Santa Clara University

Assistant Professor Chris Bacon of the Department of Environmental Studies and Sciences has been conducting research on sustainable food systems and food justice in Nicaragua during the past several summers. Read about how he is working to combat food insecurity and issues of food injustice and hear his advice for creating a more sustainable global food system, which is a critical part of a more ecologically, environmentally, and socially just world. Read More »

Iris Stewart-Frey is an Assistant Professor and water specialist at SCU's Department of Environmental Studies and Sciences. She attributes her love of water to her German roots and is currently researching the impacts of climate change on water flow and quality in California. Read more about her unique upbringing, her teaching and research interests, and her advice for conserving water. Read More »

Students apply their GIS skills on class projects exploring issues like food security in San Jose by measuring the distribution of liquor stores vs. healthier food resources (e.g., farmers' markets or supermarkets). Two students from last fall's class of GIS got jobs after graduation based off of their GIS skills. Read More »

We tend to think about sustainability in terms of the present and the future. But how do we sustainably preserve the past? Although most Broncos are familiar with the Mission Church, many are unaware of the efforts that SCU takes to preserve its cultural and historical heritage. The efforts of the archaeological team, the de Saisset Museum, the California Legacy Project, and others on campus demonstrate the importance of preserving our diverse cultural heritage in a sustainable and engaging manner. Read More »

A student team developed a carbon footprint calculator for use at SCU, part of the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics' Environmental Ethics Fellowship. The tool measures SCU students' greenhouse gas emissions associated with energy use, waste production, partying, travel to and from home during vacations, food consumption, and more. Samantha Juda, '13, was interviewed on a national radio news program about the online tool. More news this month: Art Exhibition Explores Homelessness: 1930's to Today | Santa Clara University Receives National Recognition for Community Service | Santa Clara University's School of Engineering to Launch New Scholar Program for Photovoltaic Research with $1.3 Million Gift | Alum John Cruden named President of Environmental Law Institute | New Department at Santa Clara University to Prepare Students for Studies and Careers in Environmental Fields Read More »

Not too long ago, the mention of "B-LEJIT" would most likely be met with puzzled looks and a garbled attempt at pronouncing the acronym (pronounced "Be Legit"). Now, not only have the Bronco Leaders of Environmental Justice Investigating Truth increased their visibility on campus through their participation in campus projects such as the Tunnel of Oppression, but starting in the fall, the club will merge with one of the most popular organizations on campus, the Santa Clara Community Action Program (SCCAP). More news this month: ESI faculty joins National Academy of Science | New housing opens this fall | Forge Garden Summer Position Read More »

Over 55 Santa Clara University faculty conduct research related to sustainability. Nearly all fields and departments are represented including engineering, economics, communication and law. Read More »

New Agenda | Eco-Apartments | Frugal Innovation | Sustainable Engineering | STARS | Grand Reunion | Campus Sustainability Week | Empowered Partnerships | Apples | Sustainability and Jesuits | White House Solar Panels | Prop 23 Read More »

The Office of Sustainability at Santa Clara University is currently collecting data about Santa Clara's sustainability initiatives. The data will be compiled and reported publicly via the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment, and Rating System (STARS). Read More »

Junior Allison Kopf has served as the Project Manager for the Solar Decathlon Team since her freshman year at Santa Clara University. Kopf emphasizes that every aspect of the Refract House, down the micro-level, is student run. Read More »