UC Sustainability
The University of California is committed to stewarding and minimizing the university’s impact on the environment and reducing its dependence on nonrenewable energy, and it has issued guidelines for achieving sustainability throughout the UC system.
A report to the regents on progress in 2006 toward implementing UC's policy on green building, clean energy and sustainable transportation includes these highlights:
- Seven of UC's 10 campuses received the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's "Best Workplaces for Commuters" designation.
- UC saved nearly $5 million in annual operating costs as a result of its energy efficiency projects.
- Green building targets were included in 75 building projects.
- The Santa Barbara and Merced campuses were chosen by the U.S. Green Building Council to participate in a pilot program for leading green building organizations in the country.
- UC Santa Cruz now purchases 100 percent renewable energy.
The full report is available online at http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/regents/regmeet/jan07/113.pdf.
UC Sustainability Policies and Best Practices
Green Buildings
University operations incorporate the principles of energy efficiency and sustainability in all capital projects within budgetary constraints and programmatic requirements.
Clean Energy
UC minimizes the use of nonrenewable energy sources, including the use of local renewable energy and purchase of green power from the grid as well as conservation measures that reduce energy consumption.
Sustainable Transportation
UC promotes incorporating alternative means of transportation to, from and within the campus to improve the quality of life on campus and in the surrounding community.
Highlights of Sustainability Efforts Across the UC System
UC Berkeley
The Chancellor’s Advisory Committee on Sustainability engages the campus in an ongoing dialogue on reaching environmental sustainability, integrating environmental sustainability with existing campus programs and instilling a culture of sustainable long-range planning and forward-thinking design.
UC Irvine
UC Irvine hopes to minimize the "ecological footprint" on the campus for future generations and encourages members of the campus community to contribute their respective efforts towards integrating sustainable practices in daily campus life.
UCLA
UCLA’s degree programs offer several in which students are exposed to the major themes and issues of sustainability.
UC Merced
UC Merced’s Environmental Stewardship Program develops specific goals and policies to set standards for sustainable use of energy and other scarce resources and to be a model of development in the greater San Joaquin Valley.
UC San Diego
UC San Diego’s Environment and Sustainability Initiative hosted a workshop on energy and sustainability in May 2006 to explore what the campus can contribute to the challenges of energy and sustainability.
UC Santa Barbara
UC Santa Barbara successfully certified its greenhouse gas emissions inventory with the California Climate Action Registry, becoming only the second UC campus to earn the distinction of Climate Action Leader. Under this rigorous registry program, the campus now publicly and voluntarily reports its campuswide CO2 emissions.
UC Santa Cruz
UC Santa Cruz’s Chancellor’s Sustainability Action Council works to integrate sustainability into the campus’s operations, planning, construction, research, instruction and public service.