| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 63.09 |
| Liaison | Elida Erickson |
| Submission Date | April 17, 2015 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
University of California, Santa Cruz
PA-2: Sustainability Planning
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
4.00 / 4.00 |
Lacey
Raak Sustainability Director PPC |
Does the institution have current and formal plans to advance sustainability in the following areas? Do the plans include measurable objectives?:
| Current and Formal Plans (Yes or No) | Measurable Objectives (Yes or No) | |
| Curriculum | Yes | Yes |
| Research (or other scholarship) | Yes | Yes |
| Campus Engagement | Yes | Yes |
| Public Engagement | Yes | Yes |
| Air and Climate | Yes | Yes |
| Buildings | Yes | Yes |
| Dining Services/Food | Yes | Yes |
| Energy | Yes | Yes |
| Grounds | Yes | Yes |
| Purchasing | Yes | Yes |
| Transportation | Yes | Yes |
| Waste | Yes | Yes |
| Water | Yes | Yes |
| Diversity and Affordability | No | No |
| Health, Wellbeing and Work | No | No |
| Investment | No | No |
| Other | --- | --- |
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Curriculum:
Opening statement in the Campus Sustainability Plan 2013-16: "The Awareness, Education, and Engagement element of UCSC’s Campus Sustainability Plan identifies opportunities to coordinate sustainability education and communication on campus. The goals and objectives outlined in this section seek to inspire the entire campus community to learn about and
engage in sustainable practices in order to make UCSC a model of sustainable behavior, living and practices.
In pursuing these objectives, the campus will develop sustainability leader- ship among students, staff and faculty through curricular and co-curricular opportunities, as well as through campus communications."
Date Revised: June 25, 2015
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Curriculum plan(s):
Utilize the campus as a living laboratory in order to link the operational and academic aspects of the university.
Develop a web tool to show live sustainability data.
Provide assistance to develop internship positions for sustainability working groups.
Develop and promote educational videos for CSP topic areas.
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Curriculum plan(s):
Sustainability Office
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Research (or other scholarship):
The Awareness, Education, and Engagement element of UCSC’s Campus Sustainability Plan identifies opportunities to coordinate sustainability education and communication on campus. The goals and objectives outlined in this section seek to inspire the entire campus community to learn about and engage in sustainable practices in order to make UCSC a model of sustainable behavior, living and practices.
In pursuing these objectives, the campus will develop sustainability leader- ship among students, staff and faculty through curricular and co-curricular opportunities, as well as through campus communications.
Date Revised: June 25, 2015
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Research plan(s):
Engage faculty to identify and implement strategies to support sustainability research and teaching.
Utilize the campus as a living laboratory in order to link the operational and academic aspects of the university.
Date Revised: June 25, 2015
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Research plan(s):
Sustainability Office
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Campus Engagement around sustainability:
UCSC will develop sustainability leadership among students, staff and faculty through curricular and co-curricular opportunities, as well as through campus communications. This will expand knowledge of and engagement in sustainable practices on campus.
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Campus Engagement plan:
Develop a strategic communications plan to publicize campus sustainability opportunities and progress.
Document and promote sustainability learning opportunities via curricular and co-curricular opportunities and through campus communications.
Integrate sustainability into campus tours and orientation activities.
Engage faculty to identify and implement strategies to support sustainability research and teaching.
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Campus Engagement plan(s):
Sustainability Office
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Public Engagement around sustainability:
UCSC will develop sustainability leadership among students, staff and faculty through curricular and co-curricular opportunities, as well as through campus communications. This will expand knowledge of and engagement in sustainable practices on campus.
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Public Engagement plan(s):
Develop a strategic communications plan to publicize campus sustainability opportunities and progress.
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Public Engagement plan(s):
Sustainability Office
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Air and Climate:
Campus Sustainability Plan 2013-16 Scope for Energy and Greenhouse Gases: "Reduce campus greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy use through conservation and distributive energy generation."
Date Revised: June 25, 2015
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Air and Climate plan(s):
UCSC is pleased to announce the kick-off of the Climate & Energy Strategy, a year-long study that will help the campus develop a roadmap for achieving carbon neutrality by 2025. The study will identify specific policy updates and energy efficiency, conservation and renewables projects- and their associated metrics- and then develop the most cost-effective, impactful suite of projects for achieving our goal.
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Air and Climate plan(s):
Sustainability Office, PPC, Physical Plant
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Buildings:
Campus Sustainability Plan 2013-16 Scope for Buildings and Facilities: "Build, operate, and maintain sustainable buildings and other facilities to the maximum extent possible."
