Goals

Goal 1: Generate

The Institute will generate new ideas, advancing knowledge by engaging faculty, staff, and students in scholarly and creative activities exploring the theory, practice, and applications of sustainability. Through development of technologies and collaborative partnerships, we will work to advance research and deliver applied educational experiences as well as develop revenue streams that support the SIRT mission.

Goal 2: Educate

Members of the Institute will educate and learn from its many stakeholders so that a deep understanding of the multiple dimensions of sustainability emerges that will inform the transition to a durable world. Efforts will engage students, teachers, professionals, practitioners, and other community members to cultivate advocacy, leadership, responsibility, and skills through degree, certificate, and short-term programs. The SIRT will highlight examples of sustainability from local, regional and international communities and collaborators.

Goal 3: Inspire

The Institute will inspire critical thinking about the emergence of the sustainability concept, what it means, and how it can be (and has been) actualized and implemented. This will include creating public conversations and cultural activities that foster questioning, celebration, advocacy, and the advancement of interdisciplinary understanding of the challenges to sustainability.

Goal 4: Support

Members of the Institute will support the practice of sustainability locally, regionally, and internationally. The SIRT will be a public space and resource where faculty, staff and students collaborate with community members and civic groups, governments, organizations, and businesses on sustainability-related projects by opening dialogues, providing access to skills and technologies, education, and outreach, and identifying and securing financial and material resources.