Lunch & Learn: Proposed UC Voluntary Offsets Policy
*Please note this event has passed.
UCI is seeking feedback on the draft UC Systemwide Voluntary Offsets Policy to ensure the new policy adequately addresses the needs and concerns of our campus. Please join us for an early lunch break to learn more about UCI’s carbon reduction strategy, the role of offsets, and the draft UC Voluntary Offsets Policy. Time will also be provided for Q&A.
The draft voluntary offsets policy comes out of work performed over the last two years under a UC Global Climate Leadership Council-funded project: UC’s Offset Strategy Development.
- Click here to review a short introductory briefing document.
- Click here to review the draft UC Voluntary Offsets Policy.
- Access the recording and presentations from the Lunch & Learn here.
- For an overview of carbon offsets and to learn more, please enjoy this presentation by Brenna Biggs, CNI Offsets Fellow 19-20.
About Offsets
What are offsets?
Offsets allow institutions and individuals to meet their emissions reduction targets, in part, by paying for emissions to be reduced elsewhere. Each offset credit represents one metric ton of CO2-equivalent reduced. Some common offset project types include forest conservation, renewable energy, and landfill gas methane capture.
Why offsets?
UC launched its Carbon Neutrality Initiative (CNI) with an aim of emitting net zero greenhouse gases from its buildings, operations, and vehicle fleet by 2025. To meet this commitment, the campuses are investing in 100% carbon-free electricity by 2025, building efficiency improvements, building electrification, and biogas procurement. UC reduced its emissions by around 36% per student from 2010 to 2018 and expects our continued efforts to reduce direct emissions most of the way to carbon neutrality by 2025. In addition, UC expects to procure offsets as the final step to reach net zero emissions.
What are the offset policy goals?
- Prioritize direct action to reduce emissions; and acknowledge offsets as a transitional strategy
- Address concerns regarding offsets as a strategy
- Define the criteria and processes the University will apply to ensure all offset credits it uses represent real, additional emissions reductions to address challenges with the quality of offset credits available
- Align our offset procurement with the mission of the University (teaching, research, and service)