Student inquiries into neglected research for a sustainable society: Communication and application

Authors

Joshua Pearce
Chris Russill

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

1-1-2003

Volume

23

Issue

4

Journal

Bulletin of Science, Technology and Society

First Page

311

URL with Digital Object Identifier

10.1177/0270467603256079

Last Page

320

Abstract

By applying the interdisciplinary approach of science, technology, and society, students can solve often-neglected research problems of shifting society's operation toward a sustainable state. A recent Penn State University student research report titled The Mueller Report: Moving Beyond Sustainability Indicators to Sustainability Action contained a detailed ecological analysis of one campus building and addressed methods to optimize its ecological performance in terms of Sustainability by using both behavioral and technological improvements. This article analyzes the factors that affected the successful implementation of sustainable practices generated by student research: (a) choosing a receptive primary audience, (b) establishing interpersonal relationships with decision makers, (c) saturating the local media, (d) making Sustainability convenient, and (e) demonstrating fiscal responsibility.