{"id":82,"date":"2023-08-08T00:40:11","date_gmt":"2023-08-08T00:40:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sustainabilityreport.ucop.edu\/2023\/?page_id=82"},"modified":"2025-01-31T15:10:57","modified_gmt":"2025-01-31T15:10:57","slug":"overview","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sustainabilityreport.ucop.edu\/2024\/overview\/","title":{"rendered":"Overview"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n

Commitment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The 2024 Annual Report on Sustainable Practices explores UC\u2019s collective action on the climate crisis.<\/p>\n\n\n

Download UC’s Annual Sustainability Report Summary<\/use><\/svg><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Headshot
<\/div><\/div>

Letter from
the President<\/h2>
\n\n

As President of the University of California, it\u2019s been my privilege to help support and extend the University\u2019s leadership in addressing climate change and sustainability. My goal has been to empower our staff, faculty, and students to think big, and we\u2019ve seen significant sustainability gains across the three pillars of teaching, research, and public service mission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read the full letter From the President<\/summary>\n

A UC education prepares young people to lead engaged lives that serve the needs of a changing society \u2014 and increasingly, a changing climate and environment. Accordingly, UC San Diego introduced a requirement<\/a> this year that every student take at least one class focused on climate change before they graduate. A course on climate justice<\/a> that began at UC Merced last year generated so much interest from students that it\u2019s now offered every semester at Merced and is being piloted this year at three additional UC campuses. And in the spring, a systemwide class<\/a> debuted that helps students process their experience of environmental change and find ways to get involved and work for solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

UC research is one of the world\u2019s foremost sources of insight into the complexities of Earth\u2019s climate and environmental systems. Likewise, many sustainability innovations have originated in UC labs. In 2024, UC scientists discovered a process that vaporizes plastic<\/a>, a promising development as the world wakes up to the dangers of rampant plastic pollution<\/a>. A UC Santa Cruz computer scientist developed an AI that works like ChatGPT but uses just a fraction of the energy<\/a>. And in the Central Valley, our faculty initiated an effort to build solar panels over irrigation canals \u2014 a \u201cno-brainer\u201d<\/a> of a solution that generates clean electricity while preventing water waste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The University also offers practical support to help everyday Californians live sustainable, resilient lives. UC Agriculture and Natural Resources has launched a network of experts across fire science and ecology, prescribed fire, home hardening and defensible space, and community and regional planning. The UCANR Fire Network<\/a> is now connecting Californians to the research, training, and tools they need to live with fire. Also, UC hospitals were honored in the 2024 Practice Greenhealth Environmental Excellence Awards, which recognize environmental and sustainability achievements. Our 30 awards across our health system<\/a> prove that high-quality patient care can go hand-in-hand with sustainability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This year will be my last<\/a> as President of the University of California. It has been the honor of a lifetime to lead an institution that\u2019s fighting climate change on every possible front. The data in this year\u2019s annual report tell an inspiring story of the efficiencies we\u2019ve gained, the waste we\u2019ve eliminated, and the emissions we\u2019ve reduced. But I\u2019m most proud of the ambitious goals we\u2019ve set for our future. I thank every member of the UC community for your creativity and collaboration to ensure a healthier, more sustainable future for California. <\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n

\n
\"Signature<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Michael V. Drake, MD<\/p>\n\n\n\n

President, University of California<\/em><\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n

\"Headshot
<\/div><\/div>

Letter from the
AVP of Capital Programs,
Energy & Sustainability<\/h2>
\n\n

It\u2019s impossible to ignore the increasing challenges of the climate crisis on the University and our surrounding communities. In 2024, UC\u2019s students, faculty and staff continued to demonstrate a commitment to respond to these challenges. \u201cCollective action on the climate crisis\u201d is the theme of UC\u2019s 2024 annual sustainability report. It\u2019s easy to find examples of climate collaborations across all campuses and locations in the past year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read the full letter<\/summary>\n

