The University of California continues to lead the way in adopting and implementing environmental sustainability programs. From the ongoing expansion of recycled materials programs, to purchasing renewable energy, there were scores of accomplishments in 2006 for UC.

The Santa Barbara and Merced campuses were recently chosen as pilot participants by the U.S. Green Building Council to participate in a pilot program for the leading green building organizations in the country. UC Santa Cruz has undertaken purchasing 100 percent renewable energy for its campus, and eight campuses have become members of the California Climate Action Registry.

UC Berkeley recently formed the Cal Climate Action Partnership (CalCAP) to develop a long-term strategy to significantly reduce the campus’ greenhouse gas emission, while its campus dining hall Crossroads was the first U.S. campus dining hall to receive an organic certification for its salad bar from the California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF). To achieve certification, Cal Dining developed a set of rules governing everything from how dishes are washed to how food is prepared.

Matthew St. Clair, who was active in the environmental sustainability student movement at UC Berkeley and now serves as sustainability specialist at the UC Office of the President, said the higher education sustainability movement has been growing quickly across the country, led in many ways by the University of California.

"At current count there are 75 building projects at UC that have set green building targets," St. Clair said. "We are also projecting annual operating savings resulting from energy efficiency projects at over $2 million and growing."

The Office of the President has seen new environmental initiatives rolled out, including new blue recycling bins for every employee cubicle and office, along with white compost containers for each floor. A café located on the ground level of the 1111 Franklin building has joined the initiatives by composting all of its food waste.

The green building and clean energy policy was adopted by the Regents to improve the environmental performance of the University. In January 2006, the policy was expanded to address sustainable transportation practices and greenhouse gas emissions.

"The first three years have seen a whirlwind of activities," St. Clair said. "And all of this would not have been possible without the support of the students, faculty, staff and administration."

Jubilee Daniels, LEED for Existing Buildings project coordinator at the Office of the President, said there are many small things UC employees can do to advance green actions at work.

"One thing I would recommend is paying attention to products purchased for your department," she said. "For example, departments can purchase paper that has a high amount of recycled material. In the back of the Office Max catalog, you can find a sizable selection of recycled products, and products with a high percentage of recyclable material."

Daniels said some simple energy-saving actions can sometime get overlooked by employees.

"Turn off your computer monitor and printer at night," Daniels said. "It saves tons of energy while also enhancing security."

A full report on UC green building, clean energy, and sustainable transportation initiatives was recently presented to the Regents' Committee on Grounds and Buildings.

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