Perhaps the biggest challenge the UCLA Sustainable Resource Center faces is confusion over what “sustainability” actually means. Many people associate the term with renewable energy. And while renewable energy is a core component of sustainability, the concept encompasses a great deal more.
“Sustainability is
about meeting the needs of the present without compromising the needs
of future generations,” says Nurit Katz, director of the UCLA Sustainable
Resource Center. “It aims to integrate economic prosperity, environmental
health and social equity into viable systems which will function effectively
in our common future.”
The UCLA Sustainable
Resource Center provides information and education to the graduate student
body, the UCLA campus and the community at large. Funded by the Graduate
Students Association, the Center links together individuals and organizations,
providing a vast array of avenues through which to explore sustainability.
The Center evolved
from what was previously known as the Environmental Resource Center. Located
in Kerckhoff Hall 160, it is a place where students can come to ask questions,
access publications from the Center’s lending library, or use a
computer to research sustainability topics such as land use issues, the
impact of consumerism, reduction of synthetic materials and
The UCLA Sustainable
Resource Center provides information and education to the graduate student
body, the UCLA campus and the community at large. Funded by the Graduate
Students Association, the Center links together individuals and organizations,
providing a vast array of avenues through which to explore sustainability.
The Center evolved
from what was previously known as the Environmental Resource Center. Located
in Kerckhoff Hall 160, it is a place where students can come to ask questions,
access publications from the Center’s lending library, or use a
computer to research sustainability topics such as land use issues, the
impact of consumerism, reduction of synthetic materials and toxins, and even international
security. A comprehensive website provides an extensive calendar of campus
and community events and campaigns, as well as links to student groups,
research centers and community resources. The Center also hosts lectures
and forums especially geared for graduate students.
The Center’s
mission is in keeping with the University’s commitment to sustainability,
recently highlighted by Chancellor Albert Carnesale at the dedication
of La Kretz Hall. Home of the Institute of the Environment, La Kretz Hall
is UCLA’s first certified “green” building. It has been
accredited by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green
Building Rating System, which certifies buildings meeting strict environmental
criteria.
Because of its broad
implications, sustainability is a topic of interest to students from many
disciplines. Students affiliated with the Sustainable Resource Center
include those in business, public policy, and film as well as computer
science, engineering, and chemistry among others.
The Center’s
mission is in keeping with the University’s commitment to sustainability,
recently highlighted by Chancellor Albert Carnesale at the dedication
of La Kretz Hall. Home of the Institute of the Environment, La Kretz Hall
is UCLA’s first certified “green” building. It has been
accredited by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green
Building Rating System, which certifies buildings meeting strict environmental
criteria. Because of its broad
implications, sustainability is a topic of interest to students from many
disciplines. Students affiliated with the Sustainable Resource Center
include those in business, public policy, and film as well as computer
science, engineering, and chemistry among others. | 8 | IN FOCUS: THE UCLA STUDENT | <<Previous>> |