| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 78.50 |
| Liaison | Kira Stoll |
| Submission Date | Aug. 16, 2018 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
University of California, Berkeley
PA-2: Sustainability Planning
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
4.00 / 4.00 |
Kira
Stoll Director of Sustainability Office of Sustainability |
Does the institution have a published strategic plan or equivalent guiding document that includes sustainability at a high level? :
A brief description of how the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document addresses sustainability:
UC Berkeley’s highest level plan is its Long Range Development Plan, which was approved by the UC Regents in 2005 and guides the campus through at least 2020. The overall intent of LRDP is to realize the campus academic vision. Among the plan’s nine stated objectives is: “Plan Every New Project as a Model for Resource Conservation and Environmental Stewardship.” In the “Sustainable Campus” part of the plan, UC Berkeley prioritizes five environmental initiatives such as incorporating sustainable design principles into capital investment decisions and designing new projects to minimize water and energy consumption and waste-water production. The section introduction lays out the university’s environmental priorities: “As one of the world's great research universities, UC Berkeley has a special obligation to serve as a model of how creative design can both minimize resource consumption and enhance environmental quality. Each new capital investment at UC Berkeley has the potential to advance the state of the art in responsible, sustainable design, and thereby contribute to our mission of public service.” The LRDP was developed with a required Environmental Impact Report (EIR), to monitor development impacts and proscribe mitigation measures. The EIR contains very specific environmental mitigation and improvement strategies, some quantifiable that are required to be implemented.
In 2009, the university added an amendment to the Environmental Impact Report of the Long Range Development Plan. The amendment detailed technical criteria on environmental metrics such as greenhouse gas emissions inventories and construction emissions. It also specifically called out that campus would follow all of the UC Sustainability Practices policy goals, including the quantitative improvement measures that are part of the policy.
The Long-Range Plan, the Environmental Impact Report and the EIR Amendment can be found here:
https://capitalstrategies.berkeley.edu/sites/default/files/lrdp_2020.pdf
https://capitalstrategies.berkeley.edu/sites/default/files/eir-volume-1.pdf
A copy of the strategic plan:
The website URL where the strategic plan is publicly available:
Does the institution have a published sustainability plan (apart from what is reported above)? :
A copy of the sustainability plan:
The website URL where the sustainability plan is publicly available:
Does the institution have a published climate action plan (apart from what is reported above)? :
A copy of the climate action plan:
The website URL where the climate action plan is publicly available:
Does the institution have other published plans that address sustainability or include measurable sustainability objectives (e.g. campus master plan, physical campus plan, diversity plan, human resources plan)? :
A list of other published plans that address sustainability, including public website URLs (if available):
https://sustainability.berkeley.edu/plans-reports/sustainability-planning
https://sustainability.berkeley.edu/plans-reports/sustainability-reports
Sustainability Planning
2009 Sustainability Plan (with 2013 updates)
2009 Water Action Plan
2011 Transportation Demand Management Plan
Campus Bicycle Plan (2006)
2013 UC Berkeley Zero Municipal Solid Waste Plan
2020 Long Range Development Plan (2005)
Climate Action Planning
2025 Carbon Neutrality Planning Framework (2016)
2009 Climate Action Plan
2007 CalCAP Feasibility Report
Additionally, campus physical and environmental long-range development plans and environmental impact reports include specific measures for climate, transportation, utilities and more operational aspects.
https://capitalstrategies.berkeley.edu/pep/campus-planning-documents
http://guides.lib.berkeley.edu/c.php?g=15064&p=708250
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Curriculum?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Curriculum and the published plans in which each objective is included:
UC Berkeley’s 2002 and currently adopted Strategic Academic Plan identifies 10 broad academic themes of exceptional promise that the campus is tasked to develop programs and curriculum for - within the following decade - based on the principles articulated in the academic plan. Two of the principles explicitly address sustainability themes and were intended to be developed during the life of the plan:
Metropolitan Studies - The dramatic growth of global urbanization, and its implications for human and environmental health and the distribution and consumption of resources.
