University of California, Santa Barbara

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 800 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 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.

In accordance with the above initiatives, the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) created a Climate Action Plan (CAP), approved by the Chancellor’s Campus Sustainability 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 biennial basis. The 2012 CAP included revised GHG emissions baselines and reduction goals, as well as updated GHG emissions inventory results through calendar year 2010. Additionally, it included GHG emissions from commuting and University-funded air travel. The 2014 CAP includes GHG emissions inventory results through calendar year 2012, mitigation strategies for reaching 1990 levels by 2020 and carbon neutrality by 2025, as well as revised emissions forecasts. UCSB has achieved the 2014 reduction target two years early and is projected to meet the 2020 emissions reduction target.

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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 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 signs, 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 can now dispose of food scraps and compostables in receptacles where the material is composted. In 2013, UCSB welcomed its first vendor under the refined contract that specifies they must provide 100% compostable packaging. UCSB's 11% waste diversion increase in the past two years and commitment to reducing consumption and reusing materials exemplifies the University's seriousness and readiness to meet their waste management goals and be a Zero Waste institution by 2020.

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UCSB recognizes the importance of water planning and conservation and has made many historical efforts to reduce water usage. The University of California, Office of the President mandated all universities system-wide to reduce potable water-use … read more

UCSB recognizes the importance of water planning and conservation and has made many historical efforts to reduce water usage. The University of California, Office of the President mandated all universities system-wide to reduce potable water-use by 20% by 2020, a goal that UCSB has already achieved with a 25% reduction from a baseline period. This reduction was achieved through various water conservation strategies implemented between 1997 and 2008. Projects undertaken by the University targeted academic, research and other non-residential buildings, and residential buildings. These projects also addressed landscaping, irrigation, and industrial applications. In non-residential buildings, new faucet aerators and low-flush toilets were installed to improve restroom efficiency. In the residential buildings, efficient dishwashers were installed, recycled water for lawn irrigation was introduced, and bathroom fixtures were retrofitted in residences with low-flow faucets, showerheads, toilets, and urinals. The Campus developed an expansive recycled water system between 1994 and 2008 and installed smart irrigation, artificial turf, and xeriscaping to decrease potable water use and improve overall water use efficiency in landscaping and irrigation applications. In addition, from 1999 to 2011, the University invested in the installation and expansion of a chilled water loop for cooling of buildings. The chilled water loop connects a variety of academic buildings, which has reduced the number of cooling towers necessary on campus and enabled concomitant efficiency increases and industrial water-use reductions.

In anticipation of campus growth, UCSB created their first Water Action Plan (WAP), which outlines a proactive campus strategy for UCSB to reduce water consumption while meeting future water demand. Goals outlined in the Water Action Plan for further potable water reductions at UCSB over the next 15 years focus on implementing multiple conservation and efficiency strategies and substituting recycled water for potable water in a variety of applications. Goals include increasing the installation of low-flow aerators, showerheads, and toilets in academic and housing buildings; improving the quality of recycled water used in irrigation and other non-potable applications; and expanding overall administrative actions to encourage water conservation. Accomplishing these goals would allow UCSB to achieve an additional 15% reduction from their current water usage by the year 2028.

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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 an interest in sustainability and have 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, Associated Students, Environmental Health & Safety, Facilities Management, Housing & Residential Services, Student Affairs, 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 Chancellor's Campus Sustainability Committee that meets monthly to ensure coordination amongst all the stakeholders and departments working on sustainability. The Change Agents or subcommittees of the Chancellor's Sustainability Committee meet monthly/quarterly to share best practices and coordinate new initiatives.

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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.

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 make frequent changes to the portfolio.

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 related to South Africa during apartheid (we no longer have restrictions against investments in South Africa), to tobacco companies (approximately 2001), and to Sudan in approximately 2006. 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.

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