UC held the top spot on the EPA\u2019s ranking of U.S. colleges and universities for green power in 2024, while continuing to grow its share of energy from renewable sources. We now use 700,000 megawatt hours of clean electricity annually \u2014 enough to power 110,000 homes for a year. The University also met most of its goals to eliminate single-use plastics, with 12 of 17 locations phasing out plastic bags and 16 locations reducing or eliminating single-use plastic foodware in UC-operated dining facilities. Our success is a result of dedicated commitment and ongoing coordination across dining services, procurement, facilities management, and sustainability teams, and the passionate support of student governments and other student leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All 10 campuses and their associated academic health centers completed state-funded studies to assess what it will take to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions from our operations by 2045. At the urging of our engaged students and faculty, these decarbonization studies chart a course for transforming our daily operations while centering equity and connecting to the University\u2019s missions of research, teaching and public service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our students continue to make an impact at UC and across the world with their collaborative approaches to fighting the climate crisis. The Bonnie Reiss Leading on Climate Fellowship<\/a> supports undergraduate and graduate students tackling climate- and food-related challenges at UC and beyond. Fellows in the 2023\u201324 cohort conducted innovative projects<\/a>, such as organizing focus groups in multiple languages to gather input from community members on how to improve climate resilience and developing partnerships to expand access to healthy, sustainable and culturally relevant food at Basic Needs access sites. Since its founding a decade ago, the Reiss Fellowship has sent over 400 UC students out into the working world<\/a>, equipped with advanced knowledge of the climate crisis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is clear that addressing the worsening climate crisis will take all of us. I\u2019m uplifted by the collaborative efforts across the University\u2019s students, staff and faculty to tackle it together.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n

\n
\"David<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

David Phillips<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Associate Vice President, Capital Programs, Energy & Sustainability
<\/em><\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n

\n

Policy Areas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The University of California\u2019s formal sustainability commitments began in 2003 with a Regental action that led to the adoption of the Presidential Policy on Green Building Design and Clean Energy Standards in 2004. Since then, UC has expanded the scope of the Sustainable Practices Policy to include climate, transportation, building operations, waste, procurement, food, water, health and well-being, UC Health and sustainability performance, as well as anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Sustainable Practices Policy applies to all 10 campuses, five academic health centers, UC Agriculture and Natural Resources, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) and the UC Office of the President (UCOP).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The complete UC Policy on Sustainable Practices<\/a> can be accessed online, and a summary is available below. UC\u2019s sustainability data<\/a> summarizes progress toward the goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Climate<\/summary>\n

Each UC campus, including its associated academic health center, LBNL and UCOP, will set targets and prepare climate action plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from a 2019 baseline that will address:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Total emissions\n
      \n
    • Reduce total emissions (scopes 1, 2 and 3) at least 90% by 2045 without relying on voluntary carbon offsets.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Negate any residual emissions remaining in 2045 through investments in carbon removal (no more than 10% of 2019 emissions levels).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Scope 1 emissions\n
        \n
      • By 2025, set reduction targets for 2030, 2035 and 2040.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Incrementally reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions from the on-site combustion of fossil fuels.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Allocate funds equal to $25 per metric ton of carbon dioxide equivalent for all remaining scope 1 and 2 emissions beginning in 2025 through 2030 toward projects that achieve direct emissions reductions or support climate justice or community benefit programs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Scope 2 emissions\n
          \n
        • Purchase 100% clean electricity beginning in 2025 (LBNL will follow federal requirements).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Scope 3 emissions\n
            \n
          • Set scope 3 emissions reduction targets for business travel, commuting and solid waste disposal in alignment with the state of California\u2019s goals.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
            \"\"<\/figure>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n
            Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice<\/summary>\n

            As part of its commitment to applying anti-racism principles to all sustainability policy areas, programs and initiatives, the University will:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \n
            • Complete a diversity, equity, inclusion and justice (DEIJ) assessment of the existing policy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Develop goals that incorporate principles of anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion into specific areas of the policy by 2025.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Include a DEIJ impact analysis with any policy addition or revision.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n
              Energy<\/summary>\n
                \n
              • Energy efficiency: Reduce each location\u2019s energy use intensity by an average of at least 2% annually.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Renewable electricity: Locations will install on-site renewable electricity supplies and storage systems as appropriate to support the location\u2019s climate action goals.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Clean electricity: Obtain 100% clean electricity at each campus and health location by 2025. The UC Clean Power Program has been meeting this standard since 2018.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n
                Food Service<\/summary>\n
                  \n
                • Procure 25% sustainable food as defined by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education\u2019s Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System (AASHE STARS) at each campus and 30% sustainable food as defined by Practice Greenhealth at each academic health center by 2030.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • All campuses and academic health centers will procure 25% plant-based food by 2030 and strive to procure 30%.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n
                  General Sustainability Performance Assessment<\/summary>\n