Environment - The impacts of human activity on our planet’s ecosystems, and how to manage and mitigate those impacts.
http://vpsafp.berkeley.edu/media/Strategic-Academic-Plan-02.pdf
http://live-global-metropolitan-studies.pantheon.berkeley.edu/
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Research?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Research and the published plans in which each objective is included:
UC Berkeley’s Long Range Development Plan specifically lists environmental health and agricultural productivity as objectives for campus research. It reads:
“Research is also fundamental to our mission of public service. The direct public benefits of the research and scholarship undertaken at UC Berkeley range from advances in human and environmental health, to new insights into personal and social behavior, to improved agricultural and industrial productivity.”
The plan then identifies the Environment and Global Metropolitan Studies as targeted areas for development in coursework and research over the next 10 years.
The general course of actions that will be measured are:
Define the problem in detail, suggest new approaches and describe the likely impact of
changes.
Undertake demonstration projects involving collaborations with governments and institutions that use experimental methods when possible to determine if the new approaches will ameliorate the problem.
Commit to having an impact in at least some of the areas identified in the next 10 years.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Campus Engagement?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Campus Engagement and the published plans in which each objective is included:
UC Berkeley’s Student Environmental Resource Center (SERC) adopted a 2017-2022 strategic plan that includes measurable objectives such as expanding access and opportunities for co-curricular learning opportunities and developing institutional pathways for clubs and student groups to increase intersectional engagement with SERC. The resource center is an official functional unit of the student affairs administration. Among its duties is handing out Green Initiative Fund money raised from student fees. The plan can be seen at:
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Public Engagement?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Public Engagement and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The Environmental Impact Report of UC Berkeley's Long Range Development Plan, the campus' highest level planning document, requires the campus follow the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) on all capital and land use projects. CEQA and the EIR have legally defined public participation process guidelines that are followed by the university. Any project that involves building and land use requires public participation, notice, and public record. Therefore, 100% of new building space, large renovations and defined changes to the campus landscape include options for the public to review, comment and respond to. Since the publication of the Long Range Development Plan and the Environmental Impact Report, numerous projects have had this environmental review opportunity by the public. https://www.ucop.edu/ceqa-handbook/chapter_04/4.1.html
More information about the public participation requirements can be found here:
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Air & Climate?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Air & Climate and the published plans in which each objective is included:
As part of the UC Sustainability Plan, UC Berkeley intends to reduce its total carbon emissions by about 80% by 2025. The remaining 20% of Berkeley’s emissions outside of the 2025 goal are associated with the campus commute, business air travel, waste, and water. This goal will require infrastructure investments, new resources and inclusive and reliable partnerships between the campus, UC Office of the President and other stakeholders. While implementing efficiency measures will remain important, a significant focus will need to be on the acquisition of renewable energy – both electricity and fuels.
Measures to meet carbon neutrality include: energy efficiency, alternative fuel vehicles, biogas, on-site solar and renewable power from the utility.
Related planning documents can be found here: https://sustainability.berkeley.edu/plans-reports/sustainability-planning
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Buildings?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Buildings and the published plans in which each objective is included:
UC Berkeley’s Long Range Development Plan and Environmental Impact Report, including the 2009 amendment, includes the following policies:
Design New Buildings To A Minimum Standard Equivalent To Leed 2.1 Certification Silver Or Systemwide Sustainability Policy Standards, Whichever Is More Stringent.
Design New Laboratory Buildings To A Minimum Standard Equivalent To Leed 2.1 Certification And Labs 21 Environmental Performance Criteria Or Systemwide Sustainability Policy Standards, Whichever Is More Stringent.
Design New Buildings To Outperform The Required Provisions Of Title 24 Of The California Energy Code By At Least 20 Percent Or Systemwide Sustainability Policy Standards, Whichever Is More Stringent.
Per the LRDP: Many other institutions have adopted the LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) system as their reference standard for sustainable design. The LEED system offers a reference standard that is well established and well supported by the design industry. However, it is also generic: It does not address particular building types or physical environments, nor does it address multi-building campus environments. As a research university, with a wide range of laboratories and other specialized buildings, UC Berkeley would be best served in the long run by performance guidelines more specific to our unique facility inventory and our temperate climate.
