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Portland State University
Description/achievement of initiative

In 2005, PSU adopted a Declaration of Support for Sustainability that recognized the University’s responsibility to develop solutions that improve the quality of life for all—today and in the future. Sustainability became a central part of PSU’s vision, an area of research enterprise, and a learning outcome for its students. Because it requires knowledge from every field, sustainability at Portland State spans the University to unite creative thinkers from across campus and community. Campus-wide sustainability efforts are organized and managed by three main units: Institute for Sustainable Solutions, Campus Sustainability Office, and the Student Sustainability Center.

Implementation methodologies

The SDGs will be presented to sustainability staff who work across campus and incorporated into the strategic plan of the Student Sustainability Center. PSU will hold events that highlight the SDGs and align efforts with other formal and non-formal educational efforts within the greater Portland region.

Arrangements for Capacity-Building and Technology Transfer

Coordination mechanisms/governance structure

PSU convenes advisory councils for both the Institute for Sustainable Solutions (ISS) and the Student Sustainability Center. All three coordinating departments hold annual retreats to coordinate efforts. University efforts are catalogued via annual reports. PSU representatives also participate on the Greater Portland Sustainability Education Network Board, a Regional Center of Expertise on ESD for UNESCO.

Partner(s)

Institute for Sustainable Solutions Student Sustainability Center Campus Sustainability Office Community Environmental Services Urban Sustainability Accelerator Academic departments Finance and Administration Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Community partners
Progress reports
Goal 4
4.3 - By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university
4.4 - By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship
4.5 - By 2030, eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples and children in vulnerable situations
4.6 - By 2030, ensure that all youth and a substantial proportion of adults, both men and women, achieve literacy and numeracy
4.7 - By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development
4.a - Build and upgrade education facilities that are child, disability and gender sensitive and provide safe, non-violent, inclusive and effective learning environments for all
4.b - By 2020, substantially expand globally the number of scholarships available to developing countries, in particular least developed countries, small island developing States and African countries, for enrolment in higher education, including vocational training and information and communications technology, technical, engineering and scientific programmes, in developed countries and other developing countries
4.c - By 2030, substantially increase the supply of qualified teachers, including through international cooperation for teacher training in developing countries, especially least developed countries and small island developing States
06/2017
Participate in GPSEN RCE
06/2017
Measure and share progress toward SDG goals annually.
Staff / Technical expertise
180,000

Basic information
Time-frame: April 29, 2016 - 12/2030
Partners
Institute for Sustainable Solutions Student Sustainability Center Campus Sustainability Office Community Environmental Services Urban Sustainability Accelerator Academic departments Finance and Administration Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Community partners
Countries
Contact information
Heather Spalding, Coordinator, Student Sustainability Center, hspalding@pdx.edu
United Nations