Sustainability Annual Report 2024
UC Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) delivers the land-grant mission for UC and California by developing and promoting practical, science-based solutions in agricultural production, food systems, natural resources management, ecosystem resilience, community and youth development, and nutrition and health.
In the past year, UC ANR played a key role in collective action against the climate crisis by participating in California’s roadmap to Accelerating Sustainable Pest Management. UC ANR also contributed to legislative changes to curb catastrophic wildfires and led applied research initiatives to improve the resilience and health of the soil, air and water of the state’s wildlands and working landscapes. UC ANR’s statewide facilities — including nine Research and Extension Centers (RECs), the Elkus Ranch Environmental Education Center and an administrative building — continued sustainable practices in fiscal year 2023–24.
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Between 2023 and 2024, UC ANR’s facilities reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 9.8%, from 970 to 875 metric tons, and reduced natural gas use 11.7%, from 265 to 234 metric tons. Indirect greenhouse gas emissions, largely from purchased electricity, decreased by 10%. Potable water consumption also decreased from the prior year, from 18 million gallons to less than 16 million gallons. A large factor in the reductions of emissions, natural gas use and potable water consumption is attributed to the relocation of the Hansen REC in September 2023. Consumption will increase as operations ramp up at the new location.
Stories
West Side REC Study: A Cradle of California Regenerative Agriculture
Two decades of collaborative research between UC ANR and farmers show how sustainable agriculture can improve soil health in the face of climate change. The long-term research at UC ANR’s West Side Research and Extension Center demonstrates the benefits of adopting no-till and cover cropping agricultural practices. These practices improve soil’s ability to hold and move water, which are critical properties for adapting to more frequent and intense periods of flooding and drought.
Prescribed Fire, Cultural Burning Get Liability Support To Reduce Wildfire Risks in California
Climate change has increased the severity and frequency of catastrophic wildfires in California. However, recent research has shown that prescribed and cultural burns can mitigate wildfire intensity and frequency. To reduce barriers to utilizing “good fire,” the UC ANR Fire Network has collaborated with state legislators, tribal representatives, the Nature Conservancy, CAL FIRE, the California Department of Insurance and many others to establish new protections for prescribed fire and cultural burning practitioners.
EMISSIONS
*Interim goals for 2030, 2035 and 2040 to be developed through fossil-free planning that is underway at each location
**90% direct reduction of total emissions from 2019 levels with residual emissions negated by carbon removal
Between 2023 and 2024, UC ANR’s facilities reduced scope 1 emissions by nearly 10%, from 970 to 875 metric tons. This was primarily due to a reduction in natural gas use of 12%, from 265 to 234 metric tons. Other scope 1 emission categories were also reduced compared with the prior year.
ENERGY – RENEWABLE ENERGY USE
ENERGY USE INTENSITY (EUI)
UC ANR saw a decrease in its EUI in the calendar year 2023. Between 2023 and 2024, UC ANR’s facilities reduced scope 2 emissions by about 10%, from 174 to 156 metric tons. Total electricity usage decreased by 4%. This was largely due to the relocation of the Hansen Research and Extension Center, which will ramp up operations over the next few years.
Green building
The number of green buildings remained unchanged from last year.
1 Certified
Total number of LEED certifications
Transportation
EV charging ports
The fleet remained unchanged from last year.
Water
Between 2023 and 2024, UC ANR’s facilities reduced potable water consumption from 18 million gallons to less than 16 million gallons. This was largely due to the relocation of the Hansen Research and Extension Center, which will ramp up operations over the next few years.
gallons of water used in 2024
Awards
A full list of awards is featured on the UC Office of the President’s website.