Overall Rating Gold - expired
Overall Score 77.90
Liaison Katie Maynard
Submission Date March 4, 2021

STARS v2.2

University of California, Santa Barbara
PA-2: Sustainability Planning

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 4.00 / 4.00 Jewel Persad
Sustainability Manager
Administration
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Part 1. Measurable sustainability objectives 

Academics

Does the institution have a published plan or plans that include measurable sustainability objectives that address sustainability in curriculum and/or research?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to academics and the plan(s) in which they are published:
The Campus Sustainability Plan is a living document and is reviewed annually to consider progress and to ensure that the goals stay relevant to our current work and climate. Goals listed in this report were updated using the 2018-2019 annual report on the Campus Sustainability Plan.
https://sustainability.ucsb.edu/sites/default/files/AnnualReport2018.JP.11.1.19.pdf
-Launch a program which will bring together UC Santa Barbara faculty and local community partners, using the Environmental Protection Agency’s Educational Partnerships for Innovation in Communities (EPIC) Program Network model http://www.epicn.org/, which was inspired by the University of Oregon’s Sustainable City Year Program.
-Expand partnerships between faculty and local community partners through project based courses.
-Implementation of the UC Carbon Neutrality Initiative and UC Global Food Initiative Fellowship Programs.
-UC CSU Knowledge Action Network, a joint effort of UC and CSU educators, Co-Chaired by UCSB’s Dr. John Foran to scale and intensify California students’ literacy in climate change, climate justice, carbon neutrality/greenhouse gas emissions reductions, and sustainability.

Engagement 

Does the institution have a published plan or plans that include measurable sustainability objectives that address student, employee, or community engagement for sustainability?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to engagement and the plan(s) in which they are published:
The Campus Sustainability Plan is a living document and is reviewed annually to consider progress and to ensure that the goals stay relevant to our current work and climate. Goals listed in this report were updated using the 2018-2019 annual report on the Campus Sustainability Plan.
https://sustainability.ucsb.edu/sites/default/files/AnnualReport2018.JP.11.1.19.pdf
-Continue and expand the reach of our education and outreach campaign, including through social media platforms;
-Continue to ensure that when there are opportunities to give feedback on campus planning projects, underrepresented communities are asked for advice and guidance;
-Continue to host annual Residential Hall and Apartment Complex Energy Competitions.

Operations

Does the institution have a published plan or plans that include measurable sustainability objectives that address sustainability in operations?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to operations and the plan(s) in which they are published:
The UC Sustainability Policy outlines targets for all of the campuses in the system.
https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/3100155/SustainablePractices
WATER
Reduce potable water by 36% by 2025 from three year baseline
ENERGY
Obtain 100% clean energy by 2025
Convert to 40% biogas by 2025
Reduce energy use intensity by at least 2% annually
FOOD
Procure 25% sustainable food products by 2030
TRANSPORTATION
Zero emission or hybrid vehicles are at least 50% of all acquisitions by 2025
Reduce single-occupant student commuting by 10% of 2015 levels by 2025
Reduce single-occupant student and employee commuting by 30% by 2050
CLIMATE
Climate neutral from direct and indirect emissions of purchased energy (Scopes 1 & 2) by 2025
Climate neutral from indirect emissions (Scope 3) of commuting and air travel by 2050
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020
BUILDINGS
Design, construct, and commission buildings that outperform CBC energy efficiency standards by 30%
Buildings achieve a USGBC LEED "Silver" certification
No new buildings shall use fossil fuels for space and water heating
WASTE
Reduce waste generation by 25% by 2025
Prioritize waste reduction in the order of reduce, reuse, recycle and compost
Achieve zero waste with at least 90% diversion rate
PROCUREMENT
Prohibit the sale, procurement, or distribution of packaging foam (aka “Styrofoam”)
100% compliance with Required Level Green Spend criteria, 25% Green Spend, and 25% Economically & Socially Responsible Spend per the UC Sustainable Procurement Guidelines

