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New educational offerings, "green" capital construction, operations policies, multidisciplinary research, public forums and community outreach projects at Portland State University are some of the many activities reflecting the University's dedication to promoting and implementing sustainable practices-a "knowledge hub" for timely research, education and technology demonstrations on sustainability practices with community partners.

Oregon Representatives Earl Blumenauer and David Wu, Rep. James C. Greenwood of Pennsylvania and Rep. George Miller of California yesterday proposed legislation, H.R. 4664, the Higher Education Sustainability Act of 2004, to authorize $50 million in federal funding for six "Sustainability Education Centers" at universities across the country that would promote multi-disciplinary education, research and outreach programs addressing environmental, social and economic dimensions of sustainability. Funds could be used to establish new centers or strengthen existing programs; PSU would be eligible for funds under the bill.

The model for the legislation was based in part on the operations and academic sustainability initiatives underway at Portland State University working in collaboration with community partners from business, government and other sectors.

"Portland State University has made revolutionary advances on its campus, creating programs to promote and teach sustainable practices to the next generation of community leaders," said Rep. Blumenauer. "This bill will help PSU and other universities preserve our economic competitiveness and environmental health by promoting sustainable development practices around the nation."

"Portland State University's efforts on behalf of sustainable development education are to be commended," said Rep. Wu. "This legislation will promote the importance of sustainability practices and help develop educational centers devoted to exploring the best way to integrate the social, economic and environmental aspects of development."

One example of PSU's work promoting sustainable development practices is a new professional certificate program launched in 2003, "Implementing Sustainability: Building Human Capacity for Implementing Best Practices," which draws on faculty and community expertise to teach 40 students the theory and practice of developing effective sustainability programs for their organizations. The six courses integrate the elements of sustainability (environment, community, economy) with systems theory, organizational change and adaptive management.

This series of classes, which will be offered again this fall, can assist government agencies developing their strategic sustainability plan in accordance with the recent Governors' Executive Orders, and is ideal for professionals responsible for implementing sustainability programs in business, government and non-profits. Additionally in fall 2004, PSU will begin a graduate certificate program in sustainability to teach the environmental, social and economic dimensions of sustainability to graduate students from all disciplines.

In 2002, PSU hired Michelle Crim as Sustainability coordinator-the first such position at any member institution of the Oregon University System. Crim leads sustainable practice efforts on the Portland State University campus and serves as the liaison to the external community about issues and advances in sustainability operations efforts. Professor David Ervin was appointed as coordinator of Academic Sustainability Programs later in 2002. Prof. Ervin is working with faculty and students on campus and with community partners in business, government and the non-profit community to develop research, education and outreach programs for key sustainability issues.

Instruction and research into sustainable practices occurs across the spectrum of programs at PSU, involving business, environmental sciences, education, urban studies and planning, public administration, community health, geography and others. For example, Portland State's Center for Transportation Studies has a long and respected history of multidisciplinary research and outreach with local and state partners on transportation issues involving complex environmental, social and economic effects.

Another example is a group of mechanical engineering students working with a community partner to analyze the actual impact of green roofs in terms of resources saved. Students also founded the Food for Thought café, which opened in the Smith Memorial Student Union in winter 2003, providing breakfast and lunch using locally grown and organic foods, and implements sustainable practices in its daily operations. PSU just launched an International Environmental, Health, Safety and Sustainability Education Program to deliver instruction to students abroad in collaboration with foreign universities. China is one of the first priorities- members of the Chinese government came to Portland State University's College of Urban and Public Affairs for seminars on sustainability practices at Portland State in 2001 and 2002.

PSU is currently working across the campus to conserve energy, recently replacing light fixtures, installing low-flow water systems and harvesting rainwater-runoff to be used in restrooms. PSU's efforts to construct "green" buildings and to use smart technology for energy and water use are expected to save $275,000 annually-the equivalent of tuition costs for 80 students. The University also continues to expand its PSU Recycles program to include a wider range of waste materials from offices, housing and classroom.

Recent and forthcoming projects demonstrate various aspects of "green building" include the Broadway Housing facility (opening September 2004), which will provide housing, classroom and retail space in the heart of the University District, and will have the region's largest eco-roof, harvesting rainwater and contributing to the building's Silver LEED (Leadership in Environmental Energy and Design) certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. In fall 2003, Stephen E. Epler Hall opened-the University's first Silver LEED-rated facility, and featuring a storm-water recycling system. Future projects include the Northwest Center for Engineering, Science and Technology, with a 2005 completion date and a target of Silver or Gold LEED certification.

The campus has also offered several series addressing aspects of sustainability, such as Millennium Speakers Series, co-sponsored with community partners that featured leading sustainability thinkers; the School of Business Administration Sustainability Conversations series in 2002-2003; and the Institute for Portland Metropolitan Studies' Forum on Sustainability and the Economy series this past year (www.upa.pdx.edu/IMS/about/events.html).

For more information on sustainability and PSU, contact David Ervin (503-725-3935) or Michelle Crim (503-725-8945), or visit www.sustain.pdx.edu.

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Sources:
Michelle Crim (503-725-8945) and David Ervin (503-725-3935)
PSU Sustainability Coordinators