| Overall Rating | Gold |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 78.00 |
| Liaison | Katie Maynard |
| Submission Date | Feb. 29, 2024 |
University of California, Santa Barbara
PA-2: Sustainability Planning
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
4.00 / 4.00 |
Jewel
Persad Sustainability Manager Administration |
"---"
indicates that no data was submitted for this field
Part 1. Measurable sustainability objectives
Academics
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to academics and the plan(s) in which they are published:
-The UC Presidential plan outlines UC-wide objectives toward sustainability under the following section: Priority 2: Leading on Climate Change in the document:
https://www.ucop.edu/president/_files/uc-presidential-priorities-plan.pdf
-- Support for systemwide research collaborations: Leveraging UC’s living laboratories and strengths in holistic solutions, energy storage, resilience and climate justice, organize systemwide proposals for State, Federal and private funding with the goal of doubling historical external funding for climate research by 2025.
- The Campus Sustainability Plan is a living document and objectives are reviewed annually to consider progress and to ensure that the goals stay relevant to our current work and climate. https://sustainability.ucsb.edu/sites/default/files/Report-draft-2.pdf
https://www.ucop.edu/president/_files/uc-presidential-priorities-plan.pdf
-- Support for systemwide research collaborations: Leveraging UC’s living laboratories and strengths in holistic solutions, energy storage, resilience and climate justice, organize systemwide proposals for State, Federal and private funding with the goal of doubling historical external funding for climate research by 2025.
- The Campus Sustainability Plan is a living document and objectives are reviewed annually to consider progress and to ensure that the goals stay relevant to our current work and climate. https://sustainability.ucsb.edu/sites/default/files/Report-draft-2.pdf
Engagement
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to engagement and the plan(s) in which they are published:
The Campus Sustainability Plan is a living document and objectives are reviewed annually to consider progress and to ensure that the goals stay relevant to our current work and climate. https://sustainability.ucsb.edu/sites/default/files/Report-draft-2.pdf
-Continue and expand the reach of our education and outreach campaign, including through social media platforms;
-Continue to ensure that when there are opportunities to give feedback on campus planning projects, underrepresented communities are asked for advice and guidance;
-Continue to host annual Residential Hall and Apartment Complex Energy Competitions.
-Continue and expand the reach of our education and outreach campaign, including through social media platforms;
-Continue to ensure that when there are opportunities to give feedback on campus planning projects, underrepresented communities are asked for advice and guidance;
-Continue to host annual Residential Hall and Apartment Complex Energy Competitions.
Operations
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to operations and the plan(s) in which they are published:
The UC Sustainability Policy outlines targets for all of the campuses in the system:
https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/3100155/SustainablePractices
WATER
Reduce growth-adjusted potable water by 36% by 2025 from a three-year baseline average baseline of FY 2005/06 - 2007/08
ENERGY
Obtain 100% clean energy by 2025
Reduce energy use intensity by at least 2% annually
FOOD
Procure 25% sustainable food products by 2030
TRANSPORTATION
Zero-emission or hybrid vehicles are at least 50% of all acquisitions by 2025
Reduce single-occupant student commuting by 10% of 2015 levels by 2025
Reduce single-occupant student and employee commuting by 30% by 2050
CLIMATE
Each location achieves at least a 90% reduction in total emissions (Scopes 1, 2, and 3) by no later than the calendar year 2045, and negates any residual emissions by carbon removal.
Each UC location set Scope 1 GHG reduction targets for 2030, 2035, and 2040.
Each UC location prepares an updated climate action plan (CAP) to establish and achieve the above GHG emission reduction goals.
