{"id":77,"date":"2020-10-02T19:39:38","date_gmt":"2020-10-02T19:39:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sustainabilityreport.ucop.edu\/?post_type=location&p=77"},"modified":"2023-12-14T22:06:23","modified_gmt":"2023-12-14T22:06:23","slug":"agriculture-and-natural-resources","status":"publish","type":"location","link":"https:\/\/sustainabilityreport.ucop.edu\/2023\/locations\/agriculture-and-natural-resources\/","title":{"rendered":"UC Agriculture and Natural Resources"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

UC Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) delivers the land grant mission for UC and California by developing and promoting practical, science-based solutions for the state\u2019s food systems, water resources and natural ecosystems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

UC ANR\u2019s statewide facilities \u2014 including nine Research and Extension Centers (RECs), the Elkus Ranch Environmental Education Center and an administrative building \u2014 continued sustainable practices in fiscal year 2022\u201323.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read More about Sustainability at UC Agriculture and Natural Resources<\/summary>\n

Between 2022 and 2023, UC ANR\u2019s facilities reduced carbon dioxide emissions from 1,266 to 979 metric tons and reduced natural gas use 4% by improving facilities\u2019 energy efficiency and encouraging a reduction in employees\u2019 overall energy use. In fiscal year 2022\u201323, potable water consumption decreased from the prior year, from 20.5 million gallons to 18 million gallons. This was largely due to the relocation of the Hansen REC: research concluded at the former site in 2022 and will ramp up at the new site in 2023.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While electricity use increased by 62%, overall indirect greenhouse gas emissions decreased by 52% as UC ANR transitions to purchased carbon-free electricity through UC\u2019s Clean Power Program. Several factors impacted electricity use. UC ANR facilities store temperature-sensitive crops and research materials. With hotter weather, more energy is required to keep them \u2014 as well as employees \u2014 cool. Additionally, as of June 2023, UC ANR hired 60 additional academic staff with plans to recruit another 95 personnel. More people are accessing facilities. That said, new hires also expand UC ANR\u2019s capacity to conduct research and outreach to support sustainable transitions.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

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UC Agriculture and Natural Resources<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n
\n\"Solar\"\"<\/a>\n

UC ANR Research and Outreach Spur Innovative Efforts To Expand Solar Power by Covering Canals<\/a><\/h3>\n

UC ANR research and outreach contributed to implementation of an innovative approach for expanding solar energy production while also delivering water savings to agricultural lands in the Central Valley. A UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) specialist located at UC Merced collaborated with UC Merced and UC Santa Cruz researchers on a study of energy and water co-benefits from covering irrigation canals with solar panels. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

\n\"Climate\"\"<\/a>\n

UC Climate Stewards Take Action To Reduce Carbon Emissions and Build Climate Resilience<\/a><\/h3>\n

UC Environmental Stewards, a statewide UC ANR program, works with over 70 partner organizations to promote environmental literacy and stewardship through discovery and action. Its newest certification program, UC Climate Stewards, builds statewide capacity to advance climate goals and improve ecosystem resilience by improving public access to climate science and fostering local communities of practice.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n