Sustainability
Our Vision
Empowering communities to meet the living needs of the current generation without compromising the needs of future generations.
Our MIssion
Integrate sustainability into business practices and educational programming to foster healthy environments, social justice and economic viability.
Accomplishments
We are committed to the University of California’s sustainability goals and support the UC Carbon Neutrality Initiative, pledging to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2025. Here’s some areas where we have made strides toward this pledge.
Green Living & Education
- Annually, 65% of Housing residents report that they have increased their understanding or concern about environmental issues as a result of Sustainability programming.
- To date, 112 students have participated in the Costa Rica Program, an alternative Spring Break and academic experience in global sustainability, leadership, and cultural immersion.
- Employing 20 EarthRep Ambassadors who serve as peer-to-peer educators in their resident communities.
Waste/Buildings
- Six buildings in Mesa Court and Verano Place are LEED Platinum Certified, the highest possible rating for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.
- 38 tons of composting have reduced CO2 emissions by 33.5 metric tons.
- Since 2015 we have reduced waste sent to landfill by 114 tons – increasing our diversion rate from 26% in 2015 to 37% in 2017.
Water Conservation
- 70 million gallons of water saved per year by installing low-flow toilets, shower heads, and bathroom sink faucets – a 37% drop in consumption!
- 1,500 high-efficiency irrigation nozzles use 20% less water and save almost 3 million gallons per year.
- 400,000 square feet of turf replacement to date, supporting campus savings of 3.5 million gallons of water annually.
Energy Savings
- 66 Innovative AutoHot demand water heater controllers installed saving an estimated 396 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
- 113 Housing buildings perform with higher energy efficiency than 88% of peer institutions.
- 8,000 light fixtures have been retrofitted or replaced to reduce electricity use, resulting in reduction of greenhouse gases by 990 metric tons.
Green Cleaning
- 82% of department spending for custodial products purchases chemical and paper products are certified to be safer, environmentally friendly, and/or include recycled content.
Dining
- Dining facilities are 97% zero waste.
- Unserved prepared food is donated to the UCI Fresh Basic Needs Hub (FRESH). Residents donated over 4350 lbs of food to FRESH annually.
- 30 vertical garden towers are installed at the Anteatery in Mesa Court. The Dining Commons feature #OneMileMeals with ingredients grown on-site. The garden towers use 90% less water, 10 times less space, and grow 3 times faster than conventional agriculture.
Department Efforts
