DATA AND DIALOGUE: STRATEGIES FOR ENGAGING UNIVERSITY COMMUNITIES IN CLIMATE ACTION

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dc.contributor.advisorMital, Steve
dc.contributor.advisorMauro, Robert
dc.contributor.authorCoskey, Andrew
dc.date.accessioned2024-10-11T00:14:37Z
dc.date.available2024-10-11T00:14:37Z
dc.date.issued2024-08
dc.description92 pages
dc.description.abstractThis thesis seeks to establish the best practices for environmental communication, data visualization, and stakeholder engagement. The first subject investigated is the theoretical foundation and practical applications of engagement strategies that involve a wide range of university stakeholders: students, teachers, and support staff. This section explores transparency, inclusiveness, and ongoing dialogues as some strategies to build support for sustainable development. The importance of data visualization is also discussed, showing a need for clear, accurate, and accessible visual tools that can simplify complicated information into actionable insights. Furthermore, an analysis is conducted on the effectiveness of analogies as a tool for explaining technical concepts to broad audiences. These techniques are then applied to the University of Oregon thermal system transition, wherein the university investigated options to update its current central heating plant into one that will use more sustainable technologies. The proposed options are dissected and evaluated based on the effectiveness of the task forces’ communication and engagement efforts. Then, a conceptual interactive dashboard that addresses critiques of the task force’s presentation strategy is introduced. The findings demonstrate how well-designed, comprehensive communication strategies can help build informed, supportive communities around sustainability initiatives. The conclusion is composed of recommendations for future enhancements to these strategies. It proposes improved methods of implementing sustainable practices in higher education institutions by combining interactive tools, continuous stakeholder engagement, and clear communication. This case study provides valuable insights into guiding other universities facing similar challenges in their sustainability efforts.
dc.identifier.orcid0009-0000-9307-1024
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/1794/30098
dc.language.isoen_US
dc.publisherUniversity of Oregonen
dc.rightsCreative Commons BY-NC-ND 4.0-US
dc.subjectengagement
dc.subjectdata
dc.subjectvisualization
dc.subjectanalogies
dc.subjectsustainability
dc.titleDATA AND DIALOGUE: STRATEGIES FOR ENGAGING UNIVERSITY COMMUNITIES IN CLIMATE ACTION
dc.typeThesis

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