Washington University in St. Louis
EN-10: Community Partnerships

WashU provided leadership in planning and implementing the OneSTL Sustainability Summit and associated workshops that were structured to generate regional sustainability metrics. The effort built on existing regional sustainability goals that were developed through an extensive and inclusive process, yet lacked specific metrics and deadlines. Planning efforts for the Summit took 18 months, with particular efforts on designing and facilitating day-long stakeholder workshops. Workshop participants were recruited from 7 different category areas and represented all levels of organizations and influence. Over 100 individuals, representing nearly as many organizations, communities, and businesses, participated in the Summit workshops. In addition, WashU was a substantial financial contributor and hosted the events on the School of Medicine Campus. Ongoing efforts to put workshop ideas into action are maintained through working groups and monthly "Sustainability Labs." WashU is most actively engaged in leading the development of a regional GHG reduction goal and implementation plan. http://www.onestl.org/ http://www.onestl.org/get-involved/regional-initiatives/sustainability-lab

The City of St. Louis Urban Vitality & Ecology (UVE) initiative was launched in partnership with the Missouri Department of Conservation and Missouri Botanical Garden in 2013 to advance objectives in the City of St. Louis Sustainability Plan, and the Mayor’s Sustainability Action Agenda of priority implementation items. In attempting to achieve short and long term goals to connect people with urban natural resources, the UVE initiative will attempt to use a process that engages our diverse community, promotes equity and aligns with stakeholder priorities. Immediate Goal: Collaboratively develop and implement a community-based pilot project to test process and techniques. Near-Term Goal: Work with stakeholders to create and maintain an urban natural resources/biodiversity inventory and atlas that reflect current natural assets and future opportunities to enhance, expand and access them. Long-Range Goal: Develop a citywide Urban Vitality & Ecology Strategic Action Plan that provides the basis for well-informed policy modifications and community-based decisions, strategically prioritizes both redevelopment and key natural resource opportunities, and identifies actionable items for implementation. https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/mayor/initiatives/sustainability/urban-vitality-ecology/

WashU supports the Missouri Coalition for the Environment in a variety of ways: -Formal partnerships and sponsorship of programming (example: 2016 collaboration to utilize Van Jones' WashU speaking engagement to kick off an Environmental Justice workshop for local social and environmental organizations.) -Regularly connecting students to MCE's internship opportunities through Office of Sustainability and Career Center promotions. Some of the interns are financially supported by the Goldman Fellowship through the University's Gephardt Institute. -Featuring MCE's work at several WashU events each year, including panels and the Environmental Justice Ice Cream Social (internship networking fair). -Research support for the Food Justice Initiative and policy development through the Sustainability Exchange community-engaged teaching course.

Interdisciplinary Environmental Law Clinic: https://law.wustl.edu/intenv/ -The IEC represents non-profit groups, communities, and individuals who are pursuing legal action to protect the environment and community health but who cannot afford the legal representation and scientific expertise this requires. While providing pro bono legal and technical services to environmental and community organizations in Missouri and Illinois, the IEC simultaneously trains law students to handle complex legal cases, enables non-law students to apply their specialized fields to legal and policy issues, and teaches all students to communicate effectively and work productively in an interdisciplinary setting. US Green Building Council - Missouri Gateway Chapter: sponsorship enables on-campus CEC opportunities for staff. Dutchtown South Community Corporation partnership: Research support and allocated student intern through the Environmental Studies Program Multiple architecture and urban design studios each year. Example: Metamorphic Cities, Sustainable Strategies for Adaptive Reuse Fall 2014 graduate architecture studio, led by assistant professor Catalina Freixas Downtown STL, Inc. and the Sam Fox School partnered to explore adaptive reuse possibilities for the Railway Exchange Building, working in cooperation with the owners of the iconic structure. Students developed innovative design ideas to reimagine the 21-story high-rise building, reinvigorate the surrounding area, and contribute to the continuing transformation of downtown St. Louis.

http://samfoxschool.wustl.edu/node/10395