California State University, Los Angeles
PRE-2: Points of Distinction

The Cal State LA Hydrogen Research and Fueling Facility (H2 Station) was formally opened on May 7, 2014. As the largest university-located hydrogen fueling facility in the nation, commissioning continues, and the facility is now available to Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs).

The station is capable of producing hydrogen on-site from renewable energy sources, using the process known as electrolysis. FCEVs' fueling at the station emits only water vapor emissions!

On November 12, 2014, the Cal State LA Hydrogen Research and Fueling Facility became the first in the world to sell hydrogen fuel by the kilogram directly to retail customers*. This is a milestone in the commercialization of hydrogen in preparation for the next generation of electric vehicles that will be powered by hydrogen. Governor Jerry Brown's office informed the university that the fueling facility has received the certification known as the California Type Approval. This is the equivalent of getting the very first sticker from the state government to sell gasoline by the gallon. Read more: "Cal State L.A. hydrogen station becomes first in California to be certified to sell fuel to the public".

Cal State LA was recently recognized by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power for its achievements in sustainability. Parking and Transportation Services, led by director Carmen Gachupin, received a second-place leadership award in the electrification of transportation category for installing level 3 electrical vehicle chargers as part of the LADWP Sustainability Awards Program. The awards honor businesses, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies whose participation in LADWP rebate programs resulted in substantial positive environmental impacts. The program provides an annual forum for LADWP to support and recognize its commercial customers’ demonstrated commitment to sustainability.

Cal State LA is currently engaged in a program to plant 1,500 trees across campus with local native and climate appropriate tree species, including coast live oak, toyon, black walnut, elderberry, laurel sumac, and hollyleaf cherry. The University is partnered with a local non-profit, North East Trees, and was successfully awarded a $1.4M CAL FIRE Urban and Community Forestry Grant in 2020. This project supports the goals of the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (AB 32) by providing environmental services and cost-effective solutions to the needs of a disadvantaged urban community. North East Trees will be responsible for planting all trees with the support of student volunteers throughout 2022-23, with the University pledging to both irrigate and maintain all trees planted on campus in perpetuity.

To support the tree program, Cal State LA has created a "Sustainable Landscapes and Tree Care Plan" to provide an overall framework for maintaining the urban landscape of Cal State LA with policies and preferences that support the university’s sustainability goals. The plan's vision is to "enhance the quality of life of the campus community by moving beyond strictly aesthetic considerations to a focus on high and multi-functional landscape choices. Promoting safety, supporting ecological systems, improving aesthetics, and providing a living laboratory for education and research are top priorities of this plan."

The University has also created a Landscape Advisory Committee, with a mission to create a safe, healthy, visually appealing and ecologically diverse campus landscape that demonstrates to students, faculty, staff, and visitors the environmental and social benefits of sustainable landscapes.