| Overall Rating | Gold |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 69.87 |
| Liaison | Kevin Kirsche |
| Submission Date | June 22, 2021 |
University of Georgia
EN-14: Participation in Public Policy
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
0.67 / 2.00 |
Nate
Shear Sustainability Metrics Intern Office of Sustainability |
Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the municipal/local level?:
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the municipal/local level:
UGA has a close working relationship with the Athens-Clarke County (ACC) government. UGA and ACC staff meet quarterly for a UGA-ACC Directors Meeting and Breakfast to discuss and advocate for legislation such as transportation and infrastructure improvements including bike share, greenway development, alternative-fueled transit fleets, solar energy deployment, etc. The UGA Office of Sustainability also coordinates university participation in the development and implementation of the ACC Sustainability Plan. UGA representatives serve as standing members on county committees including the Greenway Commission, Complete Streets Committee, Bike-Pedestrian Master Plan, Envision Athens long-range plan, and others.
The Carl Vinson Institute of Government participates in discussion with legislators about community planning and environmental services. Recommendations are derived from UGA sponsored research in various fields. Our experts have assisted at the local, state and federal levels with the analysis, development and review of key natural resources, planning, environmental, hazard mitigation policies and regulations. We excel in objectively analyzing complex scientific information, economic data, legal frameworks and institutional policies to inform government decision-making, promote solutions and increase public awareness.
Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the state/provincial/regional level?:
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the state/provincial/regional level:
UGA participates on the steering committee of the Greater Atlanta United Nations Regional Center of Expertise (UN RCE) in Education for Sustainable Development. Topics addressed by the UNRCE include Good Health & Wellbeing; Zero Hunger; Sustainable Cities and Communities; Quality Education; Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure; No Poverty; and others. UGA also participates in the Atlanta Regional Council for Higher Education (ARCHE) Sustainability Committee, and other state and regional initiatives.
The Carl Vinson Institute of Government participates in discussion with legislators about community planning and environmental services. Recommendations are derived from UGA sponsored research in various fields. Our experts have assisted at the local, state and federal levels with the analysis, development and review of key natural resources, planning, environmental, hazard mitigation policies and regulations. We excel in objectively analyzing complex scientific information, economic data, legal frameworks and institutional policies to inform government decision-making, promote solutions and increase public awareness.
State decision makers have called on us for water management, land use, air quality and waste management. Our Environmental Policy Program offers objective and systematic policy analysis. Environmental Policy Program faculty are recognized for their wide-ranging expertise related to environmental and natural resource issues facing the state. We train local officials in environmental best practices and provide research support to leaders who develop state water management plans.
Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the national level?:
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the national level:
The UGA College of Engineering Institute for Resilient Infrastructure Systems (IRIS) helps communities, businesses, and governments mitigate risks - and seize opportunities - associated with environmental change, extreme weather, and climate-related events by rethinking, transforming and adapting infrastructure systems to strengthen social, economic and ecological resilience. The UGA School of Law Environmental Law program encompasses a range of issues including water and air quality, hazardous waste, species protection, agriculture, wetlands, biodiversity, sustainability, waste management and right to-know laws.
The Carl Vinson Institute of Government participates in discussion with legislators about community planning and environmental services. Recommendations are derived from UGA sponsored research in various fields. Our experts have assisted at the local, state and federal levels with the analysis, development and review of key natural resources, planning, environmental, hazard mitigation policies and regulations. We excel in objectively analyzing complex scientific information, economic data, legal frameworks and institutional policies to inform government decision-making, promote solutions and increase public awareness.
Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the international level?:
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the international level:
UGA's Center for International Trade and Security (CITS) is a renowned leader in the evaluation and development of international energy policies. As the world gradually moves away from high-carbon energy sources, nuclear and renewable energy play increasingly important roles in international security. CITS staff and affiliates regularly advise policymakers on the strategic implications of these choices, and inform the public through ongoing research and media commentary.
Representatives of the University of Georgia from the Center for International Studies have presented research to congress advocating for nonproliferation and energy security policies that involve sustainability innovations and efforts. The most recent advocacy was endorsing and advising on the adoption of zero-carbon nuclear energy adoption in place of fossil fuels.
A brief description of other political positions the institution has taken during the previous three years (if applicable):
A brief description of political donations the institution made during the previous three years (if applicable):
Website URL where information about the institution’s sustainability advocacy efforts is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
UGA Government Relations - Community Relations: https://dar.uga.edu/government_relations/index.php/site/community-relations
Carl Vinson Institute of Government: http://www.cviog.uga.edu/
UGA Cooperative Extension: http://extension.uga.edu/
UGA Institute for Resilient Infrastructure Systems: http://engineering.uga.edu/research/centers/IRIS
UGA School of Public and International Affaris: https://spia.uga.edu/departments-centers/center-for-international-trade-and-security-cits/policy-3/energy-and-security-policy/
UGA Government Relations - Community Relations: https://dar.uga.edu/government_relations/index.php/site/community-relations
Carl Vinson Institute of Government: http://www.cviog.uga.edu/
UGA Cooperative Extension: http://extension.uga.edu/
UGA Institute for Resilient Infrastructure Systems: http://engineering.uga.edu/research/centers/IRIS
UGA School of Public and International Affaris: https://spia.uga.edu/departments-centers/center-for-international-trade-and-security-cits/policy-3/energy-and-security-policy/
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.