel to remote locations. Other barriers include a lack of personnel and in some instances a lack of knowledge. Sheriff-operated jails and state-operated prisons in California identified waste management program support from leadership as a primary method to eliminate or reduce barriers to implementing a waste reduction program. Implications for action and future research are also discussed as part of this study.</p>

Sustainable Built Environments Senior Capstone / The goal of this study is to address the issues of sustainable residential housing in the United States, more specifically Tucson and the arid climate of the southwest. Until recent years the lack of awareness for sustainable practices has not damaged society, but currently, mankind’s impacts on the planet are unprecedented. As we progress into the future, acknowledgment of this problem needs to be addressed with innovation and solutions to secure a guaranteed healthy future for humanity, the species that humanity coexists with, and planet Earth. This study examines the principles of development that best produce sustainability and addresses building form and material use, solar orientation and shading, and land-use efficiency and governmental policy. These aspects of development are examined in detail by contrasting a typical University of Arizona rental development and a development that was constructed with sustainable consciousness for Tucson’s local population. Sustainable residential development is an issue that must begin on large scale with government policy and lawmakers, and end with individual home residencies and educated personal environmental decisions. The study found that, while there are many different aspects of sustainable development that are influenced by countless variables, a sense of cooperation among all phases of construction is the most effective way to guarantee a smooth transition into a more sustainable future.

Sustainable Built Environments Senior Capstone / The goal of this research is to define self sufficiency for mountain communities, understand the resources that make up a mountain community, and describe how current and future mountain communities can take steps toward self sufficiency. What the report explores and finds is that most mountain communities have all the resources available to become autonomous, sustainable areas able to support human, wildlife, and environmental health. This conclusion came from an extensive literature review on the resources of mountain communities, followed by analysis of the resources held in the mountain community of Summerhaven, Arizona. A list of prescriptive steps based on Summerhaven’s current needs is discussed, giving the community a ranked order of how they can utilize their resources to full potential and become autonomous to any outside resources. While further research into other communities is needed to more effectively understand the different scope of resource issues mountain communities are facing, this report has a general view of what effects all mountain communities. No two mountain communities will be the same in their resource needs, but the analysis on Summerhaven can be repeated in all existing communities. Self sufficiency in mountain communities is entirely possible and should be explored in order to make the mountain a healthy, sustainable, and beautiful landscape to be enjoyed by people for the rest of the time that they will be occupying Earth.

Sustainable Built Environments Senior Capstone / This capstone project compares traditional agricultural methods to those of aquaponics. Qualitative research is used to study the effectiveness of aquaponic systems and its ability to solve the financial and environmental impacts of current agricultural methods. This study looks at the environmental, financial, and health impacts of agriculture. Three case studies are used to compare an aquaponic system, aquaculture operation, and an organic farm.

<p> Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) youth are disproportionately the targets of discrimination, hostility and violence (Kosciw et al, 2012). This pattern of oppression can follow LGBT youth onto the college campus, and play a shaping force in their development as young adults (Robison, 2011; Longerbeam et al, 2007). As compared to the larger campus population, LGBT students have to be constantly concerned for their safety and inclusion in all contexts of the college experience: residence halls, bathrooms, locker rooms, classrooms, and transportation, to name just a few (Fanucce &amp; Taub, 2010; Burney, 2012; Evans, 2002; Finkel et al, 2003). The treatment of LGBT youth and college students in school settings reflects the larger issues of a homophobic society. Instead of falling victim to the pathologizing effect of discussing issues of the LGBT community (Renn, 2010; Harper, Bashir &amp; Wilson, 2007), many LGBT youth and young adults have begun to stand and fight. It is within the confluence of a need for civic re-awakening of the present generation and action against LGBT oppression that college LGBT activism shines. </p><p> The purpose of this qualitative case study was to take an exploratory approach to assessing and describing the experiences of a group of first year LGBT students forming an LGBT-focused social justice group titled the Queer &amp; Ally (Q&amp;A) Action Research Team at Northern Arizona University. Specifically, I examined the perceptions that these first year undergraduate students hold towards the LGBT movement, other social justice movements, and sustainability. Though just as importantly, I explore with students what led them to be passionate about LGBT rights, through exploring their experiences as youth and new college students, and how it shapes their civic participation in college. Through representing the voices of student participants, I provide key insights regarding how the students articulate their process of civic re-engagement as students beginning their journeys in higher education. </p><p> A participant observer method was adopted as a means to gain access to this unique group of students. Through collaborating and building rapport with the students of Q&amp;A, I conducted ten in depth, semi-structured interviews. Through the use of methodological triangulation (multiple participants, researcher journal), data triangulation (conducting interviews of a span of time and with multiple persons) analytic memos, member checking, peer checking, coding, structural analysis, thematic analysis and writing with rich, thick description, I analyzed the words shared by participants, and related them to pertinent literature and research sources. Findings of the study provide insight into students' experiences in the LGBT community and becoming engaged in LGBT activism, and highlight the difficulties, discrimination, and concerns for personal safety that many LGBT people are affected by. However, in the face of the difficulties that some participants shared, the students of Q&amp;Arepresent noteworthy resiliency, strength, and tenacity. The story of Q&amp;A in its first year of functioning represents a success story of students learning to support one another, and enacting meaningful change for the LGBT community and beyond.</p>