June 11, 2024 Sustainability at UCLA
Sustainability at UCLA touches all aspects of the Student Affairs mission, from academic programs in sustainability, to campus life with over 40 different student organizations focused on sustainability, and connections to alumni. UCLA also has comprehensive sustainability goals across all aspects of campus operations - from energy and water to food and procurement. These goals are laid out in the Sustainability Plan and include an ambitious commitment to decarbonization. Recently, over 2,000 students signed a CALPIRG petition focused on Clean Energy, and students have made it clear that how we address the significant crises we are facing in climate and biodiversity, and environmental justice and equity, are important to them and their future.
Some of these goals have major university planning efforts, like the current Decarbonization Study, and many of the goals, like Zero Waste and commuting goals, also rely on each of us as staff, faculty, and students, changing our choices and behavior. The Sustainability blog on UCLA's sustainability website has a number of articles with tips for how you can help the university achieve its sustainability goals. There are so many ways to get involved, from serving on committees or task forces, or as a sustainability liaison for your department, to attending sustainability events across campus to connect with others and learn about the latest in the field. You can also sign up for the monthly email newsletter.
As event season is upon us, following the Green Events guidelines and Single-Use Plastics Policy are good ways to contribute. There's even aspecial guide for sustainable graduation celebrations. UCLA Sustainability would love to hear from you and answer any questions you have - reach out at sustainability@ucla.edu.