Advisory Committee on Sustainability (ACS)

Purpose

The purpose of the Advisory Committee on Sustainability (ACS) is to provide a forum for the academic program, facility planning, and campus operating interests in sustainability. By increasing awareness of UCSD’s strengths in these areas, and identifying areas for further improvement, the campus continues to define itself as a leader in the earth sciences, while employing the principles of environmental stewardship in its own operations.

Sustainability can be defined as 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.

Mission

The mission of ACS is:

• To share information about education, research, and outreach activities of UCSD in the context of environmental stewardship and sustainability and prepare periodic reports to the chancellor and the university community
• To recommend and support efforts to improve environmental stewardship and sustainability in UCSD facility planning and operations
• To make sustainability part of ongoing UCSD education, research, operations, and outreach programs

Organization

ACS includes representatives from the faculty, staff, and students (both graduate and undergraduate), as well as leaders of key campus organizations already involved in environment and sustainability activities. ACS makes recommendations to the senior vice chancellor – Academic Affairs and vice chancellor – Business Affairs. ACS meets once per quarter and provides a report to the chancellor, through the SVC and VC, on an annual basis.