University of California, Santa Barbara

Given the wide variety of academic and administrative departments at UC Santa Barbara which are working on sustainability, there are ample opportunities for student internships and volunteer experiences. These institutionalized programs are supplemented by a … read more

Given the wide variety of academic and administrative departments at UC Santa Barbara which are working on sustainability, there are ample opportunities for student internships and volunteer experiences. These institutionalized programs are supplemented by a broad-based student movement around sustainability with approximately 35 student organizations which are actively working on sustainability or environmental issues.

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In 1970, a group of faculty calling themselves “The Friends of the Human Habitat” started to develop an environmental education curriculum which, in 1971, became the genesis for the Environmental Studies Program at UC Santa … read more

In 1970, a group of faculty calling themselves “The Friends of the Human Habitat” started to develop an environmental education curriculum which, in 1971, became the genesis for the Environmental Studies Program at UC Santa Barbara. The Program was one of the first undergraduate environmental studies programs in the U.S. featuring a multidisciplinary approach to understanding environmental issues. Today, UC Santa Barbara’s Environmental Studies Program is the largest program of its type in the country, with over 300 undergraduates, more than 20 faculty and lecturers, and over 4,000 alumni. In 1996, the Bren School of Environmental Science & Management (Then called the "Donald Bren School of Environmental Science & Management) began a new interdisciplinary graduate program and professional school, offering both a Masters and a PhD in environmental science and management.

Today, sustainability is written into the Strategic Academic Plan (2007-2025) and embedded in many more departments, including English, Sociology, Film Studies, History, Economics, Mechanical Engineering, and many more.

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UC Santa Barbara is home to many remarkable research institutes and centers including but not limited to the Institute for Energy Efficiency, the Marine Science Institute, and the Earth Research Institute. We are also the … read more

UC Santa Barbara is home to many remarkable research institutes and centers including but not limited to the Institute for Energy Efficiency, the Marine Science Institute, and the Earth Research Institute. We are also the home of many sustainability efforts in the arts and humanities including the Environmental Media Initiative of the Carsey Wolf Center and the Literature and the Environment Program of the English department.

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The University of California, Santa Barbara began working with the USGBC in the pilot version of LEED NC in 1998. Donald Bren Hall, the first laboratory building in the U.S. to achieve a Platinum certification, … read more

The University of California, Santa Barbara began working with the USGBC in the pilot version of LEED NC in 1998. Donald Bren Hall, the first laboratory building in the U.S. to achieve a Platinum certification, was completed in 2002. That same year, Chancellor Henry T. Yang implemented the LEED Silver criteria for all New Construction (NC). Since then, UCSB has continued an active partnership with the USGBC to develop the LEED portfolio program. We are currently in the process of certifying 25 LEED EBOM buildings within a 5 year window in addition to attaining certification for all new construction at the LEED gold level.

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The University of California, Santa Barbara was an early adopter of climate reporting, having used the California Climate Action Registry since 2004. In March 2007, University of California (UC) President Robert C. Dynes signed the … read more

The University of California, Santa Barbara was an early adopter of climate reporting, having used the California Climate Action Registry since 2004. In March 2007, University of California (UC) President Robert C. Dynes signed the American College and Universities Presidents' Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) on behalf of all UC Chancellors. The UC Policy on Sustainable Practices sets system-wide policy guidelines and implementation procedures for environmental impact minimization and operational sustainability, including the following provisions regarding Climate Protection Practices:
• With an overall goal of reducing GHG emissions while maintaining enrollment accessibility for every eligible student, enhancing research, promoting community service, and operating campus facilities more efficiently, the University will develop a long term strategy for voluntarily meeting the State of California’s goal, pursuant to California Assembly Bill 32 (AB32), The California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, that is, by 2020, to reduce GHG emissions to 1990 levels.
• The University will pursue the goal of reducing GHG emissions to 2000 levels by 2014.
• The University will develop an action plan for becoming climate neutral which will include: a feasibility study for meeting the 2014 and 2020 goals (and) a target date for achieving climate neutrality as soon as possible while maintaining the University’s overall mission. Climate neutrality means that the University will have a net zero impact on the Earth’s climate, and this will be achieved by minimizing GHG emissions as much as possible and using carbon offsets or other measures to mitigate the remaining GHG emissions.
In accordance with these initiatives, the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) created a Climate Action Plan (CAP), approved by the Chancellor’s Sustainability Advisory Committee in August 2009. The 2009 CAP was drafted with the best available data and methodology. It was intended to establish an institutional framework for the inventorying, annual tracking, and strategic reduction of GHG emissions, to be updated on a bi-annual basis. Thus, the 2011 CAP supersedes the 2009 document. The 2011 CAP includes revised GHG emissions baselines and reduction goals, as well as updated GHG emissions inventory results through calendar year 2010. Additionally, Scope 3 GHG emissions from commuting and University-funded air travel have been included in the 2011 CAP.
GHG emissions resulting from activities under UCSB’s operational control were inventoried and reported annually to the California Climate Action Registry (CCAR) for years 2004 through 2009. In 2010, UCSB reported to The Climate Registry (TCR), which has replaced CCAR. Total 2010 GHG emissions reported to TCR were 89,820 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO2e).
The 2011 CAP details the following GHG emissions reduction targets:
•2014: 2000 Emissions Level – 97,715 MT CO2e
•2020: 1990 Emissions Level – 85,516 MT CO2e
•2050: Carbon Neutrality

