From Vision to Reality
Early faculty such as John Holdren, John Harte, and Dick Norgaard observed, nurtured, and protected the ‘keys’ to ERG’s success, which included: commonality from a few key ERG courses combined with the freedom to roam widely in the Berkeley catalog; optimizing size, structure, and space for peer learning and community; a focus on scholar-activist problem solving more than particular methods and disciplines; giving students the freedom to shape their own projects and dissertations, rather than labor on a faculty member’s project. From the beginning, the ‘students were the draw’ – pulling in affiliates eager to recruit them to their labs, inspiring the core faculty, and attracting fresh cohorts of remarkable students who wanted to join them.
50 years later ERG continues its mission of research and education for a sustainable environment and a just society and the commitment to the fundamental ingredients of ‘ERGie-ness’ remains. And just as in 1975, the world still needs flexible, creative, well-trained thinkers to tackle problems that span disciplines and affect us deeply.
Your ERG, Your Stories
Submit your favorite memories and photos to be part of the collective ERG history.
ERGies Unite!
The Energy and Resources Group Alumni Network makes it easy to connect with your fellow alumni through virtual and in-person events, newsletters, and a directory.
Big Event Spring 2025
Block your calendar and get ready to make your travel plans, because the Big Event is back in spring 2025.
News
ERG’s Big Event 2025
ERG’s Big Event 2015. Photo by Dick Norgaard. Get ready—ERG and the ERG Alumni Network are bringing…
Pioneers of interdisciplinary sustainability
ERG celebrates 50 years of working toward a sustainable environment and a just society.
Oral Histories with ERG Founders
As part of the celebration of ERG’s 50 years of impact, founders John Harte, John Holdren, and Dick…