California State University, Long Beach
IN-40: Sustainability Projects Fund

The President’s Commission of Sustainability (PCS), formerly the Sustainability Task Force (STF), was established by the university’s President to integrate sustainability into all aspects of campus life. As part of the President’s annual budget, the PCS receives $10,000 each year to support campus sustainability projects including small-scale infrastructure projects and outreach or educational initiatives. Examples include funding the refurbishment of bike fix-it stations, supporting a faculty workshop on infusing sustainability into the curriculum, supporting annual Earth Week and Sustainability Month events, and making it possible for faculty, staff, and students to attend various sustainability-focused training and conferences. Before the STF was retired to make way for the establishment of the PCS, the STF received funding to support sustainability projects and initiatives from the office of the Vice President of Administration and Finance.

In order to determine which projects receive funding, the PCS adheres to the following decision-making protocol:

1.) Fund requesters must submit a formal proposal to the PCS which clearly outlines the proposed project or initiative, details the amount of funds requested, and provides a justification for the request by stating how it will help achieve campus sustainability goals.
2.) The PCS reviews the proposal and voted on at the next monthly Commission meeting. Proposals approved by more than 50% of PCS voting members receive funding.
3.) The Office of Sustainability then works directly with the President’s Office to process the distribution of funds.