                  All undergraduate campuses must achieve an Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education\u2019s Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System\u2019s (AASHE STARS) Gold rating and strive for Platinum.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

                  Green Building<\/summary>\n
                    \n
                  • Design and construct all new buildings and major renovations to a minimum LEED BD+C (Building Design and Construction) Gold rating.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Design and construct renovation projects with a cost over $10 million (except acute care facilities) to a minimum LEED ID+C (Interior Design and Construction) certified rating.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • New parking structures will be designed and constructed to achieve, at a minimum, a Parksmart Silver certification.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Prohibit on-site fossil fuel combustion (e.g., natural gas) for space or water heating in all new buildings and major renovation projects (except those projects connected to an existing campus central thermal infrastructure). <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Energy-efficient design:\n
                      \n
                    • Acute care\/hospital facilities and medical office buildings: Outperform the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) standard 90.1-2010 by at least 30% or meet UC\u2019s whole-building energy performance targets.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • All other buildings: Outperform the energy requirements of the California Building Code by at least 20% on all new construction and major renovation projects or meet UC\u2019s whole-building energy targets.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Achieve at least five points within the available credits in LEED BD+C\u2019s Water Efficiency and Sustainable Sites: Rainwater Management categories.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n
                      Health and Well-Being<\/summary>\n

                      By 2025, suppliers that operate or maintain vending machines on UC locations will:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        \n
                      • Ensure at least 50% of the beverages and 35% of the food in a vending machine meet the UC Healthy Vending Guidelines for Healthy Spend.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                        By 2027, suppliers that operate or maintain vending machines on UC locations will:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          \n
                        • Ensure at least 60% of the beverages and 40% of the food in a vending machine meet the UC Healthy Vending Guidelines for Healthy Spend.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n
                          Procurement<\/summary>\n
                            \n
                          • Achieve full compliance with required level green spend criteria per product category; target to be reached within three fiscal years after a category is added to the Sustainable Procurement Guidelines.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          • Reach 25% preferred level green spend per product category; target to be reached within three fiscal years after a category is added to the Sustainable Procurement Guidelines.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          • Reach 25% economically and socially responsible spend; target to be reached within five fiscal years of adoption of this section in the Sustainable Procurement Guidelines.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          • Allocate a minimum of 15% of the points utilized in competitive solicitation evaluations to sustainability criteria.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n
                            Sustainable Building Operations and Labs<\/summary>\n

                            Implement an ongoing Green Labs assessment program and assess three research groups in total at each campus. Report the number of researchers directly and indirectly engaged by the program annually.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

                            Transportation<\/summary>\n
                            Fleet<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                              \n
                            • All sedan and minivan acquisitions will be zero-emission or plug-in hybrid vehicles, except for public safety vehicles with special performance requirements.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                            • At least 50% of all vehicles acquired by each UC location will be zero-emission or plug-in hybrid.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
                              Commute<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                              Each location shall strive to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                \n
                              • Reduce its percentage of employees and students commuting by single-occupancy vehicles (SOVs) by 10% relative to its 2015 SOV commute rates by 2025.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                              • Have no more than 40% of its employees and no more than 30% of all employees and students commuting to the location by SOV by 2050.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                              • Have at least 4.5% of commuter vehicles be zero-emission by 2025.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                              • Have at least 30% of commuter vehicles be zero-emission by 2050.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                              • Take steps needed to normalize and promote telecommuting and flexible work options.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n
                                UC Health<\/summary>\n

