Plans
UCI is guided by multiple frameworks for sustainability and climate action. Below you will find various plans created that guide UCI’s campus operations, academics, engagement, and more related to sustainability. Sustainability at UCI requires multiple units and departments to be involved.
The University of California Presidential Priorities Plan states “Leading on Climate Change” as a top priority for the system. The priorities list measurable goals and some of these include “Support systemwide research collaborations”, “Achieve carbon neutrality in 2025 as each location establishes a goal for fossil-free operations”, “Develop opportunities in farming and regenerative agriculture”, “Establish UC as the industry leader in low-carbon construction”, and more. The UCI Strategic Plan states climate change and sustainability as priorities in two different pillars. Sustainability is an embedded part of our university moving forward.
Frameworks & Reporting
UCI looks to the UC Policy on Sustainable Practices which outlines multiple operational practices the campus must follow. On an annual basis, each UC campus collects and publishes data for the Annual Report on Sustainable Practices and UCI’s can be found at this link.
Originally, UCI adopted a Climate Action Plan (CAP) in 2007 to meet greenhouse gas reduction and other climate-related targets. In 2016, UCI updated the campus Climate Action Plan (CAP). This overviews the actionable roadmap for climate commitments in support of the UC Policy on Sustainable Practices and the UC Carbon Neutrality Initiative. The initiative set forth a goal of carbon neutrality by 2025.
However, in 2023, the University of California updated its UC Policy on Sustainable Practices to shift towards a more science-based approach for decarbonization goals. UCI is now undergoing the process to update the CAP to be more reflective of this policy update and of the need to address climate adaptation concerns. For more information on the forthcoming Climate Action & Adaptation Plan (CAAP), please reach out to Campus Planning & Sustainability.
UCI reports to the comprehensive Sustainability Tracking, Assessment, & Rating System (STARS) by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) on a 3-year cycle. This report overviews four categories: Academics, Engagement, Operations, and Planning & Administration. UCI has achieved Platinum designation in the last two reporting cycles.
Other Relevant Frameworks & Reports
Various departments across UCI have plans relevant to the overall sustainability operations and engagement of the campus. These connect and relate to the overall UC Sustainable Practices Policy and other relevant initiatives.