SR 06-05 - Sustainability in the CSU

Senate Resolution File:
SR 06-05 Sustainability in the CSU

Senate Resolution
Whereas, in 1987, the United Nations World Commission on Environment and Development declared that “Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” And,

Whereas, California State University Channel Islands embraces principles of sustainable development that promote:
● A vital and sustainable economy based on the “triple bottom line” (attention to environmental, social and financial performance).
● Commitment to social justice that includes the rights of future generations.
● Respect and care for the greater community of life in all its diversity, including protection and restoration of the earth’s ecosystems. And,

Whereas, the Talloires Declaration and American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment can serve as guiding documents to our campuses in these efforts. And,

Whereas, California State University Channel Islands aspires to be a national and international model for sustainable practices in all dimensions of its operations (teaching, research, business and finance). And,

Whereas, California State University Channel Islands has an obligation to help train citizens for participation in a democratic society. And,

Whereas, California State University Channel Islands has an obligation to help students become environmentally literate citizens, who understand the principles of sustainability. And,

Whereas, the State of California has adopted Executive Order S-20-04, which recognizes that state institutions such as the California State University are major consumers of energy and natural resources, and asks these institutions to reduce the use of non-renewable resources as well as increase energy efficiency. And,

Whereas, the State of California has adopted Executive Order S-3-5, which recognizes that California is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and that we must take action to reduce the use of fossil fuels and reduce our carbon footprint. And,

Whereas, the California State University has an obligation to the citizens of the state of California to be wise stewards of scarce resources and to assure the continued economic and ecological viability of the state. Be it therefore

Resolved that the Academic Senate of CSUCI supports actions to make climate neutrality and sustainability a part of the curriculum (including campus facilities and grounds as learning laboratories) and other educational experience for all students. And be it further

Resolved that the Academic Senate of CSUCI supports the expansion of research or other efforts necessary to achieve climate neutrality and sustainability.

References:

http://portal.unesco.org/education/en/ev.php-URL_ID=23543&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html
http://www.ulsf.org/programs_talloires.html
http://www.presidentsclimatecommitment.org/

http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/energy/ExecOrderS-20-04.htm

http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/energy/ExecOrderS-3-05.htm