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The staff at Dining Services began their sustainability work back in 2002. They worked on contracts with local farmers and tested various methods for providing locally grown organic food. Over the years, these relationships have … read more

The staff at Dining Services began their sustainability work back in 2002. They worked on contracts with local farmers and tested various methods for providing locally grown organic food. Over the years, these relationships have grown, and we now offer a good variety of locally grown organics fruits, vegetables, chicken, eggs, and fish. Our Head Chef and Dietitian have also developed the "UCSB Dining Seasonal Produce" calendar of local offerings so the staff know when different items will be in season.

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In the late 1990's, the University of California, Santa Barbara's Energy team began implementing aggressive energy efficiency measures, such as de-lamping, HVAC upgrades, lighting retrofits, metering, building commissioning, and installation of chilled water loops. As … read more

In the late 1990's, the University of California, Santa Barbara's Energy team began implementing aggressive energy efficiency measures, such as de-lamping, HVAC upgrades, lighting retrofits, metering, building commissioning, and installation of chilled water loops. As a result, UCSB has reduced its per square foot electricity use by 30 percent, reflecting a $3.88 million annual savings in 2011 dollars, since peaking in 1998/1999. This savings can be attributed in large part to the Strategic Energy Partnership, increased efficiency standards in new construction at UCSB, and increasing the campus community’s awareness concerning energy conservation.

Total natural gas use per square foot has been reduced by 17 percent, reflecting a $520,000 annual savings in 2011 dollars, since peaking in 1998/1999. Natural Gas prices have dropped in recent years and are anticipated to remain relatively consistent for the next 1-2 years, at which point the AB32 Cap & Trade compliance costs faced by Investor Owned Utilities are anticipated to result in an increase in commodity rates for natural gas.

UCSB will continue to implement energy conservation projects under the SEP. Physical Facilities and Design & Construction Services will work closely with the Division of Student Affairs to develop on-campus renewable energy generation capacity under that Division’s Renewable Energy Initiative.

The campus has identified offsite renewable energy generation as a strategy for offsetting rising electrical costs and meeting short- and mid-term greenhouse gas reduction targets, and it will explore this option in conjunction with the Office of the President and several UC Campuses.

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The University of California, Santa Barbara established the Sustainability Change Agent Landscape/Biotic Environment Team in 2004. Their mission is to make sustainability one of the key decision making components for grounds design and management. Sustainability … read more

The University of California, Santa Barbara established the Sustainability Change Agent Landscape/Biotic Environment Team in 2004. Their mission is to make sustainability one of the key decision making components for grounds design and management. Sustainability includes considering all inputs to grounds relative to their costs and benefits to the earth and the local ecosystem. Their directive is to increase biodiversity and self-sustaining systems while reducing dependence on fossil fuels and other extracted minerals. Socially, the group seeks to facilitate student education and work and play, while supporting the staff through living wages and local business opportunities. UCSB is also home to The Cheadle Center for Biodiversity & Ecological Restoration (CCBER). CCBER manages over 230 acres of open space on the UCSB campus in order to fulfill several goals: to preserve and enhance native plant resources and biodiversity of the region; to provide educational opportunities through sign, internships, seminars, and workshops; and to advance the understanding of restoration strategies and preservation of ecological function in urbanized areas to retain water quality, and biodiversity through research. CCBER management areas include areas that already contained portions of intact vegetation or wetlands which are protected by the Clean Water Act and Coastal Act, as well as areas that are being restored after significant human impacts: the North Bluff, Campus Lagoon, Manzanita Village, Storke Wetlands, and San Clemente.

