An Integral Approach to Institutionalizing Sustainability in Higher Education: A Case Study of Colorado College

Abstract

Recently, institutions of higher education (IHE) have moved toward greening their campuses and incorporating sustainability principles into strategic planning, operations, education, research, and public engagement. While many IHE have some form of sustainability initiative, project, or policy, there are no examples of an institution that has successfully achieved a whole-systems transformation or institutionalized sustainability.

Using qualitative case study methods, this Masters Project analyzes the catalysts and barriers to institutionalizing sustainability at Colorado College. I then apply a theoretical framework adapted from Integral Theory to evaluate the degree of institutionalization and whole-system change at Colorado College. Further, I extend the successes and lessons learned from the case, arguing that the integral model of institutionalization is applicable and useful to sustainability transformation in many IHE.