                                Each academic health center will:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  \n
                                • Obtain 100% clean electricity by 2025. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                • Design and construct new acute care\/hospital facilities and medical office buildings to outperform the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) 90.1 \u2013 2010 by at least 30% or meet whole-building energy performance targets per the policy.  <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                • Maintain membership in Practice Greenhealth, a nonprofit dedicated to health care sustainability, and achieve Practice Greenhealth\u2019s Greenhealth Partner for Change award. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                • Achieve a target of 25 pounds of total waste as defined by Practice Greenhealth per adjusted patient day by 2025 and strive for 20 pounds of total waste per adjusted patient day by 2030.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                • Reduce growth-adjusted potable water consumption 20% by 2020 and 36% by 2025, when compared to a three-year-average baseline of fiscal year 2005\u201306, fiscal year 2006\u201307 and fiscal year 2007\u201308.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                • Procure 30% sustainable food as defined by Practice Greenhealth by 2030.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                • Procure 25% plant-based food by 2030 and strive to procure 30%.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                • Evaluate at least three products\/devices and associated contracts for reprocessing collection and buyback, and implement a medical device reprocessing program with an FDA-approved third-party reprocessor by 2025. Strive for new contracts to specify that at least 20% of disposables purchased be reprocessed. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                • Meet UC\u2019s required level green spend criteria and reach 25% preferred level green spend for procurement of office supplies, IT hardware and appliances. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                • Ensure at least 50% of the beverages and 35% of the food in a vending machine meet the UC Healthy Vending Guidelines for Healthy Spend by 2025.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n
                                  Water<\/summary>\n
                                    \n
                                  • Reduce growth-adjusted potable water consumption at each location by 36% by 2025, when compared to a three-year-average baseline of fiscal year 2005\u201306, fiscal year 2006\u201307 and fiscal year 2007\u201308.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                  • By 2025, initiate new water reuse and conservation feasibility evaluations to develop water conservation, water recycling and stormwater reuse projects.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                  • By 2025, propose a goal to increase the number of bottle filling stations as a percentage of drinking fountains and identify deficiencies in drinking water access, including consideration of increased drinking water demand during heat wave events.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n
                                    Zero Waste<\/summary>\n
                                      \n
                                    • Reduce per capita municipal solid waste generation to 25% below fiscal year 2015\u201316 levels by 2025 and 50% below fiscal year 2015\u201316 levels by 2030 at each campus.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                    • Divert 90% of municipal solid waste from the landfill at each campus.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                    • Reduce and eliminate single-use plastic items such as bags, foodware accessory items and beverage bottles by 2024.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                    • Prohibit the sale, procurement and distribution of packaging foam.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n
                                      \n
                                      \"\"
                                      Photo credit: Sarah Brockhaus<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
                                      \n

                                      Timeline of Sustainability<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                      For many decades, the University of California has been committed to sustainability in its operations, education, research and public service.<\/p>\n\n\n

                                        <\/ul>
                                        <\/div>
                                        <\/div>
                                        <\/div>
                                        <\/div><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>
                                        \n
                                        \n
                                        1970<\/div>
                                        \n\n

                                        UC Santa Barbara creates the first environmental studies program in the country<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

                                        1971<\/div>
                                        \n\n

                                        UC Santa Cruz establishes the first student farm in the country<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

                                        1998<\/div>
                                        \n\n

                                        UC issues policy on Trademark Licensing Code of Conduct, providing guidance to companies granted permission to use the University\u2019s name on how workers should be treated <\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

                                        1999<\/div>
                                        \n\n

                                        UC Santa Barbara students approve student fee to create Coastal Fund<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

                                        \n
                                        2002<\/div>
                                        \n\n

                                        UC\u2019s first LEED certification, UC Santa Barbara\u2019s Bren School, is also the first LEED Platinum laboratory building in the world <\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

                                        2003<\/div>
                                        \n\n

                                        UC Regents approve action calling on the President to issue a policy on green building and clean energy<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        UC Berkeley establishes the first Chancellor\u2019s Advisory Committee on Sustainability<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

                                        2004<\/div>
                                        \n\n

                                        President Dynes issues policy on Green Building Design and Clean Energy Standards <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        UC launches a Statewide Energy Partnership with four California utilities to accelerate campus energy efficiency<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

                                        2006<\/div>
                                        \n\n

                                        The Green Initiative Fund referendum passes at UC Santa Barbara <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Transportation, operations, waste management and procurement sections added to Sustainable Practices Policy <\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

                                        2007<\/div>
                                        \n\n

                                        All 10 UC chancellors sign the American College and University Presidents\u2019 Climate Commitment <\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

                                        2009<\/div>
                                        \n\n

                                        Sustainable food services section added to Sustainable Practices Policy<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

                                        \n
                                        2012<\/div>
                                        \n\n

                                        Goal of installing 10 megawatts of on-campus renewable energy met two years early<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        UC achieves 100th LEED certification <\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

                                        2013<\/div>
                                        \n\n

                                        President Napolitano announces the Carbon Neutrality Initiative, committing UC to carbon neutrality by 2025 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Sustainable water systems section added to Sustainable Practices Policy<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

                                        2014<\/div>
                                        \n\n

                                        President Napolitano announces the Global Food Initiative <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        UC becomes the first university in the world to sign the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investing <\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