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In 2004, the University of California, Santa Barbara hired a staff member to work on the University of California systemwide strategic sourcing agreements. This person developed the methodologies for imbedding environmentally preferable procurement into our … read more

In 2004, the University of California, Santa Barbara hired a staff member to work on the University of California systemwide strategic sourcing agreements. This person developed the methodologies for imbedding environmentally preferable procurement into our RFP’s and worked with partners from each campus to develop scoring for the selection of awards. In 2012, UCSB is moving to a new on-line procurement system. We are in the process of developing criteria so we can offer options for “green” items first to direct spend to sustainable options. We hope to have this process completed and rolled out to the campus in academic year 2012/2013.

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The UC Santa Barbara Transportation Alternatives Board (TAB) was formed in 2004 to advise the Chancellor on alternative transportation issues. The Board devises programs to enhance cost-effective and convenient transportation to and around campus, proposes … read more

The UC Santa Barbara Transportation Alternatives Board (TAB) was formed in 2004 to advise the Chancellor on alternative transportation issues. The Board devises programs to enhance cost-effective and convenient transportation to and around campus, proposes ways to fund programs, and counsels on the allocation of funds.
The Board is comprised of nine members, of which three each represent faculty, career staff, and the student body.
In addition, we have the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) to serve those who commute by foot, skateboard, bicycle, bus, carpool, vanpool, or train. The focus of TAP is to reduce traffic congestion, traffic emissions, and the demand for parking on campus.

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The University of California, Santa Barbara began its campus-wide recycling program in 1986. The program includes both exterior and interior collection systems. In 2009, we began to collect both pre- and post-consumer food waste in … read more

The University of California, Santa Barbara began its campus-wide recycling program in 1986. The program includes both exterior and interior collection systems. In 2009, we began to collect both pre- and post-consumer food waste in our dining facilities. This program was so successful that it was quickly expanded to all four residential dining facilities. In Winter 2012, we began the Campus Compost Pilot program to collect food waste from four eateries; the Arbor, The Coral Tree, the UCen, and the Courtyard Cafe. Individuals dispose "Food Only" into a bin that is collected and made into compost. Phase two of this program will be the move to all biodegradables in these same facilities in spring/summer 2012. In our baseline waste audit, compostables made up the bulk of the weight which will help us attain our 75% waste diversion rate in 2012.

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The University of California, Santa Barbara has had a Sustainability Change Agent Team focusing on water since 2002. This group has morphed into the Chancellor’s Sustainability Committee Subcommittee on Water and focuses on water conservation … read more

The University of California, Santa Barbara has had a Sustainability Change Agent Team focusing on water since 2002. This group has morphed into the Chancellor’s Sustainability Committee Subcommittee on Water and focuses on water conservation and innovation projects to reduce total potable water use on campus. Projects implemented to date include waterless urinals, aerators, dual flush valves, reduced flow urinal flush valves, recapture of partially polished DI water in laboratory buildings, extension of reclaimed irrigation lines, extension of the central weather stations, and the installation of 30% more efficient sprinkler heads. This group is continuing to study a number of items for additional reductions. The UCSB indicators for water spring from a three year baseline (to account for weather conditions and changes over time). Though STARS uses a 1 year baseline of 2005, UCSB established its baseline of 1996/97, 1998/99, and 1999, 2000. Since this period, we have realized a 25% total reduction in water use (this is for potable and reclaimed).

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UC Santa Barbara has been a leader in the environmental movement since the early 1970s, when the campus established one of the first undergraduate environmental studies programs in the U.S. featuring a multidisciplinary approach to … read more

UC Santa Barbara has been a leader in the environmental movement since the early 1970s, when the campus established one of the first undergraduate environmental studies programs in the U.S. featuring a multidisciplinary approach to understanding environmental issues. Around the same time, both Housing and Residential Service and Facilities Management hired energy specialists to monitor energy use and reduce resource consumption.

Over the years, many departments across the campus have developed interest in sustainability and taken leadership roles in their own ways. To encourage and support this independent leadership and to ensure that sustainability is infused into every aspect of the campus, UCSB has chosen to develop a largely decentralized approach to sustainability. There are sustainability professionals in Administrative Services, Facilities Management, Housing and Residential Services, and Geography. Over 75 "Change Agents," our name for staff, faculty, and students who are actively working on campus sustainability efforts, come from too many diverse departments to name.

UCSB maintains a central Chancellor's Campus Sustainability Committee to ensure coordination amongst all the stakeholders and departments working on sustainability. The Change Agents meet quarterly to share best practices and coordinate new initiatives. The chairs of our change agent teams meet approximately monthly.

