6-7-8 Rob and Melani Walton Sustainability Solutions Initiatives

6 7 6 years of strategic impact 7 initiatives 8 design aspirations of the new american university

of strategic impact

6 YEARS

This book is dedicated to Rob and Melani Walton for their unwavering commitment and guidance, along with all of the many other people we have worked with and engaged over the past 6 years across 7 initiative programs in support of 8 design aspirations for the New American University.

6

“

Universities must provide education, discovery, innovation and interface to yield solutions to global challenges.

“

Michael M. Crow President, Arizona State University

Six years ago, Rob and Melani Walton, through the Walton Family Foundation, invested in Arizona State University to initiate programs with the following mission: » Develop use-inspired knowledge to SOLVE sustainability problems » EDUCATE and deploy implementers » ENGAGE, innovate, network, lead and take risks to create a more sustainable world On March 27, 2012, we laid the foundation of a social enterprise embedded within a university, a New American University. Our charge was to prove that a university that is the home to the first School of Sustainability can apply its knowledge to solve sustainability problems. Our goal was to accelerate pathways to solutions of these problems. This required us to re-define the role of the university in society and to use entrepreneurial drive to build a new model linking knowledge to action.

As with any design and construction project there have been problems and unanticipated opportunities. After six years of rapid experimentation and multiple iterations of programs, our team is ready to share what we have learned. This set of guidelines and outcomes may enable others to build off the sturdy frameworks we have tested.

Throughout this endeavor we developed key principles in addition to the eight design aspirations of ASU as the New American University.

We see the PEOPLE in our metrics.

Not a single project or metric outlined in this book could have been realized without some very special people behind them.

Every person we touch, whether they are a student, faculty, client, community representative or even our families, has a story, such as… » Two young scientists from Puerto Rico who created a “spidronized” solar cell to optimize the angles of absorption of energy from the sun. Their innovative research brought them scholarships from ASU to further their academic careers. » Four ASU faculty and staff who have taught internationallybased courses that collaborate to build a solar powered irrigation system and biochar furnaces that bring prosperity to rural farming communities in Nepal and improve the local rhino habitat. » Twenty-one Walton Initiatives staff who have become skilled at navigating the space between academia, business and governments in order to support and drive the implementation of sustainability solutions locally, nationally and globally. » Sixty-four emerging leaders of sustainability who were motivated to build upon their skillsets via an Executive Masters degree to integrate a deeper understanding of communication, strategy, leadership and global context to drive substantial and lasting influence through their organizations. » Six-hundred and fifty-three K-12 teachers who we trained and equipped with sustainability content and activities to implement in their school curricula across the nation to develop a new generation of change agents.

As with any successful enterprise, the Rob and Melani Walton Sustainability Solutions Initiatives perform regular self-evaluation and reporting of outputs and outcomes based on a foundation of deliverables established at the launch of the program. Achievement of the ultimate mission nevertheless require flexibility to adjust those indicators and deliverables to drive change. Throughout the enterprise design process, we have learned some very valuable lessons‌ Put people first to build a culture of collective impact.

Identify and engage the right people who focus relentlessly on outcomes, who co-create solutions through collaboration and service, who have the courage to push institutions beyond their comfort zones and who build trust with partners. Our goal is to make change and make changemakers to transform society.

Co-create and learn from true partners.

Ensure that all program leaders engage in authentic conversations with diverse stakeholders, facilitate peer learning and cultivate a shared understanding that deep partnerships equate to better outcomes over time.

Motivate change through positive engagement.

Inspire and connect with diverse partners and audiences through engagement, encourage innovation through a focus on solutions and provide knowledge and tools to prepare people for an unknown future through education.

Educate through real projects in real time.

Build educational programs and experiences by or with substantial input from practitioners, assign projects that address current challenges, engage participants through hands-on activities, place people in both their own and foreign environments beyond traditional classrooms to deepen their learning.

Act on data, don’t manage to deliverables.

Identify and build upon successes, have the courage to acknowledge when it’s not working and utilize adaptive management to say, “Let’s try this.”

Successful delivery of output and outcomes, as well as a successful transition to a new strategy, is easier if you have the faith and confidence of the staff and funders.

Leverage relationships and resources.

Intersect program, institutional and functional boundaries to optimize outcomes for all. Create internal and external alliances with common goals.

