University of California officials delivered their annual report on UC's progress in implementing its green building, clean energy and sustainable transportation policy to the UC Regents today (Jan.16). The three-year-old policy establishes a set of ambitious goals to advance sustainability practices at UC campuses, ranging from purchases of renewable energy to the proposed expansion of the policy into the areas of purchasing, waste reduction, sustainable operations, and renovation projects.

The report highlights a number of UC accomplishments in 2006, including:

Seven of UC's 10 campuses received the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's "Best Workplaces for Commuters" designation. UC saved nearly $5 million in annual operating costs as a result of its energy efficiency projects. Green building targets were included in 75 building projects. The Santa Barbara and Merced campuses were chosen by the U.S. Green Building Council to participate in a pilot program for leading green building organizations in the country. UC Santa Cruz now purchases 100 percent renewable energy.

"The University of California has established itself as a leader in sustainable practices, and UC's policies and practices are being emulated by other universities around the country," said Matthew St.Clair, UC's sustainability specialist. "UC has made significant progress in green building and clean energy initiatives in 2006, and we are working to expand our efforts into additional sustainable practices in the coming year."

The green building and clean energy policy was adopted by the regents in July 2003 to minimize the university's environmental impacts. In January 2006, the policy was expanded to address sustainable transportation practices and greenhouse gas emissions.

In the last three years, UC has received several grants for energy efficiency projects. It has also taken advantage of rebates from utility companies and has negotiated a special partnership program with the state's utilities. This partnership has provided nearly $11 million in energy project incentives, with an additional $10 million expected over the next two years.

The regents' item providing further detail can be found at www.universityofcalifornia.edu/regents/regmeet/jan07/113.pdf.

Background

In June 2004, UC issued its Green Building Design and Clean Energy Standards policy, requiring an annual progress report on the university's progress toward implementing the policy.

In September 2005, the regents extended the policy to include sustainable transportation efforts. The expanded policy on Green Building Design, Clean Energy Standards and Sustainable Transportation Practices was issued by UC President Robert C. Dynes in January 2006.

For more information on UC sustainability and clean energy efforts:
www.ucop.edu/facil/sustain

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