Leaders in Sustainability

Perhaps you're still thinking about what classes to take next quarter... 

While this is a reminder to many Bruin Planners, the Leaders in Sustainability (LIS) certificate program provides a practical way to connect planning theory and methodology to broader topics related to sustainability.  The program also provides a forum for graduate students from various academic disciplines to study issues related to sustainability and derive solutions together.  It’s a great way to meet students interested in environmental, social and/or economic sustainability.  The core course for the class is primarily an interactive lecture series where UCLA professors discuss their research/work related to sustainability and students dissect the issues from varying viewpoints.  The core class will be offered again in Winter 2011.

Aside from the core course, you need to take three classes related to sustainability to earn the LIS certificate.  Two of those courses must be from a class outside of your home department.   The Institute of the Environment site lists some LIS-eligible courses, but here’s a sample of a few highly recommended courses next quarter:

 Dr. Jackson’s Public Health & the Built Environment class highlights the connection between Planning and Public Health.  Walker Wells & Ted Bardacke are teaching Green Building which provides an overview of LEED and other green rating systems.  Professor Allen is teaching Industrial Ecology through Anderson (management) and the class will cover closed loop systems and life cycle analysis.

The requirements for the LIS program changed slightly since last academic year.  You can find them here.

2^nd year students – if you’ve already taken the LIS core course, the Spring 2010 quarter is your last chance to fulfill the requirement to take sustainability-related courses. Then, stay tuned for announcements in the Spring quarter that announce the LIS culmination.

1^st year students – you still have time to take the core course next year, but you should start taking electives related to sustainability when you have free space in your schedule.