Spend every precious penny with integrity and clear intent.

working toward solutions

7 INITIATIVES

Global Sustainability Solutions Services Creating custom teams of experts to partner with organizations from around the world to co-create solutions for global challenges.

Executive Master of Sustainability Leadership Equipping today’s and tomorrow’s leaders with the tools and skills to drive change throughout their organizations.

Global Sustainability Studies Program Placing ASU students in immersive courses and engagements to work on sustainability solutions in a global context.

Sustainability Fellowship Program Attracting the brightest minds in sustainability research and practice to collaborate with the Arizona State University community.

Sustainability Solutions Festival Convening the most influential organizations to explore, discuss and celebrate how we can reimagine our lives and our planet.

Sustainability Teachers’ Academy Providing teachers of all subjects from across the US with the knowledge and resources to integrate sustainability content and projects in their classrooms and schools.

Sustainability in Science Museums Developing a global network of science museums with the potential to help millions of visitors understand how they can make a difference.

7

global sustainability solutions services

WHO DO WE REACH?

global 1,015,192,327 national 326,474,013

POPULAT

IMPACTED

projects

N O

86

I

county/state 4,931,046

WHO DO WE WORK WITH? 7 nonprofit partners/foundations 19 government partners 20 corporate partners

WHAT DO OUR ALUMNI SAY?

%

93

ity

il ab ted eer i f r e en ca e b their re g de grow id sa to

32 %

re pr cei o or mo ved ra tio a ise n

46%

becom with a tr e involved ade or comm association unity gro up r he ot n an tio to osi ed r p ov o m job

%

40

plan to pursue career or project opportunities due to skills learned from EMSL degree

93%

based on 50% response rate of all EMSL alumni

64%

re an ceiv aw ed ard

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36 %

executive master of sustainability leadership

global sustainability studies program STUDY SUSTAINABILITY ABROAD

NETHERLANDS

Study Sustainability Abroad

CUBA

SOUTH AFRICA Sustainability Challenges of the Wildlife Economy in South Africa May 14 – June 2, 2016 Dr. Daniel Childers & Dr. Michael Schoon sustainabilitysolutions.asu.edu/global-studies sustainabilitystudies.asu.edu wssiatasu/south-africa-2016

2014

2015

2016

BOTSWANA S T U D Y

S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y

A B R O A D

GIE : Cuba Unlocked and On the Edge of Rapid Transitions Okavango Delta, Botswana

sustainabilitysolutions.asu.edu/global-studies sustainabilitystudies.asu.edu /sustainabilitysolutions @WSSIatASU

2017

Botswana: Intersection of Water, Ecosystems and Governance

sustainabilitystudies.asu.edu

2018

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HOW MANY STUDENTS HAVE STUDIED ABROAD, WHERE DID THEY GO AND WHAT DID THEY STUDY? 63 NG HO

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POLICY: 8 COURSES

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URBAN SYSTEMS: 7 COURSES

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ENERGY: 5 COURSES

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WHAT DO OUR POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWS PUBLISH?

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WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Alex Karner University of Texas at Austin School of Architecture

Nuri Onat Qatar University

Scott Cloutier Arizona State University School of Sustainability

Jennifer Hodbod Michigan State College of Agriculture and Natural Resources

Manjana Milkoreit Purdue University College of Liberal Arts

sustainability fellowship program

sustainability solutions festival

3,50 0s ho we rt im er s business 8,097

total participants

114,122 total action tools

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172,280

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family 100,991

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WHO DO WE REACH AND HOW DO WE ENCOURAGE ACTION?

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WHAT IS THEIR IMPACT?

385 Regional Teachers’ Academy

653

268 National Teachers’ Academy

teachers

60 Regional Teachers’ Academy

46,200 Regional Teachers’ Academy

183 projects

78,360 students engaged

123 National Teachers’ Academy

32,160 National Teachers’ Academy

sustainability teachers’ academy

sustainability in science museums

HOW DO WE SCALE TO A GLOBAL AUDIENCE?

162 ki t s

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1 6 3 f e l l o ws »

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» 7 p e o0 . 3 m illi o n e d ple im p act

HOW HAVE OUR sustainABLE® ACTIVITY KITS BEEN DISTRIBUTED? 90 digital kits

72 physical kits

8 DESIGN

of the New American University

ASPIRATIONS

Michael Crow laid out a vision for a New American University based on eight design aspirations. These principles form the foundation for how ASU has become a global research leader and a beacon of access to higher education. The design aspirations are fully integrated throughout the university to achieve excellence, access and impact.