Date Revised: June 25, 2015
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Buildings plan(s):
Develop and implement internal guidelines and procedures to incorporate sustainability in reno - vation projects under $5 million and other capital projects that do not fall under the purview of UC Sustainable Practices Policy III-A and V-A.
In addition to the requirements of UC Sustainable Practices Policy III-E and V-E, develop and implement internal guidelines and procedures to incorporate energy savings and sustainable practices in deferred maintenance and major repair projects.
Develop and implement internal guidelines and procedures to incorporate energy savings, sustainable practices, and green materials into planned maintenance and repair practices not included in campus’s LEED EB: O&M Master Site.
Partner with research entities on and off campus to explore new technologies (e.g., Electric Power Research Institute).
For each new major capital project assess the feasibility of achieving “Net Zero” energy use.
Create a pilot web-based tool that allows users to view operations information for three types of campus buildings (e.g., classroom, administrative, residence hall).
Identify, share, and acknowledge established sustainability practices that occur within facilities.
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Buildings plan(s):
Sustainability Office, PPC, Physical Plant
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Dining Services/Food:
Campus Sustainability Plan 2013-16 Scope for Food: "Increase socially and environmentally responsible practices in campus dining operations, food vendors, and the broader campus community through research, education, and engagement in food systems."
Date Revised: June 25, 2015
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Dining Services/Food plan(s):
Increase and sustain 36% real food purchases by 2016 across UCSC Dining Services.
Bring all contracted food locations to 20% real food by 2016.
Have at least two contract service vendors green business certified by Fall 2015.
Reduce overall food waste and composting tonnage by 10% of 2012 levels by 2016.
Develop residential waste diversion and composting education modules for all colleges by 2016.
Implement a pilot Lean Path training strategy in at least one dining hall by January 2014.
Establish an agro-ecology and food justice orientation program for new and transfer students by fall 2015.
Host 30 food agriculture educational events for students per year.
Establish and sustain experiential learning sites co-managed by students throughout the calendar year at all colleges by fall 2016.
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Dining Services/Food plan(s):
Dining Services, CASFS, Food Systems Working Group
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Energy:
Campus Sustainability Plan 2013-16 Scope for Energy and Greenhouse Gases: "Reduce campus greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy use through conservation and distributive energy generation."
Date Revised: June 25, 2015
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Energy plan(s):
Develop and begin implementation of a prescribed curriculum for campuswide, energy-focused behavior change program, including development of educational videos, to support the execution of the 2013 Climate Action Plan.
Create consortium focused on energy research with specific goal of reducing energy use and GHG emissions through application of existing technologies.
Actively pursue funding opportunities to support four intern positions within staff departments to help accomplish energy initiatives by 2016.
Develop strategic energy plan for 2015-20 that reduces campus energy use by at least 15%.
Procure electricity for UCSC that has a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) 15% higher than state required minimum (25%) by 2016. Procure biogas that reduces the annual campus stationary combustion emissions to less than or equal to 20,000 metric tons by 2015.
Establish Green Revolving Loan Fund of at least $250,000 by Fall 2013, with first applications received in Winter 2014.
Actively pursue funding opportunities to hire at least one full-time dedicated staff to work on energy efficiency in auxiliary units by 2015.
Identify permanent funding source to continue to employ staff currently funded by the Strategic Energy Partnership (SEP) by 2015.
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Energy plan(s):
Sustainability Office, PPC, Physical Plant, CHES
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Grounds:
Campus Sustainability Plan 2013-16 Scope for Land, Habitat, and Watershed: "Increase education, research, and conservation activities on campus natural areas while supporting sustainable land, habitat, and watershed management practices."
Date Revised: June 25, 2015
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Grounds plan(s):
Support >150 student interns and >500 volunteers actively engaged with stewardship, ecological research, and environmental education projects on the main campus each year. Engage >5,000 students in >35 formal undergraduate courses annually in educational, research, and/or stewardship activities on campus natural lands.
Assess and create tracking systems for campus natural land use to set a baseline of current use.
Actively pursue funding opportunities for permanent staff and operational resources to implement critical stewardship programs and initiatives that 1) support instruction and re - search; 2) support environmental compliance and protect sensitive species and habitats; and 3) enhance community safety and responsible enjoyment of campus natural areas.
Create and implement a Landscape Management Plan for UCSC’s main campus that includes a Fire and Vegetation Management Plan (FVMP) and Invasive Species Management Plan (ISMP). These plans will implement effective habitat and sensitive species management and restoration and establish priorities for specific projects.
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Grounds plan(s):
Sustainability Office, Physical Plant
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Purchasing:
Campus Sustainability Plan 2013-16 Scope for
Procurement: "Reduce, reuse, and recycle; provide and promote sustainable alterna- tives in the procurement of goods and services; and leverage UCSC’s market influence to realize the university’s vision for sustainability."