BUILDINGS
Design, construct, and commission buildings that outperform CBC energy efficiency standards by 30%
Buildings achieve a USGBC LEED "Gold" certification
No new buildings shall use fossil fuels for space and water heating
WASTE
Reduce waste generation by 25% by 2025
Prioritize waste reduction in the order of reduce, reuse, recycle, and compost
Reduce waste generation by 25% per capita from FY2015/16 levels by 2025
Reduce waste generation by 50% per capita from FY2015/16 levels by 2030
Achieve zero waste with at least a 90% diversion rate
PROCUREMENT
Prohibit the sale, procurement, or distribution of packaging foam (aka “Styrofoam”)
100% compliance with Required Level Green Spend criteria, 25% Green Spend, and 25% Economically & Socially Responsible Spend per the UC Sustainable Procurement Guidelines
https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/3100155/SustainablePractices
WATER
Reduce growth-adjusted potable water by 36% by 2025 from a three-year baseline average baseline of FY 2005/06 - 2007/08
ENERGY
Obtain 100% clean energy by 2025
Reduce energy use intensity by at least 2% annually
FOOD
Procure 25% sustainable food products by 2030
TRANSPORTATION
Zero-emission or hybrid vehicles are at least 50% of all acquisitions by 2025
Reduce single-occupant student commuting by 10% of 2015 levels by 2025
Reduce single-occupant student and employee commuting by 30% by 2050
CLIMATE
Each location achieves at least a 90% reduction in total emissions (Scopes 1, 2, and 3) by no later than the calendar year 2045, and negates any residual emissions by carbon removal.
Each UC location set Scope 1 GHG reduction targets for 2030, 2035, and 2040.
Each UC location prepares an updated climate action plan (CAP) to establish and achieve the above GHG emission reduction goals.
BUILDINGS
Design, construct, and commission buildings that outperform CBC energy efficiency standards by 30%
Buildings achieve a USGBC LEED "Gold" certification
No new buildings shall use fossil fuels for space and water heating
WASTE
Reduce waste generation by 25% by 2025
Prioritize waste reduction in the order of reduce, reuse, recycle, and compost
Reduce waste generation by 25% per capita from FY2015/16 levels by 2025
Reduce waste generation by 50% per capita from FY2015/16 levels by 2030
Achieve zero waste with at least a 90% diversion rate
PROCUREMENT
Prohibit the sale, procurement, or distribution of packaging foam (aka “Styrofoam”)
100% compliance with Required Level Green Spend criteria, 25% Green Spend, and 25% Economically & Socially Responsible Spend per the UC Sustainable Procurement Guidelines
Administration
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to administration and the plan(s) in which they are published:
UCSB Sustainability is committed to Justice centered Diversity Equity & Inclusion. We will work to directly address racism and all forms of discrimination. We will ensure collaborative and inclusive processes where our sustainability work is driven by the contributions of diverse voices and perspectives. We are at the early stages of doing this work. Please read the full statement and see our list of initial action items.
Full statement and list of initial action items can accessed at the following link: https://dev-sustainability-ucsb-edu-v01.pantheonsite.io/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-statement-uc-sustainability-offices-and-staff
Some of the many objectives included in the statement:
- “We will evaluate and improve our efforts around recruitment and retention of underrepresented staff and stakeholders”
- “We will work to directly address racism and all forms of discrimination”
- “We will ensure collaborative and inclusive processes where our sustainability work is driven by the contributions of diverse voices and perspectives”
- “The recent racial violence against Black individuals, including the murders of Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, and Breonna Taylor, among many others; and the sustained work of social justice movements, including Black Lives Matter, inspired deeper reflection among UC’s sustainability staff about our role to advance a socially, racially, and environmentally just future. We feel the urgency to commit ourselves to action, and further position ourselves to be active participants in creating a just and equitable future, for all”
- “We also play a vital role in helping all students develop as dynamic, global leaders; gain technical skills and knowledge; and understand, appreciate, and advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion. We cannot advance this mission for students at the UC without investing in our own learning and development”
- “As sustainability staff, we recognize that dismantling systemic racism, increasing diverse representation, and advancing equity are critical to building a just and resilient future. However, we also recognize that our progress toward racial justice has not been consistent in every endeavor, nor across the entire UC system. As a community, we are working to better understand our institutions’ histories of discrimination and expand our own work on anti-racism”
The UC system has developed a framework for sustainable investments (https://www.ucop.edu/investment-office/_files/sustainable-investment-framework.pdf)
here are a few of the many objectives included in the plan:
- “Develop a set of engagement guidelines and review our proxy voting policy to ensure our engagement with portfolio companies via dialogue, shareholder resolutions and proxy voting is aligned with our sustainability beliefs. We aim to partner with external fund managers, other asset owners, and industry initiatives to magnify our voice and influence as shareholders.”
