Sustainability Action Research — Institute of the Environment and Sustainability at UCLA

A UCLA student-initiated, student-led organization exemplifying sustainability in the 21st century.

As a Sustainability Action Research student, you’ll:

Advance sustainability at UCLA

Advance sustainability at UCLA by tackling pressing campus challenges.

Collaborate with faculty, staff and peers

Collaborate with faculty, staff, and peers who share your passion for the environment.

Build leadership and professional skills

Build leadership and professional skills in a supportive, applied setting.

Design and implement solutions

Design and implement solutions that make a measurable impact.

Each winter and spring, Sustainability Action Research (SAR) teams partner with campus stakeholders to research, rethink, and transform UCLA’s approach to sustainability. From energy efficiency to waste reduction to climate resilience, SAR projects exemplify what it means to be a Bruin leading in the 21st century.

Learn more

Get Involved

2025 Conserving Big-Eared Woodrats team, pictured at their project site – Sage Hill.

I enjoyed the close-knit, hard-working, and enthusiastic SAR community. Through SAR, it was also great to interact with other undergrads who are passionate about pursuing sustainability work in its various forms, not just on-campus, but also as future careers.
Mia Rosati, Class of 2024; 2022 Native Plant Nursery Team Member

Action Research was the perfect opportunity for me to apply everything that I learned in the classroom to a real life context. Just like in my work today, I needed to hone my communication skills and creativity to find solutions for my stakeholder.
Kyle Graycar, Class of 2014

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Become a leader and make a difference.

For SAR student and stakeholder inquiries, contact the Program Directors: Allie Quan and Campbell Baker (ucla.sar@gmail.com).

For Communications, Media, and Press: contact the Communications Director: Chloe Ng-Lee and Ria Erin Mehra (ucla.sar@gmail.com).

For funding and donation inquiries, contact Cully Nordby (nordby@ucla.edu).