Sustainability Committee and Climate Action Plan (AULA)
Sustainability Vision
Recognizing the current global environmental and humanitarian crisis of climate change, Antioch University Los Angeles aspires to demonstrate leadership through outreach, education, and operational actions. Toward this end, the Sustainability Committee seeks to change the impact of Antioch University Los Angeles into one that integrates environmental protection, resource conservation, clean energy practices, protection of public health, justice awareness, and strengthening of academic and popular sustainability education efforts through development of policy and practice. This purpose will fully consider economic, environmental, social and climate justice, equity, democratic process, human rights and the broader mission of the University.
Climate Action Plan
In 2015 AULA completed its Climate Action Plan, a roadmap to improving the environment, conserving resources, ensuring equity, and lightening our negative impact on the climate. It highlights our objectives and what we can do to make positive change in order to affect community well-being and environmental issues. The plan includes goals and action steps in the areas of Transportation, Energy and Water, Curriculum, Food and Waste, Procurement & Utilization, Finance and Communication, Engagement and Outreach.Click here to view and download the Climate Action Plan
Sustainability Committee Goals
The Sustainability Committee will develop recommendations intended to help ensure that AULA campus practices support the institutional mission and local purpose. In addition, the Sustainability Committee is responsible for identifying and reporting to the Leadership Council instances when campus constituencies are not in compliance with federal and state regulations or with commitments made to independent sustainability evaluation programs. The proposed Sustainability Committee priorities include the following educational, community, environmental, economic and social goals:
- Development of AULA sustainability policies and practices in alignment with the Antioch University mission
- Alignment and compliance with the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) including the ongoing implementation of our Climate Action Plan
- Increased student, staff and faculty education, engagement, and awareness of impacts and benefits of sustainability efforts
- Stronger relationships with the external community of advocates and decision-makers in sustainability, environment, social and economic justice
- Improved student, staff, faculty and worker health, attendance, productivity and morale by creating a safer, cleaner workplace
- Significant reductions in university greenhouse gas and toxic emissions
- Significant reduction of overhead costs through:
– Increased energy and water efficiency
– Decreased waste to landfills
– Support of recycling and reuse sectors - Increased alternative transportation options and infrastructure
- Adoption of procurement practices that promote environmental and public health as well as just labor practices
- Promoting support of local community-operated and environmentally-friendly businesses by promoting their services within and beyond the AULA Community (e.g., developing a list of vendors who follow sustainable practices)
Sustainability on Campus: Projects and Programs
In addition to Antioch University Los Angeles’ Climate Action Plan development and the ongoing work of the Sustainability Committee, AULA has an operational commitment as well as varied programs and projects on campus.
Are you a new student?Click here to download a PDF of suggestions on how to remain sustainable while on campus
Facilities and Operations
Our recent remodel adhered to the statewide Cal Green building standards and included purchases of eco-friendly furnishings, three entire floors of a sustainable carpet product, and an improved waste management system. Our building is a US EPA Energy Star awardee. Our Communications Department strives to print all collateral on post-consumer recycled paper with soy-based inks.
Are you hosting an event on campus? Click here to download a guide on how to host an event sustainability
Programs and Projects
Sustainability is sewn into the fabric of the University, exemplified by the values of our Master of Arts in Urban Sustainability program, the Applied Community Psychology specialization in our Master of Arts in Psychology, as well as our Urban Studies and Business and Social Entrepreneurship concentrations within the BA program. Additionally, many courses serve as an example of how sustainability is embedded in our daily educational practice.
AULA’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions data can be viewed online HERE.Click here to view and download a PDF of AULA’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions report
Project Second Life
The activities of Project Second Life–a collaborative project of the Applied Community Psychology Specialization and the Education Department–encourage AULA community members to live more sustainable lives, not only in how they consume and dispose of unwanted goods, but also in how they contribute to the sustenance of those less able to provide for themselves.
Perpetual Food Drive
In the spring quarter of 2011, Project Second Life launched a Perpetual Food Drive. Unlike a typical food drive that take place once or only during the holiday season, AULA’s Perpetual Food Drive will continue indefinitely until hunger is no longer an issue in Los Angeles.
AULA community members took the following pledge: “As long as I enjoy the privilege of food security, each time I shop for my own groceries, I pledge to purchase rice, beans, or baby cereal for members of my community who are food insecure.”
Donations are made to the Westside Food Bank in Santa Monica. The food distributed by the Westside Food Bank often spares low-income individuals and families from having to make the agonizing choice between paying for rent or food when they cannot afford both, saving them from potentially becoming homeless.
“Do One Thing”
“Do One Thing” is a monthly campaign that shares ideas on how (and why) to improve environmental conditions worldwide.
Resources & Partners
American College & University
Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC)
The ACUPCC provides a framework and support for America’s colleges and universities to implement comprehensive plans in pursuit of climate neutrality.
http://www.presidentsclimatecommitment.org
Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE)
AASHE provides leadership, essential knowledge resources, and a unique framework for demonstrating the value and competitive edge created by sustainability initiatives.
http://www.aashe.org
California Higher Education Sustainability Conference
The California Higher Education Sustainability Conference highlights cutting-edge research, as well as case studies with proven successes in curriculum development, operational programs, and community partnership.
http://www.cahigheredusustainability.org
City of Culver City
Environmental Programs and Operations (EPO) will focus efforts in the area of environmental programs and operations related to refuse and recycling, stormwater, and sewer system management. EPO takes pride in the privilege of bringing quality services to the community for the purpose of both maintaining and enhancing Culver City’s infrastructure and environment.
https://www.culvercity.org/live/home-property/residential-recycling-trash-services
Cool Campus Climate Planning Guide
AASHE is a professional, membership based association of colleges and universities in the U.S. and Canada. Its mission is to promote sustainability in all sectors of higher education.
http://hub-media.aashe.org/uploads/Simpson_2009_-_Cool_Campus_Climate_Planning_Guide.pdf
County of Los Angeles
The Los Angeles County Office of Sustainability (COS) develops and implements programs that impact and benefit the constituents of Los Angeles County.
https://www.lacounty.gov/sustainability/
https://www.greenbizla.org/
Los Angeles Regional Collaborative for Climate Action and Sustainability (LARC)
LARC is a network designed to encourage greater coordination and cooperation at the local and regional levels to thoroughly address climate change and promote a green economy through sustainable communities.
http://www.laregionalcollaborative.com
Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS)
The Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System™ (STARS) is a transparent, self-reporting framework for colleges and universities to measure their sustainability performance.
https://stars.aashe.org
Three Squares
Three Squares Inc.® (TSI) is an environmental consulting firm which designs sustainability into the internal and external DNA of organizations.
http://www.threesquaresinc.com/