Short answer
Designers and facility managers in collegiate recreational sports should proactively explore and advocate for the integration of recognized sustainability certifications and practices, addressing the current low adoption rates.
- Field
- Sustainability
- Source
- Academic Publication (2013)
- Method
- Hybrid quantitative and qualitative research
- Evidence
- Moderate effect
Despite the growing emphasis on sustainability in higher education, the adoption of formal green building certifications like LEED is minimal among collegiate recreational sports professionals. This sustainability research insight is drawn from a 2013 study published in Academic Publication. Using Hybrid quantitative and qualitative research, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Designers and facility managers in collegiate recreational sports should proactively explore and advocate for the integration of recognized sustainability certifications and practices, addressing the current low adoption rates.
LEED Certification is Underutilized in Collegiate Recreational Sports Facilities
Despite the growing emphasis on sustainability in higher education, the adoption of formal green building certifications like LEED is minimal among collegiate recreational sports professionals.
Academic Publication · 2013
Key Findings
- 01LEED Accredited Professional (AP) certification is virtually non-existent among collegiate recreational sports professionals.
- 02Two-year public institutions, large enrollment institutions, institutions from NIRSA Region VI, and institutions with large recreational sports facilities showed higher adoption levels.
- 03Statistically significant differences in adoption levels existed between four-year public and four-year private institutions.
Application
Design takeaway
Designers and facility managers in collegiate recreational sports should proactively explore and advocate for the integration of recognized sustainability certifications and practices, addressing the current low adoption rates.
How to apply
When designing or managing collegiate recreational sports facilities, actively research and propose the implementation of LEED or similar green building standards, and investigate the specific barriers to adoption within the institution.
Project actions
- 01When researching sustainability in design, look for official certifications and standards relevant to the project type.
- 02Consider how to measure and demonstrate the adoption of sustainable practices in your design project.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Addresses a specific, under-researched area within sustainability and facility management.
- +Utilizes a mixed-methods approach to provide a more comprehensive understanding.
Limitations
The study's findings might not apply to all types of educational institutions or all regions. The survey's effectiveness depends on the quality of responses from directors.
Reliability & validity
The reliability and validity of the study would depend on the survey instrument's design, the sampling method, and the rigor of the statistical and content analysis techniques employed.
Think critically
Why might LEED certification be virtually non-existent in collegiate recreational sports facilities, and what specific strategies could overcome these barriers to promote wider adoption?
Design Principles
"Integrate recognized sustainability frameworks and certifications into the planning and management of recreational sports facilities to drive environmental performance."
This highlights a significant gap between the stated environmental goals of institutions and the practical implementation of recognized sustainability standards in a key area of campus infrastructure. Understanding these adoption barriers is crucial for developing effective strategies to promote greener practices in sports facilities.
What This Means for Your Design
Even though colleges talk about being green, the people who run their sports facilities aren't really using official 'green building' labels like LEED. Some schools are doing better than others, but overall, there's a big gap.
How to use in your project
- 1.Use this study to justify the importance of exploring sustainability certifications in your design project, especially if it involves a facility similar to those studied.
- 2.Reference the low adoption rates to highlight an opportunity for innovation or improved practice in your design solution.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
Research indicates a significant underutilization of formal green building certifications, such as LEED, within collegiate recreational sports facilities, despite institutional commitments to sustainability. This suggests a gap between aspirational environmental goals and practical implementation, presenting opportunities for design interventions that facilitate adoption and demonstrate tangible environmental benefits.
Source
Academic Publication
Sustainability and collegiate recreational sports facilities.
journal · 2013
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about leed certification is underutilized in collegiate recreational sports facilities?
- Designers and facility managers in collegiate recreational sports should proactively explore and advocate for the integration of recognized sustainability certifications and practices, addressing the current low adoption rates. Evidence: Academic Publication (2013).
- Why does "LEED Certification is Underutilized in Collegiate Recreational Sports Facilities" matter for design?
- This highlights a significant gap between the stated environmental goals of institutions and the practical implementation of recognized sustainability standards in a key area of campus infrastructure. Understanding these adoption barriers is crucial for developing effective strategies to promote greener practices in sports facilities.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Designers and facility managers in collegiate recreational sports should proactively explore and advocate for the integration of recognized sustainability certifications and practices, addressing the current low adoption rates.
- What were the main findings?
- LEED Accredited Professional (AP) certification is virtually non-existent among collegiate recreational sports professionals.. Two-year public institutions, large enrollment institutions, institutions from NIRSA Region VI, and institutions with large recreational sports facilities showed higher adoption levels.. Statistically significant differences in adoption levels existed between four-year public and four-year private institutions.
- What research method was used?
- Hybrid quantitative and qualitative research.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2013 journal from Academic Publication.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing or managing collegiate recreational sports facilities, actively research and propose the implementation of LEED or similar green building standards, and investigate the specific barriers to adoption within the institution.
- What are the limitations?
- The study focused on NIRSA member institutions, potentially limiting generalizability to all collegiate recreational sports facilities. The survey design and data analysis methods may have inherent limitations.