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UC Santa Barbara was once again honored in Fall 2011 by Minority Access, Inc. for its commitment to diversity. In cooperation with the Office of Minority Health and the National Institutes of Health, the award … read more

UC Santa Barbara was once again honored in Fall 2011 by Minority Access, Inc. for its commitment to diversity. In cooperation with the Office of Minority Health and the National Institutes of Health, the award recognizes institutions committed to increasing the pool of underrepresented scholars. This is the fifth year in a row that UCSB has been recognized. The percentage of women hired for the employment year 2011-2012, both white and minority, came to 62.5%. This is the highest percentage of women hired at UCSB since the campus began to keep track of these statistics in the 1970s. In Fall 2011, 30% of our freshman class was composed of underrepresented minorities. 25% of the class are Chican@/Latin@ students, moving us closer and closer to the status of a Hispanic Serving Institution. That status requires our entire undergraduate student body to be twenty-five percent Chican@/Latin@ for at least two years running, so we are a couple of years out from accomplishing this. We expect to become the first Hispanic Serving Institution in the AAU.

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The most valuable resources of our University are the people who work here. We strive to be the employer of choice by providing excellent customer service and offering effective and efficient administrative processes. The Employment … read more

The most valuable resources of our University are the people who work here. We strive to be the employer of choice by providing excellent customer service and offering effective and efficient administrative processes. The Employment Unit assists campus departments and job seekers in the application of employment policies and procedures, programs, and fair hiring practices. The Employment Unit provides essential employment services and programs that are designed to recruit and retain the best qualified people, as well as a diverse workforce, in support of the teaching and research mission of UC Santa Barbara.

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When considering the University of California, Santa Barbara’s investments, there are two relevant groupings of investments: The endowments of the UCSB Foundation and the endowments of the campus as a whole. The latter, non-foundation endowments … read more

When considering the University of California, Santa Barbara’s investments, there are two relevant groupings of investments: The endowments of the UCSB Foundation and the endowments of the campus as a whole. The latter, non-foundation endowments are overseen by the treasurer of the Regents through the General Endowment Pool (http://www.ucop.edu/treasurer/invpol/GEP_investment_policy.html).

The UCSB Foundation primarily invests in financial vehicles such as mutual funds which are made up of a portfolio of investments in individual companies. That portfolio changes throughout the year and with market fluctuations and can contain several thousand companies. UCSB does not have the internal staff to evaluate each company and/or frequent changes to the portfolio. Given the type of investment vehicles chosen, UCSB also has a limited ability to affect proxy voting decisions and pass policies which restrict investment choices, given our decision to invest in funds/groups of investments rather than directly investing in individual companies. In the case of proxy voting, when we choose an investment vehicle, we are usually asked to commit to the fund’s proxy voting guidelines. Of the $118,216 million that UCSB Foundation invests (including long term and short term investments), only approximately $3.1 million are in direct holdings, where we could make a vote as a shareholder. For these holdings we allow the custodian of our investments, Goldman Sachs, to vote on our behalf in accordance with the guidance of UC Regents’ investment policies http://www.ucop.edu/treasurer/invpol/GEP_IPS_Mar_17_2011.pdf.

There have been some cases where the UC Regents have acted collectively to take leadership stances on key issues which the UC Regents thought were too important not to act on. Notably, these decisions were based on students raising their concerns. The three cases of divestment were from South Africa during apartheid (we no longer have restrictions against investments in South Africa), tobacco companies (approximately 2001), and from Sudan in approximately 2006. The restrictions against tobacco companies can be seen in the GEP Investment Policy Statement, Page 9, Section 5b: http://www.ucop.edu/treasurer/invpol/GEP_IPS_Mar_17_2011.pdf . The UC Regents’ Policy #6302; Policy on divestment of university holdings in companies with business operations in Sudan can be found here: http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/regents/policies/6302.html

The UC Regents also have developed broad language to highlight the importance of considering social issues in our investment choices and does direct the companies managing our investments to follow these guidelines. This language can also be found in the GEP Investment Policy Statement, Page 11 of the Appendices, Section I, Social Issues: http://www.ucop.edu/treasurer/invpol/UCRP-GEP_App4-8_IPS_Mar_17_2011.pdf

The UC Regents have delegated most of their proxy voting rights to Institutional Shareholder Services Inc., an MSCI Inc. brand. ISS’s investment policies can be found here: http://issgovernance.com/files/2012USSummaryGuidelines.pdf and include some sustainable investing practices.
The UCSB Foundation is open to continued open dialogue regarding socially responsible investing. In 2010, two proposals regarding socially responsible investing were brought before the UCSB Foundation’s Investment Committee. Neither was accepted; however, healthy debate regarding these important issues occurred. In 2012, the UCSB Foundation will be collaborating with the Associated Students to host a workshop on socially responsible investing in conjunction with a meeting of the Foundation’s trustees.

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