University of California–Davis

College Sustainability Report Card 2010

UC Davis is included in the University of California system's extensive sustainability policy. Sustainability is a key principle in the master plan and the long-range development plan. Under the purchasing policy, almost all appliances are Energy Star-rated, all paper is at least 30 percent postconsumer recycled, and half of the cleaning products are environmentally friendly. The university has an Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability Office and a Sustainability Advisory Committee.

The university has committed to reduce its carbon emissions to 1990 levels by 2020, and is working toward climate neutrality. Since 2006, the campus has completed over 35 projects, saving 8.5 million kilowatt-hours and about $3 million annually.

UC Davis purchases from 27 local farms and spends well over $100,000 on organic items. All whole eggs are cage-free, all milk and cream is hormone-free, and all coffee is fair trade. Beginning in fall 2009, reusable dishes will be used for after-hours dining events in residence halls instead of disposable dishware. All dining halls run pre- and postconsumer compost programs, and trays have been removed from all locations.

All buildings must meet LEED certification standards, and recent buildings must be at least LEED Silver. There are 10 green buildings at UC Davis, including the LEED-Platinum Tahoe Environmental Research Center. Most campus buildings feature energy-efficient lighting and occupancy sensors. New toilets are low-flow, and some waterless urinals have been installed. Campus irrigation is centrally controlled and adjusted based on the weather.

UC Davis has a sustainability-themed residence hall community of 74 students. Sustainability is incorporated into mandatory freshmen meetings. There are 3 paid Eco-Reps in the residence halls and 18 paid student interns. The Campus Center for the Environment works on energy reduction, recycling, composting, and fair trade, and acts as a clearinghouse for the many other sustainability-themed student groups.

The UC Davis fleet includes 75 hybrid cars and 265 other alternative-fuel vehicles, representing close to 35 percent of the entire fleet. The university-run bus system, which is partially funded by student fees, is free at time of boarding to undergraduate students and subsidized for other members of the school community. The Bike Barn on campus rents, sells, and repairs bikes. The university has completed a plan to further improve the pedestrian and bicycle flow of the campus.

The university makes a list of all holdings available to the public, which is accessible online. The university does not make its shareholder voting record public, but information is sent to individuals upon request.

The university is currently invested in renewable energy funds and community development loan funds.

The university provides general guidelines to a custodial bank, which votes their shares.