Document Qvqxnd8ZJXEjpL1rGarv60vE

To: From: Sent: Subject: Jackson, RyanOackson.ryan@epa.gov] do-not-reply@concursolutions.com Thur 9/14/2017 1:22:27 PM ConcurGov Correspondence JACKSON.RYAN@EPA.GOV Your Auth AUTH210464-1 was just stamped APPROVED by ELLISON, MARDIKO. You can access ConcurGov at: https://cge.concursolutions.com 17cv1906 Sierra Club v. EPA 6/22 Production ED 001523 00003611-00001 G7 side event "Universities for Sustainable Development" Bologna, If ne 2017 672017 ITALIA Concept Note Introduction Worldwide, university systems are affected by increa sing competition, the rise of social expectations and in many cases by the need to do mo re and better with less. The changes taking plaoe in society, economy, environmen t, technology and legal systems, require universities to respond to a number of contingent interests in potential conflict. At the same time, universities need to promote coope ration in academic systems as well as networks and lasting partnerships with business, g overnment and other social actors in a forward-looking perspective. The U N 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development indicates the horizon, the commitments of the global community, objectives, targets and indicators for measuring its achievement. In this context, in which universities need to combi ne competition and cooperation, academic exoellenoe and efficiency, quality and equity, environmental sustainability is not just only one of many available options, but is ins tead a neoessary and responsible development strategy. Green university rankings are growing in prominenoe, as both students and universities plaoe more importance on environmental responsibility. Sustainability at universities generally means to i) provide research and teaching on sustainability, ii) adopt internal measures addressed to reduoe deleterious environmental effects and to cut carbon and energy bills, and iii) contribute promoting knowledge and scienoe-based regulations and innovation on sustainability, joining public-private partnerships and actions. University systems and institutional governance are facing the challenge of sustainability, having to promote multidisciplinarity and cooperation, consistently orienting the internal decision-making processes, resource allocation, organ izational redesign, incentives for 17cv1906 Sierra Club v. EPA - 6/22 Production ED 001523 00003621-00001 teaching and research, accountability to local terri tories, national governments and the international community. All this falls within an overall context of opportun ities, recognizing environmental sustainability as a new framework for an integrated ap proach to planning, reporting and networking through which providing strategic direction and capacity building to the many economic, social and government actors involved in environmental protection. There is interest among many academics and practition ers in taking Sustainable Development practices within University, and there i s recognition of the opportunity that the conoept holds for a positive impact on the whole environment, economy and society. However, there is limited understanding of what Unive rsity can contribute to its full scale effective implementation. University can promin ently contribute to the prooess by training the required scientists, engineers, economis tsand professionals along with the knowledge required for the development of improved tec hnologies, regulations and business models. University can also contribute to th e creation of new and tailored start ups and spin offs as well as to the identification of new market potentials. This surely requires better linking of research, teaching and opera tions, and creating further interconnections between academic disciplines and b etween these and industry, government and society. Discussion structure HOW UNIVERSITIES CAN CONTRIBUTE BOOSTING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Opening talks by Co-Chairs (15 min) to set the soene. Objectives of the panel: share experiences and develo p a common roadmap on the University contribution to a more effective implement ation of Sustainable Development principles and practices in the G7 countries. The following are discussion areas that will help steer the interactive workshop: 17cv1906 Sierra Club v. EPA - 6/22 Production ED 001523 00003621-00002 Morning session: 1. How are Universities rethinking the courses and curricula, teaching, and research programs, to address the agenda of Environmental Sustainability? 2. I n which courses and how Sustainable Development pr inciples and practices should be taught ? Which disciplines should be mobilized? 3. How can Universities green their internal management (sustainable management, green public/private procurement,...)? Afternoon session: 4. In which domains of Sustainable Development, Univers ity research can contribute in advancing technology, innovation, regulations and market? 5. How can University foster entrepreneurship in the Circu lar Economy (Resource Efficiency, 3Rs, Zero-Carbon Economy, Bio-Economy) domain? 6. How can networking between research, education/train ing and business facilitate Circular Economy (Resource Efficiency, 3Rs, Zero-Carb on Economy, Bio Economy) implementation? Co-chairs: Panellists: - one University speaker per G7 country in the morning, focusing on discussion questions 1,2 and 3; - one University speaker per G7 country in the afternoon, focusing on discussion questions 4,5 and 6; 10 mins each (with indicative^ 4 slides) for answering to (some of) the 3 questions. Presentations followed by open discussion facilitated by the Co-Chairs. A Rapporteur will take notes. Conclusions of the day: Co-Chairs and Rapporteur. Monday 12th June The Rapporteur will report to the G7 Environment Ministers on early Monday 12th. 17cv1906 Sierra Club v. EPA - 6/22 Production ED 001523 00003621-00003