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CAUSES-UDC - 2015 Sustainability Award Winner

CAUSES-UDC - 2015 Sustainability Award Winner

The College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Science (CAUSES) of the University of the District of Columbia (UDC)

The College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Science (CAUSES) of the University of the District of Columbia (UDC), provides relevant and innovative applied research, sustainable initiatives and education to students and District residents in the areas of green infrastructure, sustainable spaces, urban economics and social and environmental entrepreneurship. In CAUSES, academic and landgrant initiatives coalesce, integrating programs to produce and understand the implications and impacts of sustainable development.

CAUSES has developed, implemented, and evaluated applied research projects as building blocks of sustainability, as well as the CAUSES Urban Food Hubs Concept which consists of food production, food preparation, food distribution, and waste and wastewater management to address food insecurity. These projects seek to improve the quality of life for District residents, moving them toward a greener, healthier and more sustainable city. Aligning with the Sustainable DC Plan, current initiatives include:

  1. A 20,000 square foot green roof (with a 10,000 square foot growing area) on the Van Ness campus that promotes urban food production, energy efficiency, and a reduction of stormwater runoff via the stormwater capture and recirculation system.
  2. The DC Housing Authority granted a 3-year lease to construct and operate the East Capitol Urban Farm and aqua-ponics facility on a 3-acre food desert in Ward 7. It will be the largest urban farm in the District.
  3. Open from May through November, the UDC farmers market brings local produce, artisanal products as well as cooking demonstrations and nutrition education to DC residents.
  4. CAUSES is working to establish a food truck will also be operated to distribute food to the needy communities across the city and provide them with health related workshops.
  5. With one established on the Van Ness campus and one under construction at the UDC Bertie Backus campus, our business incubator kitchens will serve as food and nutrition teaching facility, business incubator, job-skills and entrepreneurship training center.
  6. The nationally-accredited Environmental Quality Research Lab as part of its Water Resources Research Institute, which will soon provide DC residents a convenient and affordable way of testing water and soil for environmental contaminants and other impurities.
  7. CAUSES reaches out to the all communities in the District by holding workshops, certificate programs, and events in the fields of urban sustainability, urban agriculture, nutrition, building rehabilitation and community development, among others.

CUSES award winner
First row, from left to right:  Dr. Kamran Zendehdel, Assistant Director, Sustainability Education, Center for Sustainable Development, Dr. Xiaochu Hu, Project Specialist for Applied Economic Evaluation, Center for Sustainable Development, Dr. Pier Broadnax, Director/Associate Professor, RN to BS in Nursing Program, Dr. Lillie Monroe-Lord, Director, Center for Nutrition, Diet and Health, Mr. Richard Hess, Administrative Specialist for Data Management and Assessment, Dr. Sabine O’Hara, Dean and Director of Land-grant Programs

Second row, from left to right:  Mr. Mchezaji “Che” Axum, Director, Center for Urban Agriculture and Gardening Education, Mr. William Hare, Associate Dean for Land-grant Programs, Dr. Susan Schaefer Kliman, Chair and Program Director, Division of Urban Architecture and Community Planning, Mr. Clarence Pearson, Distinguished Professor, Division of Urban Architecture and Community Planning, and Director, Architectural Research Institute, Dr. Tolessa Deksissa, Director, DC Water Resources Research Institute, Professional Science Master’s Program in Water Resources Management, and Environmental Quality Testing Lab, Dr. Elgloria Harrison, Special Assistant for Academic Programs and Climate Initiatives

UDC award winner
Green roof with Echinacea                                   Farmer’s Market at UDC

About the University of the District of Columbia

An HBCU, urban land-grant, and the only public university in the nation's capital, The University of the District of Columbia is committed to a broad mission of education, research and community service.  Established by abolitionist Myrtilla Miner in 1851, the University of DC offers Associate's, Bachelor's and Master's Degrees and a host of workplace development services designed to create opportunities for student success.  To learn more, visit www.udc.edu.

The University of the District of Columbia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution. Minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For a full version of the University's EO Policy Statement, please visit: http://www.udc.edu/equal_opportunity.The University of the District of Columbia is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education - 3624 Market Street - Philadelphia, PA 19104 - 267.284.5000.