May 6, 2013

Registration Open for Statewide Sustainability Conference at UC Santa Barbara

Hoping to bring greening into greater consciousness by sharing strategies for effective storytelling around such efforts, the 2013 California Higher Education Sustainability Conference will bear the theme, "Communicating Sustainability."

Registration is now under way for the event to be held at UC Santa Barbara, June 23-27. Hosting for the sixth time, UCSB founded the now-annual affair in 2002.

The conference highlights cutting-edge research, as well as case studies with proven successes in curriculum development, operational programs, and community partnerships. Bringing together representatives from UC, CSU, and California Community College campuses, and from the state's independent and private colleges, this unique event fosters dialogue across institutions. Some 1,000 attendees –– from approximately 90 campuses –– are expected to participate.

With workshops, plenary sessions, panel discussions, presentations, and demonstrations, the five-day conference this year will cover topics including, among other things, climate action planning, energy, food systems, green building, procurement, research, social equity, transportation, waste reduction, and water.

This year's conference will also offer several field trips –– both on campus and off –– to spotlight sustainability efforts of UCSB and its surrounding community in areas such as communication strategies, waste reduction and recycling, energy management, green building, green healthcare, and more.

Cost to attend all five days is $100 for students, $549 for campus and non-profit representatives, or $649 for industry representatives and exhibitors. The event is also open to interested community members. Early bird rates are available until May 15.

About UC Santa Barbara

The University of California, Santa Barbara is a leading research institution that also provides a comprehensive liberal arts learning experience. Our academic community of faculty, students, and staff is characterized by a culture of interdisciplinary collaboration that is responsive to the needs of our multicultural and global society. All of this takes place within a living and learning environment like no other, as we draw inspiration from the beauty and resources of our extraordinary location at the edge of the Pacific Ocean.