The capstone course for Environmental Studies followed a case-study approach to examine the interdisciplinary nature of environmental issues. As students in out final semesters at Franklin College, we were asked to draw upon our knowledge and experience in the sciences, political science, and economics, in order to explore the scientific background and social implications of the issue. Over the course of the semester we examined and critiqued different definitions of sustainability across multiple disciplines. Through our investigation, we analyzed literature and studies in order to create a set of sustainability indicators and goals for Franklin’s unique campus. Above all, we focused on contemporary environmental issues in the context of sustainability, specifically as it pertains to the college. In the Literature Review, we present a critical analysis of the primary academic sources upon which we based our own proposal for the Center for Sustainability Initiatives at Franklin College.

To assess the environmental sustainability of Franklin, we developed a list of several critical indicators to help measure and evaluate Franklin’s ecological footprint. In determining these indicators, we selected the areas that would most clearly reflect Franklin’s shortcomings in sustainability practices. The determined areas of interest are as follows:

1. Waste and Recycling: In order to establish a resource-efficient campus, Franklin must examine not only where and how it gets the resources it uses, but also what happens to these resources after their use.
2. Water: Water is abundant and easily accessible in Switzerland and as such is inexpensive. This indicator tracks annual usage and the costs of such consumption.
3. Paper: Students and faculty require ample amounts of paper for administrative and academic purposes. This indicator summarizes total annual rates of consumption and expenditures.
4. Carbon Dioxide Emissions: The amount of carbon dioxide that Franklin emits is one of its principal shortcomings. This indicator seeks to identify Franklin’s main sources of carbon dioxide emissions and the potential solutions to reducing them.
5. Food Consumption: Food consumption decisions play an important role in determining our impact on the environment. This indicator analyzes the impact of rood consumption habits on campus.
6. Academic Travel: Academic travel is a core component of the Franklin curriculum and experience; however, the extensive resulting emissions accounts for the largest portion of Franklin’s ecological footprint.

These indicators will be imperative to tracking Franklin’s progress and setting campus goals to reduce Franklin’s ecological footprint and foster a more sustainable community.