Extra Assessment Info

What was the Process?
• A list of “categories,” or areas of evaluation, identifying campus structures and/or operations to be assessed was created with input from all stakeholders.
• “Indicators,” or specific areas to collect information in each category were identified with stakeholders.
• Data concerning each indicator was gathered and compiled into a document including both graphical and narrative descriptions.
• Based upon the findings, the areas of concern were evaluated on resource use, waste production, and other factors relating to human and ecological health.
• Policy recommendations have been made based upon these results.

Which Campus Units Provided Support and Funding?
The Chancellor's Office, the Advisory Committee for Facilities, and its Campus Sustainability Subcommittee supported the Assessment process. The Vice Chancellor of Business and Administrative Services, Tom Vani, supported the development of this project since its inception. The project is housed in the Physical Plant.

Units who provided funding:
• Physical Plant
• Transportation and Parking Services
• College and University Housing Services
• Student Environmental Center (funded through the Campus Sustainability Council)
• Environmental Health and Safety Office
• Office of Planning and Budget

Why do an Assessment?
• Create a dashboard of key performance indicators to recognize sustainability activities already underway at UCSC
• Gain a clear understanding of the combined environmental impacts of our campus operations and their interactions
• Set a metric baseline for our ecological performance
• Increase our competitive position
• Enhance our brand and reputation
• Improve our ability to attract research monies
• Reduce operating costs
• Set priorities for future efforts toward campus sustainability

Deliverables / Desired Outcomes:
• An accessible and easily understood assessment document
• An easily replicable model for future assessments
• Clear prioritization of campus sustainability issues
• Increased stakeholder engagement in efforts to “green” our campus
• Demonstration of our campus’ commitment to sustainability in the context of the Santa Cruz community
• Recommendations for inclusion of sustainability topics in campus governance
• An accessible website with downloadable information including the Assessment, supplementary appendices, and links to more information

Timeline:
• Categories finalized by mid April 2007
• Data gathering occurs April-June 2007
• Draft of Assessment by fall 2007
• Additional data input September 2007 - February 2008
• Final Draft released April - Earth Week 2008

Assessment Team
• Project Director – Ilse Kolbus, Director of the Physical Plant and Chair of the Campus Sustainability Subcommittee
• Project Manager – Aurora Winslade, Sustainability Coordinator
• Chancellor’s Undergraduate Intern – Laura Kelly, ENVS student
• Project Consultant – Joshua Skov, Good Company