Overall Rating Gold
Overall Score 70.79
Liaison Barbara Queen
Submission Date June 20, 2022

STARS v2.2

California State University, Los Angeles
EN-4: Outreach Materials and Publications

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 2.00 / 2.00 Jocelyn Stewart
Director for Communications
Office of Communications and Public Affairs
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Central sustainability website 

Does the institution have a central sustainability website that consolidates information about the institution’s sustainability efforts?:
Yes

Website URL for the central sustainability website:

Sustainability newsletter or social media platform

Does the institution have a sustainability newsletter or social media platform that focuses specifically on campus sustainability?:
Yes

A brief description of the sustainability newsletter or social media platform:
Sustainability news is specifically shared in main newsletters to reach the widest audience and those who may not initially be interested in sustainability issues. Sustainability issues are included in these publications The Insider and in Connections, which reaches many thousands of readers internally and externally. The briefs below are examples of the kinds of sustainability news we share.

The Insider, February 2020
There's more good news to share about parking on campus. With the start of the spring semester, we opened the top level of Structure E, our newest parking structure. The top level provides more than a place to park; it's also helping to reduce the university's carbon footprint.

The top level of Structure E is equipped with a solar photovoltaic system that consists of 2,800 solar panels on steel carports. Under optimal conditions, the system generates 4MWh of renewable energy per day, and will reduce Cal State LA's carbon footprint by approximately 596 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year. Structure E also offers 36 electric vehicle chargers, including three direct-current fast chargers.

We've also installed three additional fast chargers in Parking Structure B. There are now five charging stations in that area.

These additions contribute to sustainability, while helping to ensure that our students, faculty and staff enjoy their time on our campus.

Connections, June 2019
Cal State LA wins statewide award for zero-emission vehicle program

Cal State LA has again been recognized as a leader in sustainability practices, winning a statewide award for its zero-emission vehicle sharing program. The University's Parking and Transportation Services and Cal State LA Hydrogen Research and Fueling Facility received a best practice award for sustainable transportation in the 2019 Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Best Practice Awards competition. The popular shared mobility program includes 10 zero-emission WaiveCar vehicles that are available for students, faculty and staff to use daily within a 30-mile radius of the University. The contest, hosted by the California Higher Education Sustainability Conference, recognizes achievements in energy efficiency and sustainability at colleges and universities across California.

Signage

Does the institution have signage that highlights sustainability features on campus?:
Yes

A brief description of the signage that highlights sustainability features on campus:
Facilities signs:

No straws or bottles
Electric car charging stations
Hydrogen Fueling Station

Sustainability map or tour

Does the institution provide a sustainability walking map or tour?:
Yes

A brief description of the sustainability walking map or tour:
Orientation provides a tour for students.

Our new Janice E. Cordova Garden of Well-Being incorporates principles of sustainability.

https://www.calstatela.edu/wellbeing-garden

Green living guide 

Does the institution produce a guide for green living and/or incorporating sustainability into the residential experience?:
Yes

A brief description of the guide for green living and/or incorporating sustainability into the residential experience:
Housing

Space in the housing community is dedicated to Cal State LA's Urban Garden, a USDA-funded research project. The project also examines the science, technology, and history behind growing food in Southern California and provides research opportunities and training to graduate students who will innovate in urban agriculture and food industries.

https://sites.google.com/view/historical-database-of-climate/project-overview?authuser=0

Optional Fields

A brief description of other comprehensive sustainability outreach materials and publications not covered above:
Before the start of each academic year, and throughout the semester, the Office of Communications and Public Affairs launches a social media campaign designed to encourage student, faculty and staff to consider alternative forms of transportation. This campaign highlights the benefits and advantages of traveling to school via bus and train, and explains the support available for people who bike or rideshare.

Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
Cal State LA's Office of Communications and Publications has designed creative outreach videos to encourage the university community to use public transportation. This effort includes the university's mascot, Edddie the Golden Eagle.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxpB0m2Iq5U

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.