Outside Resources

The Association for the Advancement Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE)*: AASHE empowers higher education faculty, administrators, staff and students to be effective change agents and drivers of sustainability innovation. AASHE works with and for higher education to ensure that our world’s future leaders are motivated and equipped to solve sustainability challenges.

*Villanova is a member of AASHE. If you have a Villanova email, you can create an account on AASHE’s website to view member only resources.

(NCSE)*: The National Council for Science and the Environment (NCSE) is a not-for-profit organization, with a longstanding reputation of non-partisanship, dedicated to advancing informed environmental policy- and decision-making through science. NCSE work and programs include interdisciplinary research, scientific assessment, information dissemination, training, and curriculum development. 

Pennsylvania Green Colleges (PERC)*: PERC allows faculty and sustainability staff at colleges and universities across the state to connect with people at other schools and share knowledge about research and best practices.

Second Nature: Second Nature is committed to accelerating climate action in, and through, higher education. 

They do this by mobilizing a diverse array of higher education institutions to act on bold climate commitments, to scale campus climate initiatives, and to create innovative climate solutions. Second Nature aligns, amplifies, and bridges the sector’s efforts with other global leaders to advance urgent climate priorities.

*Villanvoa is a member institution of Second Nature. 

The Environmental Working Group mission is to empower people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment, driving consumer choice and civic action through research and education. 

The Ethical Consumer A resource for helping consumers make informed choices on the products they purchase.  

Green Building United: Founded in 2002, Green Building United (formerly Delaware Valley Green Building Council/DVGBC) is an independent nonprofit organization and an aligned chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council.

The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Committee is the federally designated Metropolitan Planning Organization for a diverse nine-county region in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. DVRPC’s vision for the Greater Philadelphia Region is a prosperous, innovative, equitable, resilient, and sustainable region that increases mobility choices by investing in a safe and modern transportation system; that protects and preserves our natural resources while creating healthy communities; and that fosters greater opportunities for all.

Grid: Grid is a free, monthly print publication focused on sustainability issues and initiatives in the Greater Philadelphia area. 

Mayor’s Office of Sustainability: Stay up to date with the City of Philadelphia’s green initiatives and progress. Sign up for the Greenworks Newsletter and get monthly updates from the City’s Office of Sustainability. 

B Corp: B Corp Certification provides a framework for a new kind of business that balances purpose and profit. B Corp businesses are legally required to consider the impact of their decisions on their workers, customers, suppliers, community, and the environment. 

Fair Trade: Fair Trade USA enables sustainable development and community empowerment by cultivating a more equitable global trade model that benefits farmers, workers, consumers, industry, and the earth. We achieve our mission by certifying and promoting Fair Trade products. 

Green Seal: Green Seal is a non-profit environmental standard development and certification organization. Its flagship program is the certification of products, services, restaurants, and hotels. Certification is based on Green Seal standards, which contain performance, health, and sustainability criteria.

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design  (LEED) is the most widely used green building rating system in the world. Available for virtually all building types, LEED provides a framework for healthy, highly efficient, and cost-saving green buildings.  Several buildings on campus are LEED certified. For more information on Villanova campus LEED, see the LEED Buildings page.

USDA Organic: Many USDA agencies serve the growing organic sector. Whether you're already certified organic, considering transitioning all or part of your operation, or working with organic producers, we have resources for you. This portal connects you with programs, services, and educational materials that can help your organic farm or business.