Have you noticed the appearance of a couple of large digital signs displaying sustainability-related content on the Danforth campus? Since last summer, both the Whispers Café in the Olin Library and the second floor of the Schnuck Pavilion display a “sustainability dashboard”, an interactive screen that provides users with a fun and engaging experience.
The sustainability dashboard’s primary purpose is to connect prospective and incoming students, families, and visitors to the vast network of sustainability opportunities on campus, across schools, departments, and disciplines. As such, the dashboard provides an interdisciplinary and comprehensive exploration of WashU’s efforts to advance sustainability through teaching, research, operations, and community partnerships.
The dashboard can be especially helpful for first-year and new graduate students who are interested in exploring academic programs related to sustainability, energy, and environmental studies. Users can filter the selection to view only graduate programs, undergraduate programs, as well as minors and certificates. A number of student, faculty, and alum testimonials also illustrate the accomplishments and experiences of those participating in the programs.
Next time you visit the dashboard, make sure to “Test Your Knowledge” by taking the sustainability quiz! This playful component consists of a few questions on topics ranging from climate change solutions to what can be recycled or not. For instance, what saves more water: washing dishes by hand or with a dishwasher? You’ll have to check the dashboard to find out for yourself!
To create the sustainability dashboard, the Office of Sustainability collaborated with WashU’s eight schools to gather and curate content, a process in which student associates were deeply involved. The creative process was steered by local digital marketing company Almanac which has expertise in user experience and design.
While the sustainability dashboard is now live, the content will be updated on a regular basis to reflect our ever-evolving efforts and programs. If you have contributions to the dashboard content or feedback on existing pages, please email clarasteyer@wustl.edu for consideration.
