Complexity of campus sustainability discourse

From the outset, the authors note a general lack of a more updated and deep theoretical engagement on the discourses of ecologism and sustainability in universities, and contrast this deficiency with sustainability-related practices. While explaining the interconnected nature of ecologism and sustainability, the authors describe the rise of ecological citizenship and the expected role of universities. Although ecological discourses are comparable across countries and universities, the practical implications of sustainability on campuses vary in degrees of complexity, namely linear, complicated, and complex. To support their arguments with practical understanding, the authors typify the challenges in sustainability practices at the Duke University and the University of Hong Kong by using their earlier works. The finding show similarities in sustainability discourses across campuses characterized by a "double dichotomy" phenomenon in sustainability efforts. The authors propose a metaphor of "ensoulment" to suggest compus-based practices in favor of education for sustainability rather than the dominant greening and public relation efforts. Copyright © 2012 Peter Lang GmbH Internationaler Verlag der Wissenschaften Frankfurt am Main.