Working Group for Sustainable Cities at Harvard University

Program Description | Core Members

The Working Group for Sustainable Cities at Harvard University is a cross-disciplinary offering that brings together the faculties of Harvard (professors and students) and industry leaders. The group will develop new ways of understanding and approaching economic, social, and environmental sustainability as it relates to urban regeneration.

WGSC has been set up as a learning center at Harvard, one that will provide a case study experience where students will study U.S. and other cities and feed knowledge back to a sustainability knowledge platform, shared by the University and the community. Our case studies gather relevant data and materials from a range of disciplines, including urban development, environment, sociology, public policy and health, religion, gender and cultural studies.

Mission:

To develop and convey knowledge of sustainability best practices via interdisciplinary collaboration, the Working Group for Sustainable Cities at Harvard University seeks to improve the economic and environmental health of cities around the world. The group would bridge the gap between professional practice and the University, creating a robust forum for the cross-fertilization of ideas, and resulting in a sustainable knowledge platform available for all.

Vision:

WGSC seeks to be the hub of a global, constantly evolving, cross-sector network of professionals, academics, students, politicians, and local communities, working in synergy to develop the practice and implementation of urban sustainability.

History:

Launched in 2008, WGSC is evolving and its network continues to be developed. There is already significant commitment and interest in the concept from centres and schools around Harvard, as well as a varied body of professionals around the world who will contribute industry expertise.

Core Members

Contact:

Ann Frenning Kossuth
Program Coordinator
Working Group for Sustainable Cities at Harvard University
147 Sherman Street, 2nd Floor
Cambridge, MA 02140-3298