February 15, 2007

Environmental Sustainability Highlighted in UCSB Affiliates 'Science Lite' Lecture

Meeting the current needs of society without compromising the ability of future generations to do the same can be achieved with creativity and cooperation, according to two UCSB sustainability experts who will make a public presentation on the topic this month.

In a UCSB Affiliates Science Lite lecture titled "Seeing Green -- Environmental Sustainability as a Way Forward," John M. Melack and Perrin Pellegrin will discuss the University's research, educational, and practical programs that are designed to create a sustainable campus and community. Melack is a professor and associate dean of the Donald Bren School of Environmental Science and Management at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and Pellegrin is the campus sustainability manager at UCSB.

The presentation will begin at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 26, at the First Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall at 21 E. Constance Avenue in Santa Barbara. The cost of the lecture is $8 for UCSB Affiliates and Chancellor's Council Members, and $10 for others. Contact the UCSB Office of Community Relations at 893-4388 to register, as space is limited.

Over the past several years, the University has constructed many new buildings that utilize environmentally friendly design and, more recently, has partnered with the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) on a campus-wide initiative to incorporate green design features into existing buildings. In addition, a Campus Sustainability Project is in development to address all aspects of campus operations.

A faculty member at UCSB since 1977, Melack has conducted research in tropical Africa and also has studied lakes, rivers, wetlands, and catchments in Australia, Japan, Central Asia, and the southeastern United States. He has published over 200 scientific papers, edited three books, and written numerous book reviews and technical, workshop, and committee reports.

Pellegrin works with UCSB project managers, building committees, and design teams to ensure that all new campus construction projects meet USGBC's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design guidelines. She is also the project manager for the development of the Campus Sustainability Project.

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.