The Rob and Melani Walton Sustainability Solutions Initiatives were established to develop and deliver real-world solutions to sustainability challenges in diverse geographical, political and cultural settings. Over six years, the seven Walton initiatives have made impacts that map directly to the eight design aspirations of the New American University in order to make our planet better for all of its inhabitants.

“#1 University for Innovation (#2 Stanford, #3 MIT)�

- US News & World Report, 2015, 2016 and 2017 Home to the first comprehensive degree-granting School of Sustainability in the U.S.

1. Leverage Our Place ASU embraces its cultural, socioeconomic and physical setting.

Walton Initiatives’ objective: Create solutions for local stakeholders.

14 Arizona cities, counties and tribes served representing a population of 4,931,046 32 Arizona business clients and non-profit partners $3.5million invested in circular economy innovation hub in Phoenix 114,182 attendees at local events

Rob and Melani Walton Sustainability Solutions Initiatives

Rob and Melani Walton Sustainability Solutions Initiatives

Sustainability Solutions Services

Sustainability Solutions Services

A service that utilizes expert teams to collaborate with clients on real, practical and effective sustainability solutions.

A service that utilizes expert teams to collaborate with clients on real, practical and effective sustainability solutions.

SRP Waste Characterization Study Project Report

The Nature Conservancy Modeling the Economic Viability of Restorative Thinning

December 11, 2013 Prepared by: Sustainability Solutions Services Rob and Melani Walton Sustainability Solutions Initiatives Global Institute of Sustainability Arizona State University Authors: Kristen Osgood, Richard Rushforth Technical Guidance: Dr. Nick Brown, Dr. Rajesh Buch, Dan O’Neill Dan O’Neill General Manager Sustainability Solutions Services dan.oneill@asu.edu (480) 965-9666

City of Tempe Urban Forestry Master Plan

This project was completed by the Sustainability Solutions Services, a program within the Walton Sustainability Solutions Initiatives at Arizona State University, under contract with The Nature Conservancy in Arizona. Additional funding was provided by the Dorrance Family Foundation through The Nature Conservancy in Arizona.

Dan O’Neill General Manager Sustainability Solutions Services dan.oneill@asu.edu (480) 965-9666

February 2017

City of Tempe Urban Forestry Master Plan

sustainabilitysolutions.asu.edu

sustainabilitysolutions.asu.edu

A comprehensive report prepared for:

February 2017

Global Sustainability Solutions Services sustainabilitysolutions.asu.edu

A comprehensive report prepared for

December 2013 Initial Assessment Report

1

Assessment of Residential Wood Burning Activity across the Maricopa County PM10 Non-Attainment Area

2015 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Report

Regional Circular Organic Resource System Comprehensive Report January 2017

resourceinnovation.asu.edu

The Circular Economy:

Quantifying the Gross Maximum Economic Contribution of Materials in the City of Phoenix Waste Stream

July 2016

Global Sustainability Solutions Services

sustainabilitysolutions.asu.edu

A Solutions Oriented Waste Stream Reduction Opportunity for Paradise Valley Unified School District A comprehensive report prepared for:

Comprehensive Report November 2017

resourceinnovation.asu.edu

Prepared by the L. William Seidman Research Institute on behalf of the Rob and Melani Walton Sustainability Solutions Initiatives

July 2016

resourceinnovation.asu.edu

2. Transform Society ASU catalyzes social change by being connected to social needs.

Walton Initiatives’ objective: Engage and inform the public, K-to-Grey.

1.3million reached through Solutions Festival activities 84 events 587 awards distributed globally

Sustainability Teachers’ Academy3

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2,401 teachers reached in 47 states implementing sustainability projects for 78,360 students

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70.3million 78,360

Total number of participants at all Sustainability Solutions Festival events and publication circulation since 2013.

Total annual visitors for all Fellows' home science museums and centers.

Total number of teachers who have participated in a National or Regional Academy plus Teach-the-Teacher impact, plus student impact.

3. Value Entrepreneurship ASU uses its knowledge and encourages innovation.

Walton Initiatives’ objective: Develop and implement innovative solutions.