- “We will develop a set of engagement guidelines and review our proxy voting policy to ensure our engagement with portfolio companies via dialogue, shareholder resolutions and proxy voting is aligned with our sustainability beliefs. We aim to partner with external fund managers, other asset owners and industry initiatives to magnify our voice and influence as shareholders.”
- “We will continue prioritizing stakeholder engagement and partnering with the University of California community throughout this process as we work to establish the university’s leadership on environmental, social and governance issues. We will continue to look to the UC community for advice, counsel and educational materials to inform our sustainability processes.”
- “To ensure transparency, accountability and progress, the OCIO will establish a reporting cycle with the Committee on Investments. We also will develop a separate sustainability page on the OCIO website to highlight and report on our sustainable investment efforts and the progress we are making. This resource also will provide links to important peer reviewed research, publications and editorials that can inform our staff, our stakeholders and the public. We hope, through this effort, to take an exemplary leadership role in sustainable investing in a manner that is not just symbolic but realistic and effective.”
Full statement and list of initial action items can accessed at the following link: https://dev-sustainability-ucsb-edu-v01.pantheonsite.io/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-statement-uc-sustainability-offices-and-staff
Some of the many objectives included in the statement:
- “We will evaluate and improve our efforts around recruitment and retention of underrepresented staff and stakeholders”
- “We will work to directly address racism and all forms of discrimination”
- “We will ensure collaborative and inclusive processes where our sustainability work is driven by the contributions of diverse voices and perspectives”
- “The recent racial violence against Black individuals, including the murders of Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, and Breonna Taylor, among many others; and the sustained work of social justice movements, including Black Lives Matter, inspired deeper reflection among UC’s sustainability staff about our role to advance a socially, racially, and environmentally just future. We feel the urgency to commit ourselves to action, and further position ourselves to be active participants in creating a just and equitable future, for all”
- “We also play a vital role in helping all students develop as dynamic, global leaders; gain technical skills and knowledge; and understand, appreciate, and advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion. We cannot advance this mission for students at the UC without investing in our own learning and development”
- “As sustainability staff, we recognize that dismantling systemic racism, increasing diverse representation, and advancing equity are critical to building a just and resilient future. However, we also recognize that our progress toward racial justice has not been consistent in every endeavor, nor across the entire UC system. As a community, we are working to better understand our institutions’ histories of discrimination and expand our own work on anti-racism”
The UC system has developed a framework for sustainable investments (https://www.ucop.edu/investment-office/_files/sustainable-investment-framework.pdf)
here are a few of the many objectives included in the plan:
- “Develop a set of engagement guidelines and review our proxy voting policy to ensure our engagement with portfolio companies via dialogue, shareholder resolutions and proxy voting is aligned with our sustainability beliefs. We aim to partner with external fund managers, other asset owners, and industry initiatives to magnify our voice and influence as shareholders.”
- “We will develop a set of engagement guidelines and review our proxy voting policy to ensure our engagement with portfolio companies via dialogue, shareholder resolutions and proxy voting is aligned with our sustainability beliefs. We aim to partner with external fund managers, other asset owners and industry initiatives to magnify our voice and influence as shareholders.”
- “We will continue prioritizing stakeholder engagement and partnering with the University of California community throughout this process as we work to establish the university’s leadership on environmental, social and governance issues. We will continue to look to the UC community for advice, counsel and educational materials to inform our sustainability processes.”
- “To ensure transparency, accountability and progress, the OCIO will establish a reporting cycle with the Committee on Investments. We also will develop a separate sustainability page on the OCIO website to highlight and report on our sustainable investment efforts and the progress we are making. This resource also will provide links to important peer reviewed research, publications and editorials that can inform our staff, our stakeholders and the public. We hope, through this effort, to take an exemplary leadership role in sustainable investing in a manner that is not just symbolic but realistic and effective.”