However, given the intensive pace of new construction and renovation on the Berkeley campus, it is imperative that we begin now to incorporate the principles of sustainable design into every new project. The LEED system is our best option today. The campus currently has 19 U.S. Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design LEED certified building projects, representing over 12% of total square footage. This includes one Platinum, 11 Gold, 6 Silver and one Certified LEED building projects.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Energy?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Energy and the published plans in which each objective is included:
UC Berkeley’s Long Range Development Plan calls for future projects to minimize energy and water consumption and wastewater production. It reads:
Sustainable Campus describes a comprehensive strategy to minimize campus power and water consumption. Substantial savings in water and energy consumption can often be achieved through intelligent design at little or no increase in cost: for example, by the careful selection of landscape materials, and by orienting and configuring building volumes and composing building facades to optimize energy performance. The Campus Park Guidelines include several such provisions, which should inform every future project.
In addition, the campus’ Sustainability Plan includes a section on energy and climate. And the campus has an energy policy to support energy conservation.
UC Berkeley has already set ambitious greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets and identified multiple strategies for achieving the target. The Cal Climate Action Partnership Program (CalCAP) program, managed by the Office of Sustainability and overseen by the CalCAP Steering Committee, guides the campus’ carbon reduction efforts.
Goals:
By 2014, reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels (CalCAP). Achieve climate neutrality as soon as possible (CalCAP, UCOP)
Key Strategies outlined in the 2009 Sustainability Plan:
Reduce systemwide growth-adjusted energy consumption by 10% or more by 2014 from the year 2000 base consumption level. (UCOP)
Work on UC system goal to provide up to ten megawatts of local renewable power by
2014. (UCOP)
Procure 20% of electricity needs from renewable sources by 2010. (UCOP)
Develop a campus standard for sustainable design specific to our site, climate, and
facility inventory. (LRDP)
Update the Campus Design Standards and set a campus-wide energy policy.
Implement strategies and actions identified in the UC Berkeley 2009 Climate Action Plan and future climate action plans.
In addition, the campus has adopted newer energy-related goals to meet the UC’s 2025 Carbon Neutrality target:
Energy Efficiency - reduce energy use intensity by 2% annually.
On-campus renewable electricity - add 2.5 MW of solar.
Off-campus clean electricity - by 2025 procure 100% clean electricity.
On-campus combustion - by 2025 40% of natural gas will be replaced by biogas.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Food & Dining?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Food & Dining and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Through the Sustainability Report, the campus has set a measurable objective of increasing sustainable food purchases by campus foodservice providers. So far, sustainable food purchases exceeds 20%.
For more information on the Sustainability Report:
https://sustainability.berkeley.edu/plans-reports/sustainability-reports
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Grounds?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Grounds and the published plans in which each objective is included:
UC Berkeley’s Sustainability Plan includes the following policies:
The 2020 Long Range Development Plan (LRDP) describes a framework for land use and investment to meet the academic goals and objectives of the University. The
companion Environmental Impact Report provides information on the environmental implications of the LRDP and includes an extended treatment of potential impacts and mitigation best practices. Importantly, the LRDP delineates a comprehensive approach for achieving a sustainable campus.
Goal: Plan every new project to serve as a model of resource conservation and environmental stewardship (LRDP)
Key Strategies:
Implement an ongoing program of investment to restore and renew the campus park
landscape; implement a program of strategic investment in new and enhanced campus
open park spaces. (LRDP)
Continue to manage runoff into storm drain systems such that the aggregate effect of projects implementing the 2020 LRDP is no net increase in runoff over existing conditions. (LRDP EIR)
Continue to revise and implement the Strawberry Creek Management Plan (SCMP) to include recommendations for habitat restoration and enhancement along specific segments of the creek. (LRDP EIR)
Continue implementing an urban runoff management program as published in the Strawberry Creek Management Plan. (LRDP EIR)
Manage the natural preserves based on ecological principles, including replacing invasive exotic plants with native plants suited to this biotic zone, replacing unhealthy plants and plants at the ends of their natural lives, and preserving and enhancing the habitat value of the zone. (LRDP)
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Purchasing?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Purchasing and the published plans in which each objective is included:
UC Berkeley’s Procurement Guidelines as contained within the campus' Sustainability Plan require that the campus comply with the University of California environmentally-preferable purchasing policies and procedures. (UCOP).