                                        2015<\/div>
                                        \n\n

                                        UC hosts Bending the Curve Carbon Neutrality Research Summit <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        UC commits to invest $1 billion in clean and renewable energy over five years<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        UC publishes Framework for Sustainable Investing<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        UC sells investments in companies with major revenue from tar sands or thermal coal<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

                                        2016<\/div>
                                        \n\n

                                        UC signs on to Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        UC begins documenting annual carbon footprint of public equities holdings<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

                                        2017<\/div>
                                        \n\n

                                        Largest solar purchase by any U.S. university (80 megawatts) comes online<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

                                        2018<\/div>
                                        \n\n

                                        UC Health sustainability section added to Sustainable Practices Policy <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        UC Regents vote to make Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance part of the UC Investment Policy<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        UC\u2019s internal power company provides 100% clean electricity <\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

                                        2019<\/div>
                                        \n\n

                                        UC General Endowment Pool sells investments in companies that own fossil fuel reserves<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        UC recognized as the top college\/university in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s Green Power Partnership rankings<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

                                        \n
                                        2020<\/div>
                                        \n\n

                                        UC attains $1 billion in cumulative clean energy investments<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        UC investment portfolios are free of assets that own fossil fuel reserves after the sale of more than $1 billion in assets from its pension, endowment and working capital pools<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        UC Merced becomes the first public research university in the country to achieve carbon neutrality<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

                                         <\/div>
                                        \n\n

                                        Report and Recommendations on the Use of Herbicides and Other Pesticides completed<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        20% sustainable food procurement goal met systemwide<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        UC adopts policy to phase out single-use plastics<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

                                        2021<\/div>
                                        \n\n

                                        UC Center for Climate Justice launches<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        UC\u2019s Energy Efficiency Partnership marks $100 million in incentives received from utility companies since the program launched in 2004<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        UC receives Environmental Protection Agency Green Power Leadership Award<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        UC adopts Small Business Forward Policy<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

                                        2022<\/div>
                                        \n\n

                                        UC achieves 400th LEED certification<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        UC Center for Climate, Health and Equity launches<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        UC and CSU jointly launch the K-12 Environmental and Climate Change Literacy Projects initiative<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        UC Health becomes a member of the National Academy of Medicine\u2019s Action Collaborative on Decarbonizing the U.S. Health Sector<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

                                         <\/div>
                                        \n\n

                                        UC announces $80 million grant program to spur climate action research in partnership with the state of California<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        UC Health joins the nationwide Health Care Sector Climate Pledge led by the White House and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        UC\u2019s Retirement Savings Plans sell roughly $1 billion in assets that own fossil fuel reserves assets and will exclude such investments going forward<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        UC Academic Senate issues memorial on reducing fossil fuel combustion and President Drake creates Pathways to a Fossil Free UC Task Force<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

                                        2023<\/div>
                                        \n\n

                                        UC adopts new, stronger climate action goals focused on direct decarbonization<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion section added to Sustainable Practices Policy<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        UC enters into first wind energy contract, the University\u2019s largest renewable energy commitment <\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

                                         <\/div>
                                        \n\n

                                        In partnership with the state of California, UC announces $95 million in grants for climate action research, innovation and entrepreneurship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        UC campuses and academic health centers launch decarbonization studies<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

                                        2024<\/div>
                                        \n\n

                                        UC campuses and academic health centers complete decarbonization studies<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        UC locations develop interim greenhouse gas reduction targets for 2030, 2035 and 2040<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        UC Health locations develop a scope 3 greenhouse gas inventory<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        UC San Diego launches climate change general education requirement<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        16 of 17 UC locations partially or completely eliminate single-use plastic foodware in UC-operated dining facilities, caf\u00e9s and to-go facilities<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

                                        2025<\/div>
                                        \n\n

                                        Locations to develop updated climate action plans<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Campuses and academic health centers to reduce per capita potable water use by 36%<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        All campuses\u2019 and academic health centers\u2019 purchased electricity to be 100% carbon-free <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        At least 50% of beverages and 35% of food in vending machines across all locations to meet UC Healthy Vending Guidelines<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

                                        2030<\/div>
                                        \n\n

                                        25% sustainable food procurement goal for campuses and 30% sustainable food procurement goal for academic health centers to be met<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

                                        2045<\/div>
                                        \n\n

                                        UC campuses, academic health centers and LBNL to achieve 90% reduction in total greenhouse gas emissions; any residual emissions will be negated by carbon removal<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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