The Global Footprint Network’s Ecological Footprint calculator teaches university students about sustainability in a fun and engaging manner. The calculator is able to render the multifaceted dimensions of sustainability in the form of consolidated scores. In addition to measuring the problem this instructional tool also offers solutions.
Both graduate and undergraduate students in 16 countries are currently using the calculator. It is being used in a number of diverse academic disciplines. One would expect to find the tool being used in environmental science classes but it is also being applied to other areas like cultural anthropology.
This interactive tool allows for direct comparisons between universities. The tool can also be used to assess the personal footprints of individual students.
The calculator brings climate change home and makes sustainability relevant to their lives and their immediate circumstances. It helps students to understand global warming and the fact that we live in an increasingly resource constrained world. This can impact both their career direction and their lifestyle choices.
What makes this program such a powerful educational tool is the fact that it both measures and provides practical ways of reducing footprints both individually and collectively.
Please share your experience using the calculator at media@footprintnetwork.org or consider supporting the calculator by making a donation at http://www.footprintnetwork.org/donate.
For more information or to access the calculator click here.
Make sure to see the article titled, “Comprehensive Green School Information and Resources.”
It contains links to over 325 articles covering everything you need to
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