Purpose

The purpose of UCR’s Committee on Sustainability is to facilitate and promote the implementation of sustainability goals, strategies, programs, and resource investments in support of the University of California’s overall sustainability policies and practices. The discipline of sustainability includes a diverse spectrum of instruction, research, and administrative efforts in energy and climate protection, built environments, food production and sourcing, ethical material procurement, recycling and waste management, transportation optimization, and water consumption. The Committee will focus on UC Riverside’s sustainability efforts as the University of California’s policies and net zero carbon goals are carried out.

Sustainability Defined

One common definition for ‘sustainability’ includes: “the ability to meet the needs of the present while living within the carrying capacity of supporting ecosystems, and without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” There are many other complimentary definitions. The Committee shall be aware of the evolving nature of sustainability as a discipline and may adopt new definitions which support and advance sustainability efforts as needed.

Goals and Responsibilities

The Committee is charged with advising UCR’s leadership on matters related to sustainability. The Committee will meet periodically to review UC Riverside’s sustainability status, efforts, and advise UCR’s leadership on:

• Overall campus efforts to achieve UC Office of the President policies related to sustainability goals and targets;
• Creation of UC Riverside policies which achieve or exceed UCOP sustainability goals;
• Endorsement of campus strategies, plans, programs, and actions which advance UC Riverside toward sustainability goals;
• Potential faculty and student research projects that can be undertaken to help achieve UCR’s sustainability goals;
• Potential instructional curriculum that can help educate students, staff, and faculty on different elements of sustainability.

Governance and Membership

The Committee is advisory to UCR’s leadership and is co-chaired by the Faculty Director of Sustainability and UCR’s Sustainability Officer. Members are appointed and continue service at the discretion of Provost. The Committee shall charge and populate whatever subordinate taskforces are necessary to focus on specific sustainability topics or efforts as needed.