What Guides UC Systemwide Sustainability? A Look into the Sustainable Practices Policy

November 10, 2020

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. To learn about UCI's progress towards meeting these goals, visit the UCI Sustainability website.

2020 annual report on sustainable practices

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

Access the full Annual Report on Sustainable Practices

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. For example, a LEED silver certification is acquired by earning 50-59 points from various green building strategies across several categories. To see the list of UCI's LEED certified buildings, click  here.
  • 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. Learn more about UCI's Green Labs Program here.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.