All Physical Planning and Construction projects incorporate sustainable features and practices in conformance with the University of California’s Sustainable Practices Policy. As the Sustainable Practices Policy does not address projects of all types and sizes, PPC incorporates sustainability, to the greatest extent possible, in these projects as well. In addition to the UC system-wide policy, UC Santa Cruz has the 2017-22 Campus Sustainability Plan. In the Climate & Energy section of this Plan, we are pursuing multiple objectives, which will push the campus towards deeper levels of sustainability in its facilities projects.

Decarbonization & Electrification

UCSC has a long-term campus plan to end the use of fossil fuel at UC Santa Cruz and move to 100 percent clean and renewable energy sources. This work is summarized in the Decarbonization & Electrification Report, completed in 2023. The report outlines a path to achieve a 95% reduction in scope 1 and scope 2 carbon emissions by 2030. Scope 1 includes emissions occurring as a direct result of university operations. Scope 2 emissions are associated with the generation of purchased electricity. With UCSC purchasing 100% clean electricity through the UC Clean Power Program, much of this can be accomplished by electrifying existing fossil-fuel burning systems on campus. For more information on the campus plan and UCSC’s fossil-free work, visit the Decarbonization and Electrification Planning website.

Links related to Sustainability:

• List of LEED Certified Buildings
• Sustainability Office
• Annual Sustainability Progress Report