University of California, Los Angeles
PAE-2: Strategic Plan

In 2003, the UC Board of Regents approved a system wide Green Building Policy and Clean Energy Standards based on the initially student-led effort, calling for the university to adopt principles of energy efficiency and sustainability in its capital projects, purchase green power, promote energy efficiency, and invest in local renewable energy sources. Since then, the UC has gained further national recognition by demonstrating the unique role that higher education can play in addressing sustainability issues. According to the 2009-2010 Capital Financial Plan, UCLA utilizes a variety of methods to ensure that the issue of environmental sustainability is addressed. The UC Sustainability Policy addresses sustainability and green buildings on the UC campuses. The Policy sets aggressive goals for the ten UC campuses to continue to reduce their carbon footprints. These goals represent a challenge for UCLA as the campus expands and demand for energy increases (through growth in the use of technology). Incorporating energy efficiency into new buildings and renovations as part of the Green Building Program has allowed UCLA to continue to reduce the amount of energy used on a square-foot basis, despite overall campus growth. All UCLA projects are designed to comply with the requirements of the Policy. The Policy adopts green building standards using the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system and includes stringent energy conservation measures. UCLA is committed to achieving a minimum LEED Silver certification for all new construction and major renovation projects. Above from http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/regents/regmeet/jul09/gb3attach.pdf) Furthermore, in the Capital Financial Plan, "Build A Sustainable Campus" is one of three major Capital Strategic Initiatives. The plan details green building, transportation, energy conservation and other sustainability programs and goals. One of the other strategic initiatives- "Transform UCLA to a Residential Academic Community" is also related to sustainability, as increasing the amount of students and staff living on campus decreases commutes and builds community. 2009-2010 Capital Financial Plan: http://www.ucop.edu/capitalprojects/documents/cfp09-10/la.pdf UCLA's Strategic Plan clearly addresses pertinent environmental issues and provides a framework to guide UCLA to implement environmentally friendly building technologies and energy efficient design strategies.

The University's efforts to transform UCLA into a "Residential Academic Community" address the social dimension of sustainability, and the importance of community awareness and involvement in our working towards a sustainable future.

The University will benefit economically in the long run from using energy efficient equipment and designs as well as utilizing renewable energy systems. The UC has implemented energy efficiency projects that will now save an estimated $12 million annually.