IRVINE -- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger announced that UC Irvine has won a 2008 Governor's Environmental and Economic Leadership Award for its Sustainable Transportation program's innovative approaches to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the effects of climate change.
GEELA is California's most prestigious environmental honor. The award program recognizes exceptional leadership in conserving state resources, protecting and enhancing the environment, and building public-private partnerships. Award recipients are chosen in eight categories; UCI won in the climate change category.
"This honor recognizes UC Irvine's commitment to creative and environmentally progressive operating practices," said Wendell Brase, UCI vice chancellor of administrative and business services. "Our Sustainable Transportation program is one of many campus initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help pursue the environmental goals that have been adopted by the governor, the legislature, and California's citizens."
UCI's Sustainable Transportation program provides affordable access to alternative transportation while reducing congestion and improving air quality. The comprehensive program eliminates more than 39 million vehicle miles and 18,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions, and saves more than $21 million in fuel, vehicle and construction costs each year.
The 1.87 riders-per-vehicle average that UCI achieved in the 2006 census was the highest for any institution of comparable size in Southern California. Designated as one of the "Best Workplaces for Commuters" by the Environmental Protection Agency, UCI engages the campus community to improve "green" transportation options, increase awareness of environmental impacts and expand participation in sustainable transportation programs.
The GEELA program was established in 1993, and is administered by the California Environmental Protection Agency and the California Resources Agency in partnership with the California Consumer Services Agency; the California Department of Food and Agriculture; and the California Business, Transportation and Housing Agency.
About the University of California, Irvine: The University of California, Irvine is a top-ranked university dedicated to research, scholarship and community service. Founded in 1965, UCI is among the fastest-growing University of California campuses, with more than 27,000 undergraduate and graduate students and nearly 2,000 faculty members. The third-largest employer in dynamic Orange County, UCI contributes an annual economic impact of $3.6 billion. For more UCI news, visit www.today.uci.edu.
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