Committees & Organizations

All-University Committee

President’s Advisory Council on Environment & Sustainability (PACES)

PACES is an All-University Committee founded in 2003 as the Environmental Sustainability Committee (ESC). Its name was changed in 2007 when UC signed the American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment (ACUPCC). The committee is composed of students, faculty, and staff and is open to all. PACES meets once a month to share updates on projects as well as new ideas. If you have an idea for a sustainability initiative on campus, this is a great place to share your idea, get feedback, and get others interested in your idea during our open discussion time.

PACES has a Steering Committee that is co-chaired by Andy Porter, Director of Space Management and Joe Harrell, Associate VP of Facilites Management. For more information, please email us.

Spring 2024 PACES Meeting Dates and Times

Wednesday 1/10 at 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Wednesday 2/7 at 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Wednesday 3/6 at 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Wednesday 4/3 at 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Please email green@uc.edu for meeting links.

PACES Steering Committee

Staff

Andy Porter, Director of Space Management, Planning + Design + Construction (Co-Chair)
Joe Harrell, Assoc. VP, Facilities Management (Co-Chair)
Alex E. Román González, Sustainability Coordinator

Students

Taylor Morgan, Undergraduate Sustainability Representative
Katie Weitzel, Graduate Sustainability Representative

Faculty

Thomas Brinkman, UCBA (2021-24)
Beth Warning, CAHS (2022-25)
Amy Townsend-Small, CAS (2023-2026)

Sustainability Award Program

In support of UC’s strategic direction, Next Lives Here, and the goals outlined in the 2019 UC Sustainability + Climate Action Plan, the Sustainability Award Program serves as a celebratory and competitive framework for recognizing UC students, staff, and faculty who are doing exemplary work in sustainability. The intention of the Sustainability Award is to encourage and incentivize the UC community to build and enhance our culture of sustainbility while also supporting academic excellence, urban impact, and innovation.

Any member of the UC community is welcome to nominate an individual or group that they feel meets the criteria outlined in the Faculty Award, Student Award, Research Award, or Staff Award categories. Nominations are accepted on a rolling basis each year and reviewed by the PACES Steering Committee. Winners are then announced and celebrated at the Sustainability Awards Ceremony during Sustainability@UC Week; each awardee receives a $250 cash prize!

To submit a nomination visit CampusLink, search 'Office of Sustainability', then locate 'Forms'. Select a nomination form, complete and hit 'submit.' More information about the awards can be found on the Sustainability Awards poster.

2025 Sustainability Award Winners

Faculty category: Victoria Carr & Bob Hyland (tie)
Staff category: Sid Thatham
Student category: Sofia Ferrigolo
Research category: Daniel Murphy

2023 Sustainability Award Winners

Faculty category: Braden Trauth
Staff category: Jeff Finan
Student category: Net Impact UC
Research category: Dion Dionysiou

2022 Sustainability Award Winners

Faculty - Andrew Bernier
Staff - Kevin Peck
Student - Mitchell Singstock
Research - Carlie Trott

2021 Sustainability Award Winners

Faculty - Robert Gioielli
Staff - Utilities and Technical Support
Student - Bearcats Food Recovery Network