The UCOP purchasing policy mandates Green Spend practices that, among other things, requires the purchase of Energy STAR and WaterSense products where price comparable and consistent with the needs of researchers, faculty and staff. The guidelines also establish economically and socially responsible spending criteria and require the purchase of products that are free of hazardous additives and other toxic chemicals and components. The purchasing policy can be found here:
https://www.ucop.edu/procurement-services/_files/sustainableprocurementguidelines.pdf
More University of California sustainable purchasing requirements, as found in the UC Sustainable Practices Policy, include the below. Again, UC Berkeley's Sustainability Plan requires the campus follow these larger UC-wide purchasing guideilnes.
100% compliance with Required Level Green Spend criteria within three(3) fiscal years of the addition of those products and/or product categories to the Guidelines.
25% Green Spend as a total percentage of spend per product category; target to be reached within three (3) fiscal years after a category is added to the Guidelines.
25% Economically and Socially Responsible Spend as a total percentage of addressable spend; target to be reached within five (5) fiscal years of adoption of this section in the Guidelines.
The University’s sustainable purchasing reporting requirements are:
Reporting on percent Green Spend beginning at the close of the first full Fiscal Year after a category is added to the Guidelines.
Reporting on percent Economically and Socially Responsible Spend beginning at the close of Fiscal Year 2018/19.
Reporting on percent Sustainable Spend will be piloted by UCOP beginning at the close of Fiscal Year 2018/19.
Each University’s Procurement department will integrate sustainability into its processes and practices, including competitive solicitations, in order to satisfy the sustainable purchasing goals outlined above for products, as well as for the procurement of services.
The University will do so by:
a. Allocating a minimum of 15% of the points utilized in solicitation evaluations to sustainability criteria. Criteria may include, but is not limited to, sustainable product attributes, supplier diversity, supplier practices, contributions to health and wellbeing, and materials safety.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Transportation?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Transportation and the published plans in which each objective is included:
UC Berkeley’s Sustainability Plan includes the following measurable sustainable transportation goals:
The University will implement transportation programs and GHG emission reduction strategies that reduce the environmental impacts from commuting, fleet and business air travel related to achieving the Climate Protection section of this Policy (see Section III.C.).
Each location will reduce GHG emissions from its fleet and report annually on its progress. Locations shall implement strategies to reduce fleet emissions and improve fuel efficiency of all university-owned or operated fleet vehicles and equipment where practical options exist through acquisition and fleet operation protocols.
A. By 2025, zero emission vehicles or hybrid vehicles shall account for at least 50%of all new light-duty vehicle acquisitions.
The University recognizes that single-occupant vehicle(SOV) commuting is a primary contributor to commute GHG emissions and localized transportation impacts.
By 2025, each location shall strive to reduce its percentage of employees and students commuting by SOV by 10% relative to its 2015 SOV commute rates;
By 2050, each location shall strive to have no more 40% of its employees and no more than 30% of all employees and students commuting to the location by SOV.
Consistent with the State of California goal of increasing alternative fuel– specifically electric – vehicle usage, the University shall promote purchases and support investment in alternative fuel infrastructure at each location.
By 2025, each location shall strive to have at least 4.5% of commuter vehicles be ZEV.
By 2050, each location shall strive to have at least 30% of commuter vehicles be ZEV.
Each location will develop a business-case analysis for any proposed parking structures serving University affiliates or visitors to campus to document how a capital investment in parking aligns with each campus’ Climate Action Plans and/or sustainable transportation policies.
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Waste?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Waste and the published plans in which each objective is included:
As stated in the Sustainability Report, the campus goal for waste is to achieve zero waste by 2020. Cal Zero Waste has numerous related initiatives gearing up to meet this goal: https://facilities.berkeley.edu/departments/cal-zero-waste.
For more information on the Sustainability Reporting and the Zero Waste Plan:
https://sustainability.berkeley.edu/plans-reports/sustainability-reports
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Water?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Water and the published plans in which each objective is included:
As part of a broader response to ongoing drought conditions in California, the campus is continuing conversion of lawns with multiple areas that have been irrigated being converted to drought tolerant plants or mulch. Additionally, several million more gallons have been saved by eliminating leaks in just one campus building. Summarized in the Sustainability Report, the campus aims to reduce potable water use to 10% below 2008 levels by 2020. The campus is on track to meet this goal.
