Energy Efficiency, Solar, Sourcing Renewables  -  September 5, 2018

UC aims for 100% RE

The University of California (UC) announced it will aim for 100% reliance on clean electricity supplies across its campuses and medical centers by 2025. UC had previously pledged to become operationally carbon neutral by that same year.

The announcement was made as part of UC’s expansion of its systemwide sustainability goals as part of its Carbon Neutrality Initiative and leadership on climate change efforts. The University reported it has already saved $220 million with its energy efficiency programs and continues to leverage the benefits of its solar farm in Fresno, the largest solar purchase of any university in the U.S. 

"From LED lighting to all-electric fleets, we are proud of the countless energy efficiency and clean energy actions we have taken to tackle climate change," said David Phillips, UC’s associate vice president of Energy and Sustainability. "These ambitious new targets, which align with those of our student environmental leaders, will ensure that our electricity comes from clean sources, extending UC leadership in modeling sustainability solutions."

Among UC’s new goals:

• Clean energy: In addition to its 100% clean energy commitment by 2025, UC will endeavor to reduce its energy-use intensity (energy per square foot per year) by 2% year over year through more efficient measures. By 2018, the university’s own power company will provide 100% clean electricity to participating UC campuses.
• Green buildings: No new UC buildings or major renovations after June 2019, except in special circumstances, will use on-site fossil fuel combustion, such as natural gas, for space and water heating.
• Sustainable procurement: UC will use its market power to drive the availability of more sustainable products and services. Examples of new goals include 25% green spend and 25% economically and socially responsible spend. Enhanced requirements for its procurement departments and new standards for their suppliers will further support sustainable sourcing.

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