Part 2. Sustainability in institution’s highest guiding document
Yes
The institution’s highest guiding document (upload):
Website URL where the institution’s highest guiding document is publicly available:
Which of the following best describes the inclusion of sustainability in the highest guiding document?:
Major theme
Optional Fields
Website URL where the institution's sustainability plan is publicly available:
Does the institution have a formal statement in support of sustainability endorsed by its governing body?:
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The formal statement in support of sustainability:
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The institution’s definition of sustainability:
UCSB SUSTAINABILITY MISSION STATEMENT
The University of California, Santa Barbara is committed to global leadership for sustainability through education, research, and action. The concept of “sustainability” can be used in many ways, but in the Campus Sustainability
Plan (CSP) it is defined as: “A better quality of life for everyone, now and for generations to come. It offers a vision of progress that integrates immediate and longer term needs, local and global needs, and regards social, economic and environmental needs as inseparable and interdependent components of human progress.”
The University of California, Santa Barbara is committed to global leadership for sustainability through education, research, and action. The concept of “sustainability” can be used in many ways, but in the Campus Sustainability
Plan (CSP) it is defined as: “A better quality of life for everyone, now and for generations to come. It offers a vision of progress that integrates immediate and longer term needs, local and global needs, and regards social, economic and environmental needs as inseparable and interdependent components of human progress.”
Is the institution an endorser or signatory of the following?:
| Yes or No | |
| The Earth Charter | No |
| The Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI) | No |
| ISCN-GULF Sustainable Campus Charter | No |
| Pan-Canadian Protocol for Sustainability | No |
| SDG Accord | No |
| Second Nature’s Carbon Commitment (formerly known as the ACUPCC), Resilience Commitment, and/or integrated Climate Commitment | Yes |
| The Talloires Declaration (TD) | Yes |
| UN Global Compact | No |
| Other multi-dimensional sustainability commitments (please specify below) | --- |
A brief description of the institution’s formal sustainability commitments, including the specific initiatives selected above:
---
Website URL where information about the institution’s sustainability planning efforts is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
---
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
UCSB has two overarching strategic plans. The 2007-2025 Strategic Academic Plan and the Long Range Development Plan (LRDP). The Academic Plan is the highest guiding document for curriculum and research. The campus’ academic and associated resource priorities are guided by the Academic Plan. The Strategic Academic Plan also serves to guide the Long Range Development Plan (LRDP). The Strategic academic plan does include sustainability. Sustainability was woven into the interdisciplinary themes (Environment, Global and International Issues, and the Academy and Society). The Interdisciplinary themes drive decision-making, funding allocations, and the physical planning of the campus.
Other plans to include:
Sustainability Plan - https://sustainability.ucsb.edu/sites/default/files/Report-draft-2.pdf
Zero Waste Plan - https://sustainability.ucsb.edu/sites/default/files/UCSB_2020_Zero_Waste_Plan.pdf
Green Lab Action Plan - https://sustainability.ucsb.edu/sites/default/files/Green%20Lab%20Action%20Plan.pdf
Climate Action Planning - https://sustainability.ucsb.edu/sites/default/files/Draft_2016-CAP_2_1_2017.pdf
Water Action Plan: https://sustainability.ucsb.edu/sites/default/files/UCSB-Water-Action-Plan-2017_Final_Draft_v3.docx
The Campus Sustainability Plan is a living document reviewed annually to consider progress and ensure that the goals stay relevant to our current work and climate.
-The UC Presidential plan outlines UC-wide objectives toward sustainability under the following section: Priority 2: Leading on Climate Change in the document:
https://www.ucop.edu/president/_files/uc-presidential-priorities-plan.pdf
Other plans to include:
Sustainability Plan - https://sustainability.ucsb.edu/sites/default/files/Report-draft-2.pdf
Zero Waste Plan - https://sustainability.ucsb.edu/sites/default/files/UCSB_2020_Zero_Waste_Plan.pdf
Green Lab Action Plan - https://sustainability.ucsb.edu/sites/default/files/Green%20Lab%20Action%20Plan.pdf
Climate Action Planning - https://sustainability.ucsb.edu/sites/default/files/Draft_2016-CAP_2_1_2017.pdf
Water Action Plan: https://sustainability.ucsb.edu/sites/default/files/UCSB-Water-Action-Plan-2017_Final_Draft_v3.docx
The Campus Sustainability Plan is a living document reviewed annually to consider progress and ensure that the goals stay relevant to our current work and climate.
-The UC Presidential plan outlines UC-wide objectives toward sustainability under the following section: Priority 2: Leading on Climate Change in the document:
https://www.ucop.edu/president/_files/uc-presidential-priorities-plan.pdf
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.