| Overall Rating | Gold |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 72.81 |
| Liaison | Austin Eriksson |
| Submission Date | Nov. 29, 2021 |
California State University, Northridge
EN-14: Participation in Public Policy
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 2.00 |
Rafael
De La Rosa AVP Government and Community Relations Government and Community Relations |
Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the municipal/local level?:
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the municipal/local level:
CSUN has ongoing relationships and involvement with several local organizations including the United Chambers of Commerce, LA Chamber of Commerce, Devonshire P.A.L.S., Northridge East Neighborhood Council, VICA and LAEDC. Some of the most recent advocacy work is related to alternative transportation including improving local public transit and piloting the new U-Pass program with Metro. CSUN also is working with our local neighborhoods and city representatives in the development of a campus and community resiliency plan.
CSUN has also signed on to the Second Nature Climate Commitment, which commits the campus to climate neutrality by 2040.
In addition to our commitments CSUN also leads by example in all of our new construction being certified a LEED Gold as a minimum and building one of the first Net Zero Energy buildings in the region.
Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the state/provincial/regional level?:
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the state/provincial/regional level:
In terms of state advocacy, the best example of CSU advocacy efforts is securing environmental research funding in the cap and trade funds that became available in CA this summer. The CSU wrote letters, met with legislative staff, and testified at budget subcommittee hearings in order to express the CSU's support for strong research funding for projects related to climate change. The final outcome was $11 million “to be used to fund research on reducing carbon emissions, including clean energy, adaptation, and resiliency, with an emphasis on California.” This language was included in Section 2 of AB 109 of 2017.
CSU has supported local/regional transportation initiatives including the Bus Rapid Transit as well as Measure M through advocacy at United Chambers of Commerce, LA Chamber of Commerce, Devonshire P.A.L.S., Northridge East Neighborhood Council, VICA and LAEDC. In addition, the campus has spoken in support at the LA Metro Board meetings as well as letters to the LA Metro Board.
Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the national level?:
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the national level:
CSUN has signed on to the We Are Still In campaign from Second Nature which is a statement from governors, mayors, CEO’s and college and university leaders declaring that, despite the federal government’s decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, the nation remains committed to climate action.
This joint statement is the first time that these sectors have joined together publicly in a strong show of support for climate action that is so vital to the future of our country.
It asserts that:
1. In the absence of Federal support, states, cities, colleges and universities and businesses will pursue ambitious climate goals, to ensure that the U.S. remains a global leader in reducing emissions.
2. In the U.S., the actors that will provide the leadership necessary to meet our Paris commitment are found in city halls, state capitals, colleges and universities and businesses.
3. We will remain actively engaged with the international community as part of the global effort to hold warming to under 2°C and to accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy that will benefit our security, prosperity, and health.
Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the international level?:
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the international level:
CSUN, is one of 698 Higher and Further Education institutions, representing 8,515,905 students, are part of Race to Zero - join them today
What is Race to Zero?
Race To Zero is a global campaign to rally leadership and support from businesses, cities, regions, investors for a healthy, resilient, zero carbon recovery that prevents future threats, creates decent jobs, and unlocks inclusive, sustainable growth.
Led by the High-Level Climate Champions for Climate Action – Nigel Topping and Gonzalo Muñoz– it mobilizes a coalition of leading net zero initiatives, representing cities, regions, businesses, the biggest investors, and universities and colleges. These ‘real economy’ actors join 120 countries in the largest ever alliance committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 at the latest. Collectively these actors now cover nearly 25% global CO2 emissions and over 50% GDP.
The objective is to build momentum around the shift to a decarbonized economy ahead of COP26, where governments must strengthen their contributions to the Paris Agreement. This will send governments a resounding signal that business, cities, regions, investors and universities and colleges are united in meeting the Paris goals and creating a more inclusive and resilient economy.
What is the role of higher and further education?
By joining the Race to Zero, you will help demonstrate both the higher and further education sector’s commitment to the net zero agenda as well as your institution’s leadership on a global level at COP26 in November 2021.
A brief description of other political positions the institution has taken during the previous three years (if applicable):
Related to sustainability, the CSU system has taken a position on the following legislation:
- SB 350 (De Leon) which established targets to increase renewable electricity to 50% by 2030…the Governor signed SB 350. CSU had a WATCH position.
- SB 286 (Hertzberg) increases direct access services across the state, including the CSU…we have a SUPPORT position on SB 286, but the measure has been slowed down in the legislative process. SB 286 is a 2-year measure that we continue to support.
- AB 1150 (Levine) authorized public owned utilities to expands Energy Efficiency Partnership Programs to include the CSU and UC…the Governor signed AB 1150. The CSU had a SUPPORT position and ASR worked with UC to advocate for this expansion.
A brief description of political donations the institution made during the previous three years (if applicable):
N/A
Website URL where information about the institution’s sustainability advocacy efforts is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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.