May 14, 2007

UCSB to Host Sixth Annual UC, CSU, CCC Sustainability Conference

Kat Parker

UC Santa Barbara will host the sixth annual University of California, California State University, and California Community Colleges Sustainability Conference June 24th through June 27th.

This year's conference is expected to be one of the largest events of its kind in the nation, with an estimated 800 participants. Last year all 10 campuses of the University of California system were represented, as were 20 California State University campuses and 10 community colleges. Organizers also are working to increase student involvement in the conference; about 150 students are expected to take part this year.

In addition to more participants, the conference's program is also growing, with presentation and discussion tracks expanded from 8 to 11. New tracks this year on Curriculum and Research, Student Affairs, and a second Green Building track will join the established track topics: Transportation, Energy, Procurement, Recycling, Water, Food Systems, Institutionalizing Sustainability, and Green Building.

The conference will highlight the work of staff, faculty, and students who are working toward sustainability on their campuses. These campus sustainability champions will offer their success stories and information on how to implement similar practices. The practical yet forward-looking nature of the presentations at this conference helps engage the full university community and fosters solutions that can be taken back to campuses and spread throughout the state. Many new developments have emerged from previous conferences, including: the University of California's policies on Green Building Design, Clean Energy Standards, and Sustainable Transportation Practices; the California State University system's registration with the California Climate Action Registry; and the Los Angeles Community College District's launch of an extensive green power program with a new solar electric system and micro turbines.

Special pre-conference and post-conference events are planned this year. Complete conference program and registration information can be found on the Web at http://geog.ucsb.edu/sustainability/conference2007/

About UC Santa Barbara

The University of California, Santa Barbara is a leading research institution that also provides a comprehensive liberal arts learning experience. Our academic community of faculty, students, and staff is characterized by a culture of interdisciplinary collaboration that is responsive to the needs of our multicultural and global society. All of this takes place within a living and learning environment like no other, as we draw inspiration from the beauty and resources of our extraordinary location at the edge of the Pacific Ocean.