Association of Pacific Rim Universities
Sustainable Cities and Landscapes (APRU-SCL)
Humanity is 55% urban, will be 68% by 2050. If we are to learn to live more lightly on this planet, it will by making cities more efficient, more green, less resource-intensive, cleaner, greener and more live-able for humans who derive so much benefitting from being close to nature. Our biggest cities are in Pacific Rim societies, so the Association of Pacific Rim Universities' solutions for city-landscape sustainability are solutions for the whole world.
Our Mission
To drive place based innovation and collaboration in sustainable cities and landscapes through education, research, and policy impact to create resilient, equitable, and vibrant communities.
About the APRU-SCL Program
The Association of Pacific Rim Universities-Sustainable Cities and Landscape Program (APRU-SCL) is a dynamic network, hosted by the University of Oregon and co-led with program directors from the University of Oregon and University of Michigan. The program unites thought leaders, researchers, and policymakers from 21 member universities to address the pressing challenges of urban sustainability.
The program emphasizes the interdependence of cities and their surrounding landscapes, focusing on mitigating environmental impacts such as increased air temperatures, altered water cycles, and disrupted ecological processes resulting from rapid urbanization. Guided by principles of broad geopolitical representation, diverse understandings of sustainability, attention to underrepresented communities, and recognition of climate change as a grand challenge, the program strives for transformative outcomes. Through cross-disciplinary collaboration, the program explores city-landscape interactions, compares regional practices, and develops solutions to enhance sustainability across Asia Pacific cities.
Our Cross-Disciplinary Guiding Research Principles
- We seek broad geopolitical representation across the Pacific Rim.
- We have different understandings and contexts for sustainability.
- We will address the needs of underrepresented communities and vulnerable populations.
- We recognize climate change as a grand challenge for human societies and earth systems. We want our work to be transformative.
SCL Program Contributions
The University of Oregon is honored to have founded the Sustainable Cities and Landscapes (SCL) Research Program with seven partner universities, and to continue to lead it with a Steering Committee of 20 committed member universities. Together we celebrate SCL’s accomplishments in:
- Community of interdisciplinary scholars and practitioners, over 800 participants in 8 annual meetings, dozens of webinars, shared courses of various lengths
- Major publications include Routledge Handbook on Sustainable Cities and Landscapes in the Pacific Rim, Human Galapagos from 2023 conference, Living with Water across the Pacific Rim from 2025 meeting, plus dozens of journal articles and grants.
- Student professional development at every conference; field schools to apply lessons learned, ranging from East Java to annual Galapagos Field School.
- Policy impact in many societies, consultancies for international organizations, links to policy makers, and new initiatives to connect to external funders
- UN-Habitat and UNESCAP Asia-Pacific Mayors’ Academy, training new mayors in sustainably practices
- Annual APRU Climate Change Simulation: Live role-play of carbon reduction negotiation with students representing US, China, India, EU, developing countries and other OECD countries. Over 600 students, 100 faculty, and 26 universities to date
In all programs and projects, we keep the following goals in mind:
- Collaborating to support transdisciplinary research across borders.
- Exchanging knowledge with communities, policymakers, and practitioners.
- Facilitating international, experiential, and place-based educational opportunities.
Contact
Housed in University of Oregon's Global Studies Institute, APRU SCL research and programming brings together faculty, students, practitioners, and policymakers from fields ranging from architecture and planning to environmental justice and sustainability.
Email sclhub@uoregon.edu
APRU APM 2025 meeting survey link available here.
Highlighted Programs
This annual event connects experts to develop solutions for urban sustainability, climate adaptation, and resilient cities. It features collaborative Working Groups and a Student Symposium, that allows all participants to network and collaborate on future projects an/or publications. This event is hosted by a different APRU member university each year and provides a uniquely place-based lens to all conference activities.
Scholars and professionals in fields of city and regional planning, landscape architecture, architecture, geography, environmental science, and relevant professions are invited for a two week workshop which culminates in participation in the 2025 Association of Pacific Rim Universities Sustainable Cities and Landscapes annual conference held at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
This 21-day program in Quito and the Galapagos Islands, provides a unique learning experience for students interested in urban planning, architecture, and environmental conservation. It's designed to deepen understanding of the complex socio-ecological system of cities and landscapes using the Galapagos as a case study and explore how it is impacted by the looming climate crisis. This program welcomes students from around the world.