Date Revised: June 25, 2015
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Purchasing plan(s):
Increase products flagged as Environmentally Preferable Products in CruzBuy by 5% from 2012 figure by end of FY 2016.
Identify competitive pricing for 100% post-consumer waste 8.5x11 white multi-purpose printing and copy paper to provide an incentive for increased campuswide use.
Increase EPP office supply purchases by 150% from 2012 figures by end of FY 2015.
Create and implement a life-cycle cost analysis tool for campus buyers by end of FY 2016.
Ensure Environmentally Preferable Product training is part of CruzBuy training and that responsibility for doing so is a stated performance objective for the CruzBuy help desk.
Use the Staff Human Resources Learning Management System platform to share Environmentally Preferable Product information.
Develop and utilize tool for benchmarking suppliers’ sustainability profile by spring 2015.
Incorporate metrics that capture suppliers’ progress toward more sustainable business practices and operations.
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Purchasing plan(s):
Green Purchasing Working Group (GPWeG)
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Transportation:
Campus Sustainability Plan 2013-16 Scope for Transportation: "Provide and promote effective, equitable, and sustainable access to and around UCSC campus facilities."
Date Revised: June 25, 2015
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Transportation plan(s):
Maintain average daily trips to UCSC main campus below levels defined by Comprehensive Settlement Agreement (CSA).
Reduce CO2 emissions from 2009–10 levels for campus fleet vehicles by 15%, excluding emissions from vanpools and campus transit.
Determine baseline for air travel emissions and set target reduction goals.
Decrease person-trips to and from main campus using SOV autos from 35% to 30% by 2016.
Determine baseline for on-campus travel modes by campus transportation survey and set target for future reductions.
Conduct research and pilot-test development of an alternate funding model based on transportation-related GHG emissions, parking, and transportation costs.
Develop internships or other educational links to academic interests related to transportation.
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Transportation plan(s):
Transportation Working Group
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Waste:
Campus Sustainability Plan 2013-16 Scope for Waste Reduction: Create, develop, and implement programs and strategies to reduce campus waste.
Date Revised: June 25, 2015
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Waste plan(s):
Develop waste reduction training for campus staff utilizing the campus’ online Learning Management System.
Create a centralized and comprehensive website link that clearly communicates recycling, composting, and waste disposal resources and locations across campus.
Develop formalized procedures for supporting, promoting, and tracking zero waste events 1 modeled on existing Catering Services practices.
Create tracking systems for all material streams and establish a centralized location for waste reduction data. Increase efficiency of current recycling, compost, and other resource recovery initiatives through the creation of a material processing facility on campus.
Explore opportunities to expand the current Dining Services compost collection infrastructure to serve a greater portion of the campus, including reporting on the viability of creating an on-campus or local composting facility.
Explore the viability of creating a location on campus where items can be traded and re-used among students, faculty, and staff across campus.
Evaluate the current fee structure and identify sustainable sources of funding to increase staff capacity for waste reduction education and material management.
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Waste plan(s):
Sustainability Office, Physical Plant, Dining
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Water:
Campus Sustainability Plan 2013 Scope for Water: Research, develop, and implement programs and strategies that minimize potable water use on the UCSC campus.
Date Revised: June 25, 2015
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Water plan(s):
Initiate three pilot projects that explore and examine non-potable supply options by 2016.
Increase water use efficiency by 5% through: 1) detecting leaks; 2) replacing old meters; 3) installing meters where necessary.
Decrease weighted campus user demand by 5–10%.
Develop and maintain a Water Action Plan that identifies the campus’s long-term strategies for achieving sustainable water systems.
Develop a system to provide timely data and feedback on water use to the on- and off-campus community.
Create and administer fundamental water management training for campus community utilizing Learning Management System by end of FY 2014.
Incorporate water education into residential programs for new students
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Water plan(s):
Sustainability Office, PPC, Physical Plant
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Diversity and Affordability:
These are not currently included in the Campus Sustainability Plan, but are included in the Blueprint for Sustainable Campus and Campus goals and values
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Diversity and Affordability plan(s):
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Diversity and Affordability plan(s):
Office for Diversity Equity and Inclusion
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Health, Wellbeing and Work:
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Health, Wellbeing and Work plan(s):
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Health, Wellbeing and Work plan(s):
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Investment:
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Investment plan(s):
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Investment plan(s):
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in other areas:
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the other plan(s):
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the other plan(s):
The institution’s definition of sustainability:
Does the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document include sustainability at a high level?:
A brief description of how the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document addresses sustainability:
The website URL where information about the institution’s sustainability planning is available:
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.