Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present a case study of how ecological considerations
can be integrated into campus strategic and statutory spatial planning. A process
of developing ecological objectives and guidelines for inclusion in campus strategic
and statutory spatial plans is presented.Design/methodology/approach This case study
introduces a three-phase ecological assessment process developed and applied to the
Technion - IIT campus. Ecological considerations are reviewed in multiple campus strategic
and spatial plans (primarily in North America and Europe) and in institutional sustainability
guidelines; biodiversity and ecosystem service surveys of the campus are conducted
and considered with regard to planning; university administrative structures that
enable the implementation of ecological planning guidelines are also assessed.Findings
Ecological considerations (biodiversity conservation, habitat preservation and ecosystem
integrity) play a relatively minor role in sustainability planning on university campuses.
The concepts of connectivity and compactness are applied broadly, but generally refer
to social and educational considerations. Physical planning provides an opportunity
for integrating ecological priorities into the university's mission.Research limitations/implications
Some of the insights may not be generalizable, so it is crucial to continue accumulating
similar studies. It is crucial, too, to conduct follow-up research, reporting on the
ecological outcomes of plan implementation.Practical implications Ecological stewardship
is commensurate with the sustainability commitments of universities. Considering their
spatial extent and diverse locations, universities can assume an important role in
ecological conservation.Originality/value Relatively little attention has been given
to ecological considerations (biodiversity, ecological integrity and ecosystem services)
in campus plans and sustainability documents. This paper suggests how universities
can move towards fulfilling a role as ecological stewards through strategic and spatial
planning.
