Posted August 26, 2021

In Neumann University’s ongoing effort to care for creation and build an ecologically healthy world, the Aston, Delaware County-based college has joined the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE).

Through its association with AASHE’s 900 colleges, businesses, nonprofits and other organizations working to create a sustainable future, Neumann will receive support through workshops, webinars, toolkits, an online community of sustainability officers and an online resource library to advance its sustainability initiatives throughout the campus and in the community.

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“Neumann University has been working for many years on its commitment to sustainability as part of our Franciscan commitment to care for creation,” said Gene McWilliams, vice president for finance and administration. “In the past few years, NU’s Sustainability Advisory Council has been educating the Neumann community regarding various sustainability issues, including recycling, reducing non-biodegradable containers, eliminating plastic straws and composting.

“We work closely with the local Aston community and the organizations servicing our campus, such as Aramark and Sodexo. As a member of AASHE, we will further expand our sustainability efforts,” he added.

AASHE enables higher education institutions to meet their sustainability goals by providing specialized resources, professional development, and a network of peer support and knowledge sharing. Membership covers every individual at an institution, so the entire campus community can take advantage of member benefits.

Among AASHE’s major programs is the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System, a transparent, self-reporting framework for colleges and universities to measure their sustainability performance. Through such programs, the Philadelphia-based organization empowers higher education faculty, administrators, staff and students to effect sustainability innovation.

Neumann University, founded in 1965 by the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia, supports a campus culture that emphasizes respect for individuals, concern for the environment, and social responsibility.