University of California–San Diego

College Sustainability Report Card 2010

The university's sustainability assessment and climate action plan specify goals for the next several decades. The Advisory Committee on Sustainability has developed and is charged with implementing the principles of sustainability. In accordance with the purchasing policy, all appliances are Energy Star-rated, most cleaning products are Green Seal-certified, and most pesticides meet organic farming standards.

The university has committed to becoming climate neutral by 2020. Thus far, UC San Diego has reduced emissions by 20 percent since 2006. Energy efficiency projects over the next three years will include lighting retrofits, HVAC upgrades, and replacement of refrigerators. A swimming pool and several dorms have solar water heating.

The dining halls feature local and organic food. All dairy is hormone-free and all seafood meets Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch guidelines. The university purchases fair trade coffee, chocolate, sugar, and tea, and nearly all eggs are cage-free. Customers are charged for using disposable containers rather than reusable. There is a reuse sale of unwanted university property, and a donation program for students during move-out.

The university strives to have all buildings certified LEED Gold. Two buildings meet LEED criteria. Since fall 2008, UC San Diego has completed a number of efficiency projects, including lighting retrofits and installing energy monitoring systems in some buildings. All campus housing has low-flow faucets, showerheads, and toilets.

Students work within the housing and dining departments to implement sustainable practices. Student Eco-Reps encourage responsible practices within residence halls. The student government has a sustainability advisory group, which recently passed resolutions to reduce bottled water use and pursue commuter solutions. Students also run a food co-op, an urban farm, and a compost team. A variety of competitions encourage students to reduce energy use and waste.

The campus fleet includes 56 hybrid cars and 33 biodiesel buses. Carpoolers are eligible for a free occasional-use parking permit and an emergency-ride-home program. Public transportation passes are subsidized, and there is a free shuttle system that services the campus. UC San Diego has two bike-sharing programs and a car-sharing program. Bike commuters have access to free showers and lockers.

The university makes a list of external managers available online to the public, and a list of other endowment holdings is available at the investment office to the public per open record law. The university does not make the shareholder voting record of its mutual funds or commingled funds public.

The university aims to optimize investment return and does not invest in renewable energy funds or community development loan funds.

The university does not have the ability to vote proxies, as the entire endowment is invested in mutual funds or other commingled funds.