With the population of the Las Vegas Valley predicted to double in the next 25 years, identifying solutions to challenges that will affect quality of life in the region are critical to achieving a sustainable future.

UNLV, in an effort to integrate sustainability into the values, policies and practices of both the university and the community, recently established UNLV Urban 21--a campuswide initiative focusing on the study of urban issues through multi-disciplinary research, academic programs with a strong sustainability emphasis and meaningful community partnerships.

"Issues of sustainability impact every segment of our society and are, therefore, critically important to the community, state and region," said Ron Smith, interim vice president for research and dean of the UNLV Graduate College. "Our goal is to shed light on these emerging issues and partner with like-minded universities and community leaders to seek real-world solutions to economic, environmental and social issues through both research and action."

The university will officially launch the initiative at its inaugural Urban Sustainability Conference Oct. 24, during which leaders in the sustainability movement from UNLV, Arizona State University and Virginia Tech University will discuss the challenges facing the Southwest in the 21st century. More than 45 university and community experts will also participate in panel discussions on economic growth, health, sustainable architecture and youth and aging.

More than 300 faculty, staff and community leaders will be attending the conference to begin planning to address issues affecting urban quality of life. Many of UNLV's academic disciplines are conducting research and engaging in creative projects, securing competitive grants and/or teaching classes involving aspects of urban sustainability. Partnerships within existing centers and colleges will also be expanded to engage undergraduate and graduate students in research and provide internship opportunities.

UNLV is also focusing on ways to improve the campus itself to become a model of sustainability for the community. Continuing construction of three new, energy-efficient buildings, retrofitting of current buildings to increase energy efficiency and campus turf reduction projects have been added to the campus's existing xeriscape landscaping, energy reduction and recycling programs.

The Office of Urban Sustainability Initiatives is housed in the Division of Research and Graduate Studies and is under the direction of UNLV interim Vice President for Research and Graduate College Dean Ron Smith, who will serve as executive director for the initiative. Immediate plans include the hiring of a director of sustainability and multidisciplinary research to form research teams, promote collaboration and seek out national funding sources; the formation of a community advisory group; and the creation of new degree programs focusing on sustainability.