Overall Rating Gold - expired
Overall Score 71.74
Liaison Carrie Metzgar
Submission Date March 5, 2021

STARS v2.2

University of California, San Diego
PA-2: Sustainability Planning

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 3.50 / 4.00 Michelle Perez
Energy and Sustainability Manager
Utilities and Sustainability
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Does the institution have a published plan or plans that include measurable sustainability objectives that address sustainability in curriculum and/or research?:
No

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to academics and the plan(s) in which they are published:
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Does the institution have a published plan or plans that include measurable sustainability objectives that address student, employee, or community engagement for sustainability?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to engagement and the plan(s) in which they are published:

Per the UC Sustainable Practices Policy each campus was required to assess at least three new research groups through their Green Lab Assessment Program by Summer 2018. By UC San Diego Vice Chancellor Directive, the campus was to certify at least 30 labs through UC San Diego's Green Labs Certification program. By the end of 2018 UCSD certified 30 new labs under the Green Labs Certification Program, and as by end of 2020 have certified 100 new labs, far exceeding the UC Sustainability Practices Policy requirement of certifying three labs by the summer of 2018.

Specific information regarding this objective can found at
https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/3100155/Sustainable%20Practices.


Does the institution have a published plan or plans that include measurable sustainability objectives that address sustainability in operations?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to operations and the plan(s) in which they are published:

As noted in the UC Sustainable Practices Policy, the University of California is committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by reducing energy use and switching to clean energy supplies. Additionally, as noted in the revised Clean Energy section of the Sustainable Practices Policy and UC San Diego’s Climate Action Plan (https://sustain.ucsd.edu/_files/focus/UCSD-Climate-Action-Plan-2019-final.pdf ) outline measurable objectives for reducing the campus’ energy use. These objectives include:

• Implementing energy efficiency actions in buildings and infrastructure systems to reduce energy use intensity by at least 2 percent year over year.

• Installing, in addition to the 10 MWs already installed, on-site renewable electricity supplies and energy storage systems whenever cost-effective and/or supportive of the location's Climate Action Plan or other goals.

• By 2025, obtaining through the University's Wholesale Power Program 100% clean electricity for utility grid supplied power.

• By 2025, at least 40% of the natural gas combusted on-site will be from biogas sources.

In addition to the “additional documentation” included, supporting information for this credit can be found at the following URLs:

https://sustain.ucsd.edu/_files/focus/UCSD-Climate-Action-Plan-2019-final.pdf

https://sustainabilityreport.ucop.edu/

https://www.ucop.edu/facilities-management-services/programs-initiatives/energy-procurement.html

https://www.ucop.edu/facilities-management-services/programs-initiatives/energy-efficiency.html


Does the institution have a published plan or plans that include measurable sustainability objectives that address diversity, equity, and inclusion; sustainable investment/finance; or wellbeing?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to administration and the plan(s) in which they are published:

https://diversity.ucsd.edu/_files/edi-unit-plan%203.pdf

Office for Equity, Diversion, and Inclusion - Unit Plan:

1. Through partnership with other vice chancellor areas, ensure campuswide
collaboration, shared responsibility, and accountability for equity, diversity,
and inclusion.
2. Collaborate with divisions, schools, and campus leaders to implement policies,
programs, and practices that create and sustain a faculty culture of
inclusive excellence.
3. Work with campus units to eliminate intergroup disparities in enrollment,
retention, and graduation rates for students.
4. Partner across campus units to improve climate for staff, students and faculty.


Does the institution have a published strategic plan or equivalent guiding document that includes sustainability at a high level? :
Yes

The institution’s highest guiding document (upload):
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Website URL where the institution’s highest guiding document is publicly available:
Which of the following best describes the inclusion of sustainability in the highest guiding document?:
Major theme

The institution's sustainability plan (upload):
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Website URL where the institution's sustainability plan is publicly available:
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Does the institution have a formal statement in support of sustainability endorsed by its governing body?:
Yes

The formal statement in support of sustainability:
The institution’s definition of sustainability:

UC San Diego Principles of Sustainability: http://sustain.ucsd.edu/about/principles.html

UC San Diego strives to practice and promote the principle of sustainability, defined by the Brundtland Commission as meeting today’s needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. The ultimate success of the university, the well-being of its constituents and the surrounding community, depend on our ability to achieve our research, education, and service missions while promoting sustainable behaviors and practices. UC San Diego therefore, establishes and acknowledges the following Principles of Sustainability in order to establish sustainability as a foundational value of the university.

• We are committed to the creation of a sustainable relationship between human societies and the natural environment upon which we all depend.

• We recognize that sustainability is a key part of our mission, and that sustainability encompasses social, economic, and cultural interactions set within a supporting ecosystem.

• We recognize that UC San Diego can make vital contributions to sustainability solutions through its research, teaching, and operations.

• We encourage the development of academic programs to create sustainability solutions through research and experiential learning.

• We encourage the discussion of sustainability concepts in appropriate academic disciplines and across all levels of education.
• We encourage the incorporation of sustainability concepts in education, research, and campus operations.

• We commit to conduct open, periodic assessments of UCSD’s progress toward sustainability to guide campus policy and decision making, and to openly communicate assessment results to the university community.

• We are committed to the development and enactment of policies that promote the fulfillment of these principles.


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
Pan-Canadian Protocol for Sustainability No
SDG Accord No
Second Nature’s Carbon Commitment (formerly known as the ACUPCC), Resilience Commitment, and/or integrated Climate Commitment Yes
The Talloires Declaration (TD) Yes
UN Global Compact No
Other multi-dimensional sustainability commitments (please specify below) No

A brief description of the institution’s formal sustainability commitments, including the specific initiatives selected above:
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Website URL where information about the institution’s sustainability planning efforts is available:
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Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:

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.