Administration

Does the institution have a published plan or plans that include measurable sustainability objectives that address diversity, equity, and inclusion; sustainable investment/finance; or wellbeing?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to administration and the plan(s) in which they are published:
The UC system has developed a framework for sustainable investments (https://www.ucop.edu/investment-office/_files/sustainable-investment-framework.pdf) here are a few of the many objectives included in the plan:
-“develop a set of engagement guidelines and review our proxy voting policy to ensure our engagement with portfolio companies via dialogue, shareholder resolutions and proxy voting is aligned with our sustainability beliefs. We aim to partner with external fund managers, other asset owners and industry initiatives to magnify our voice and influence as shareholders.”
-“We will develop a set of engagement guidelines and review our proxy voting policy to ensure our engagement with portfolio companies via dialogue, shareholder resolutions and proxy voting is aligned with our sustainability beliefs. We aim to partner with external fund managers, other asset owners and industry initiatives to magnify our voice and influence as shareholders.”
-“We will continue prioritizing stakeholder engagement and partnering with the University of California community throughout this process as we work to establish the university’s leadership on environmental, social and governance issues. We will continue to look to the UC community for advice, counsel and educational materials to inform our sustainability processes.”
-“To ensure transparency, accountability and progress, the OCIO will establish a reporting cycle with the Committee on Investments. We also will develop a separate sustainability page on the OCIO website to highlight and report on our sustainable investment efforts and the progress we are making. This resource also will provide links to important peer reviewed research, publications and editorials that can inform our staff, our stakeholders and the public. We hope, through this effort, to take an exemplary leadership role in sustainable investing in a manner that is not just symbolic but realistic and effective.”

Part 2. Sustainability in institution’s highest guiding document

Does the institution have a published strategic plan or equivalent guiding document that includes sustainability at a high level? :
Yes

The institution’s highest guiding document (upload):
Website URL where the institution’s highest guiding document is publicly available:
Which of the following best describes the inclusion of sustainability in the highest guiding document?:
Major theme

Optional Fields

The institution's sustainability plan (upload):
Website URL where the institution's sustainability plan is publicly available:
Does the institution have a formal statement in support of sustainability endorsed by its governing body?:
---

The formal statement in support of sustainability:
---

The institution’s definition of sustainability:
UCSB SUSTAINABILITY MISSION STATEMENT
The University of California, Santa Barbara is committed to global leadership for sustainability through education, research, and action. The concept of “sustainability” can be used in many ways, but in the Campus Sustainability Plan (CSP) it is defined as: “Meeting the needs of the present generation, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

Is the institution an endorser or signatory of the following?:
Yes or No
The Earth Charter ---
The Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI) ---
ISCN-GULF Sustainable Campus Charter ---
Pan-Canadian Protocol for Sustainability ---
SDG Accord ---
Second Nature’s Carbon Commitment (formerly known as the ACUPCC), Resilience Commitment, and/or integrated Climate Commitment Yes
The Talloires Declaration (TD) Yes
UN Global Compact ---
Other multi-dimensional sustainability commitments (please specify below) ---

A brief description of the institution’s formal sustainability commitments, including the specific initiatives selected above:
---

Website URL where information about the institution’s sustainability planning efforts is available:
---

Additional documentation to support the submission:
---

Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
UCSB has two overarching strategic plans. The 2007-2025 Strategic Academic Plan and the Long Range Development Plan (LRDP). The Academic Plan is the highest guiding document for curriculum and research. The campus’ academic and associated resource priorities are guided by the Academic Plan. The Strategic Academic Plan also serves to guide the Long Range Development Plan (LRDP). The Strategic academic plan does include sustainability. Sustainability was woven into the interdisciplinary themes (Environment, Global and International Issues, and the Academy and Society). The Interdisciplinary themes driven decision making, funding allocations, and the physical planning of the campus.



Other plans to include
Plans
Sustainability Plan - https://sustainability.ucsb.edu/sites/default/files/Report-draft-2.pdf
Zero Waste Plan - https://sustainability.ucsb.edu/sites/default/files/UCSB_2020_Zero_Waste_Plan.pdf
Water Action Plan - https://sustainability.ucsb.edu/sites/default/files/UCSB-Water-Action-Plan-2017_Final_Draft_v3.docx
Green Lab Action Plan - https://sustainability.ucsb.edu/sites/default/files/Green%20Lab%20Action%20Plan.pdf
Climate Action Planning - https://cap.foveaservices.com/cap/ucsb

The Campus Sustainability Plan is a living document and is reviewed annually to consider progress and to ensure that the goals stay relevant to our current work and climate. Goals listed in this report were updated using the 2018-2019 annual report on the Campus Sustainability Plan.
https://sustainability.ucsb.edu/sites/default/files/AnnualReport2018.JP.11.1.19.pdf

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.