Call for Proposals Opens with Theme: Global Goals: Rising to the Challenge

December 12, 2018 (Philadelphia, PA) – The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) is pleased to announce that its 2018 Conference & Expo will be held October 2-5, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Over the past half-century, the Pittsburgh region has undergone extraordinary urban environmental transformation. The “Smoky City,” now considered America’s “Most Livable City,” continues to rank among the top cities in the United States for green certified building space.

The 2011 AASHE Conference & Expo was also held in Pittsburgh making this the 2nd time conference attendees will visit the city.

“We’re excited to bring our conference back to Pittsburgh next year. The city is home to more than 150 LEED-certified buildings, including the first green college residence hall and the world’s first green convention center. Pittsburgh has set an example by renewing and redeveloping its environment through a series of lasting partnerships going back more than 65 years – from the first air quality legislation to robust reclamation of Brownfield sites and river cleanups. Pittsburgh has demonstrated a strong commitment to environmental stewardship and it is a perfect location for us to showcase how campuses are leading the charge for sustainability,” said AASHE Director of Conference & Events Kimberly Smith.

News of the conference location comes months after the announcement was made to pull out of St. Louis due to concerns about discriminatory legislation and the NAACP travel advisory in Missouri.

Expected to draw more than 2,000 participants, AASHE’s annual conference is the largest stage in North America to exchange effective models, policies, research, collaborations and transformative actions that advance sustainability in higher education and surrounding communities.

With a theme of “Global Goals: Rising to the Challenge,” the 2018 AASHE Conference & Expo will examine the critical role of higher education in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Adopted by the world’s governments in September 2015, the 17 SDGs establish ambitious global targets to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all by 2030. “We stand at a key moment in history. As sustainability challenges intensify and the window for action grows smaller every day, the need for leadership by higher education is greater than ever” continued Kimberly.

Sustainability leaders can submit proposals to share their knowledge, achievements and ideas on sustainability advancements in higher education. These proposals will shape the conference schedule, and provide an opportunity for presenters to share their successes and lessons learned and advance the higher education sustainability movement. Proposal will be accepted through February 16.

#AASHE2018

About the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE)

AASHE empowers higher education faculty, staff and students to be effective change agents and drivers of sustainability innovation. AASHE enables members to translate information into action by offering essential resources and professional development to a diverse, engaged community of sustainability leaders. We work with and for higher education to ensure that our world’s future leaders are motivated and equipped to solve sustainability challenges. For more information, visit www.aashe.org. Follow AASHE on Facebook and Twitter.

Contact: Andrea Huggins
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education
(888) 347-9997
andrea.huggins@aashe.org

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