Policies and Commitments

University of California (UC) Policy on Sustainable Practices

In July 2003, the UC Regents approved the university-wide Policy on Green Building Design and Clean Energy Standards. This was a first step towards developing and implementing a larger comprehensive sustainability plan for the University of California, currently named the Policy on Sustainable Practices. University of California policy covers a wide range of issues, including green building design standards, clean energy guidelines, sustainable transportation practices, and much more.

American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment

In March 2007, the University of California signed the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment, a pledge to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions over time. The commitment calls for each UC campus to take the following steps to achieve climate-neutrality as soon as possible:

Create institutional structures
Select and implement tangible actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Complete a comprehensive greenhouse gas inventory
Develop a climate-neutral action plan
Make information publically available

The UC Irvine Sustainability Committee has been charged with fulfilling the terms of this commitment.