Building EcoDistricts

This course is designed to give students an opportunity to learn about and become involved in the development of the Portland Metro EcoDistrict Pilot Program. This class will focus on providing students with the history and present-day state of the work on EcoDistricts in Portland, as well as real and powerful ways to engage with the development of an EcoDistrict. Students will be introduced to basic concepts and practices related to EcoDistrict in general and then specifically work to develop an important initiative within one of the five pilot EcoDistricts in the city. Students will directly participate in an EcoDistrict project that will provide a base of experience for furthering the learning and appreciation for the work that goes into to developing the EcoDistrict concept. By the end of the class students will have worked within groups on a place-based sustainability project, gained a strong understanding urban sustainability practices within a district concept, gained experience working with leading sustainable urban development professionals, and also increased their literacy around sustainability and systems thinking.