10 innovative programs launched in 6 years as ASU-based social enterprise 51 awards for entrepreneurs 22 business clients with a total market value of $396.86billion $500K Economic Development Authority grant for a circular economy business accelerator in Phoenix

Entrepreneurial Partners

4. Conduct Use-Inspired Research ASU research has purpose and impact.

Walton Initiatives’ objective: Move from knowledge to action.

86 projects completed 112 publications by Fellows and sustainability experts 49 replicable solution sets developed 172 faculty engaged on solutions projects

Instances of published applied research or project by Walton Fellows or sustainability experts pertaining to the following six topic areas: News Article/ OpEd

Journal Article

Chapter/ Book

Comprehensive Reports

Sustainability Solutions

6

4

1

12

Biodiversity

3

6

1

5

Energy

7

7

Urban Systems

8

6

1

10

Climate

4

4

2

4

Education

8

3

1

9

5. Enable Student Success ASU is committed to the success of each unique student.

Walton Initiatives’ objective: Educate future leaders.

7,271 students and professionals focused on solutions 585 student assignments on real-world projects with stakeholders 510 scholarships for deserving students 32% career advancement rate for executive education students 100

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Prior to 2013

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13 FY15

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FY17

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Total Global Studies Students

Total EMSL Students

Total Global Studies Students with Scholarships

Total EMSL Students with Scholarships

* total number of summer 2018 enrollments to be determined

6. Fuse Intellectual Disciplines ASU creates knowledge by transcending academic disciplines.

Walton Initiatives’ objective: Solve complex problems. at io tr is Julie Ann Wrigley Global Institute of Sustainability ASU Foundation Knowledge Enterprise Development Entrepreneurship + Innovation International Development President’s Office Office of Community and Municipal Relations Office of Special Events Colleges and Centers Barrett, the Honors College College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Cronkite School of Journalism Fulton Schools of Engineering Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts Mary Lou Fulton Teachers’ College Sandra Day O’Connor School of Law School for the Future of Innovation in Society W.P. Carey School of Business Center for Science & the Imagination: Climate Fiction Creative Non Fiction: Sustainability Issue

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7. Be Socially Embedded ASU connects with communities through mutually beneficial partnerships.

Walton Initiatives’ objective: Deep partnerships + Deep expertise = better outcomes over time 203 business and community partnerships 32 projects with 10 cities 58 non-profit partners 23 business collaborations

8. Engage Globally ASU engages with people and issues locally, nationally and internationally.

Walton Initiatives’ objective: Reach global scale.

143 museums in 32 countries and 50 states with potential audience of over 70.3million people 581 students in international classes working on solutions with global partners in 20 countries 86 projects in 9 countries on 5 continents 47 states with K-12 teachers implementing sustainability projects and programs

Global Sustainability Solutions Services Executive Master of Sustainability Leadership Global Sustainability Studies Program Sustainability Solutions Festival Walton Sustainability Fellowship Program Sustainability in Science Museums National Sustainability Teachers’ Academy

1

3

6

20

50

60

DID WE ACHIEVE OUR MISSION? We have innovated, constructed and accelerated pathways to these sustainability solutions. » An orphanage, a school and a community center in Jordan now have clean drinking water. » The government of Albania can now link school improvements to economic growth to appeal to international agencies. » Three young scientists – Shreya Nandy, Osvaldo Pagan and Dariannette Valentin – are continuing their study and research at ASU under scholarship. » Ten new ventures are in the Circular Economy Business Incubator. » The implementation of a regional circular economy has potential economic benefit of $123million GSP. » Miraikan, Japan’s National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, has adopted the sustainABLE® Activity Kit into multiple regional languages so that their visitors can directly translate sustainability engagements. » The Nature Conservancy of Arizona has operationalized business clusters to thin forest and prevent devastating fires. » The City of Phoenix has designated 40 acres for a resource center focusing on a circular economy and by-product synergies as part of their Resource Innovation Campus. » Nine regional communities and a tribe have a tool to assess the feasibility of implementing a regional, multi-site organics processing system that diverts organic waste from landfills.

Each of these is viewed as a replicable pilot project.

“

Through the Rob and Melani Walton Sustainability Solutions Initiatives, we are able to take the idea of Sustainability and drive it forward in a much more accelerated way.

“

Michael M. Crow President, Arizona State University

sustainabilitysolutions.asu.edu