For more information on the Sustainability Report:
https://sustainability.berkeley.edu/plans-reports/sustainability-reports
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Diversity & Affordability?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Diversity & Affordability and the published plans in which each objective is included:
UC Berkeley’s Strategic Plan for Equity, Inclusion and Diversity sets measurable goals for creating a more inclusive and diverse campus. Adopted in 2009, the plan sets a 2020 deadline for, among other actions, making sure that staff at all levels - including the executive and management levels - reflects the diversity of the national and local talent pools, as well as ensuring that faculty hiring and retention rates reflect the composition of the availability pools of talent in all fields nationally.
The plan can be seen here:
https://diversity.berkeley.edu/sites/default/files/executivesummary_webversion.pdf
Additionally, UC Berkeley's IT Strategic Plan requires that the campus integrate equity, inclusion, and diversity into all areas of IT on campus by actively engaging UC Berkeley’s training programs, research, and principles of community.
Progress toward this goal can be measured in these fields:
IST Program for Equity and Inclusion: Education and Awareness, Positive and Safe Working Environment, Applicant/Hiring Diversity, E&I for One IT. (Lead: Strategic Initiatives - OCIO)
The latest version of the plan can be found here:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZyXWOXsmw1ffVa6Mdl_qlvbqyoZSOmBkBN0lKNdFWu4/edit#
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Investment & Finance?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Investment & Finance and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The University of California is committed to environmental sustainability, social responsibility and prudent governance at every level. Furthermore, sustainability is a fundamental input that guides the UC’s investment decision-making. Integrating risk evaluation of environmental sustainability, social responsibility and prudent governance factors is necessary to provide the most accurate risk-reward calculation. Through the UC system’s “Sustainable Investment Framework” (http://www.ucop.edu/investment-office/sustainable-investment/index.html ) all UC campuses, including UC San Diego have adopted a core set of objectives to guide future investments and financial decisions. These objectives include:
• Establishing and implementing a framework on sustainable investment
• Integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors as a core component of portfolio optimization and risk management and evaluating all strategies for achieving ESG goals as soon as practical, including whether to use divestment.
• Allocating $1 billion over a 5-year period to solutions-oriented investments such as renewable power and fuels, energy efficiency, and /or sustainable food and agriculture.
In implementing these objectives, this Sustainable Investment Framework builds on pre-2014 investment policy that addresses negative screens for ESG factors.
Supporting information for this credit can be found at the following URLs:
http://www.ucop.edu/investment-office/sustainable-investment/index.html
https://www.ucop.edu/investment-office/_files/sustainable-investment-framework.pdf
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Wellbeing & Work?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Wellbeing & Work and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The University of California's Human Resources Strategic Plan sets a goal of improving the emotional, physical, financial and nutritional wellbeing of employees. Strategies include increasing wellbeing and health awareness among employees and designing systemwide metric to measure the impact and illustrate the value of investments in employee wellbeing. Details of the plan can be found here:
Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address other areas (e.g. arts and culture or technology)?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address other areas and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Does the institution have a formal statement in support of sustainability endorsed by its governing body (e.g. a mission statement that specifically includes sustainability and is endorsed by the Board of Trustees)? :
The formal statement in support of sustainability:
"The University of California (“University”) is committed to responsible stewardship of
resources and to demonstrating leadership in sustainable business practices. The
University’s locations should be living laboratories for sustainability, contributing to the
research and educational mission of the University, consistent with available funding
and safe operational practices. Policy goals are presented below in nine areas of
sustainable practices..."
This is the statement from the UC Sustainable Practices Policy. The statement and the policy are endorsed by the UC Regents.
The institution’s definition of sustainability (e.g. as included in a published statement or plan):
UC Berkeley defines sustainability as "the ability to meet the needs of the present while living within the carrying capacity of supporting ecosystems and without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."
Is the institution an endorser or signatory of the following?:
| Yes or No | |
| The Earth Charter | No |
| The Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI) | No |
| ISCN-GULF Sustainable Campus Charter | No |
| Second Nature’s Carbon Commitment (formerly known as the ACUPCC), Resilience Commitment, and/or integrated Climate Commitment | Yes |
| The Talloires Declaration (TD) | No |
| UN Global Compact | No |
| Other multi-dimensional sustainability commitments (please specify below) | Yes |
A brief description of the institution’s formal sustainability commitments, including the specific initiatives selected above:
The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
Information in this field was provided by the UC Berkeley Office of Sustainability.
Information in this field was provided by the UC Berkeley Office of Sustainability.
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.