UC Sustainable Practices Policy

The UC Sustainable Practices Policy guides sustainability efforts in ten areas of sustainable practice: climate protection, clean energy, green building, transportation, sustainable operations, waste reduction and recycling, sustainable procurement, sustainable foodservice, sustainable water systems, and standards for UC Health.

The infographic below outlines the key policies representing the ten areas of sustainable practice in the UC system. Please enjoy learning about the comprehensive goals currently in action across the ten UC campuses and other university facilities.

Access the full UC Sustainable Practices Policy (pdf)

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sustainable practices policy

UC also tracks and reports annual progress towards the UC Sustainable Practices Policy goals.

Access the full Annual Report on Sustainable Practices (pdf)

Key Terms

CBC– California Building Code (refers to Title 24 portion of the California Code of Regulations)

LEED- The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design is a section in the USGBC (US Green Building Council) that certifies buildings and renovations

LEED Silver certification- A LEED silver certification is acquired by earning 50-59 points from various green building strategies across several categories 

Green Spend- The amount spent on products meeting the UC “Preferred Level” of environmental sustainability criteria as laid out in the UC Sustainable Procurement Guidelines 

Economically and Socially Responsible Spend- Spend on products or services supplied by a business holding one of the UC-recognized certifications listed in the UC Sustainable Procurement Guidelines

UC Sustainable Procurement Guidelines- The UC Sustainable Procurement Guidelines lay out the minimum sustainability requirements for products and services purchased by the University of California

Green Labs Program– A program that works with individual laboratories and researchers to inform, collect best practices, and assess areas for improvement in research efficiency, including engagement, and targeted initiatives around efficiency in natural resources and other environmental issues.