The Pacific Cities Sustainability Initiative (PCSI) was launched in 2009 as a joint collaboration of the Asia Society Centers of Northern and Southern California, the Centers for International Business Education and Research at the University of Southern California and University of California Los Angeles, and the Association of Pacific Rim Universities' World Institute.

The Pacific Cities Sustainability Initiative (PCSI) will produce an annual series of sustainability workshops and conferences as well as support student and faculty research on sustainability issues and develop a Sustainability Awards recognition program. The goal of PCSI is to help stimulate major Pacific Rim cities to transform their current carbon-intensive architecture to a more sustainable footprint. PCSI aims to catalyze behavioral change among municipal decision makers, consumers, and business by fostering on-going dialogue and sharing best practices on urban sustainability.

PCSI activities will bring together policymakers, business leaders, investors, architects, urban planners, academics and NGO leaders to identify workable solutions to the interrelated themes of: Water, Transportation, Clean Energy, Green Building and Green Infrastructure. PCSI will become a regionally-focused forum for stimulating the sustainability of Pacific Rim cities.

By the end of 2010, the American Chambers of Commerce in Shanghai and Hong Kong will become active partners in PCSI. By 2011, it is anticipated that the Asia Society Centers in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Manila, Melbourne, and Mumbai will also become PCSI partners. As an objective clearinghouse on urban sustainability, PCSI will support municipal projects, public-private partnerships, and outreach initiatives.

For more information about the Pacific Cities Sustainability Initiative, please contact Asia Society - Northern California: