News
UCSC Arboretum to conduct vegetation surveys under $2.6M state contract
June 26, 2023
A team of UCSC botanists will carry out surveys for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife in support of a statewide vegetation classification and mapping program.
Chemist Timothy Johnstone wins funding from Beckman Young Investigator Program
June 26, 2023
The award funds a project to explore new chemical bonding motifs with novel reactivity to help develop sustainable chemical processes.
UC Santa Cruz receives $10 million grant to cultivate diverse food and agriculture professionals
June 22, 2023
The United States Department of Agriculture awarded the University of California, Santa Cruz a $10 million grant to lead a transformative five-year project. The funding will be leveraged to serve and uplift a broad range of students and community members, ensuring a lasting impact on the food and agriculture sector.
UCSC 10-Year Strategic Plan
June 15, 2023
In the summer of 2022, Chancellor Cindy Larive launched an ambitious goal: create a 10-year strategic plan to lead the UCSC campus into the future.
UC Implements an Equity Weighted Social Cost of Carbon
May 30, 2023
The social cost of carbon (SCC) is a science-based estimate, in dollars, of the economic damages that result from the impact of each additional ton of CO2 emissions. Read on to learn UC is doing.
Salmon documentary produced by UCSC team to air on KQED
May 17, 2023
‘Southern Range’ was directed by Soc Doc alumnus Kyle Baker and produced by the Seymour Center and the Fisheries Collaborative Program at UCSC.
Inter-Organizational Retreat 2023 - Get Out The Vote for Fee Measure 78!
May 12, 2023
The annual Sustainability and Social Justice Inter-Organizational Retreat was a huge success this year! Fee Measure 78, if passed, will allow the Sustainability Office to continue offering this program 100% free of cost to undergraduate students.
UCSC’s Journey to Electrify Landscape Equipment
May 10, 2023
See what the Carbon Fund and the Sustainability Office are doing towards reduction of UCSC use of gas-powered equipment.
UCSC Catering Services and Sustainability Office Partner with Local Organizations to Support Pajaro Community
April 5, 2023
UCSC Decarbonization & Electrification Town Hall #2
March 27, 2023
On May 9th, Task Force members will host UCSC’s Second Decarbonization & Electrification (D&E) Town Hall.
Grant funds Sarker's aquaculture sustainability research
March 25, 2023
Pallab Sarker received a foundation grant fund from the Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation, amounting to $170,947 over three years to strengthen his lab’s ecological aquaculture work.
Scientists, policy leaders, and insurance experts meet to address climate risks
March 21, 2023
The Coastal Climate Resilience Symposium held at the Seymour Center focused on integrating nature-based solutions into risk management and insurance.
Indigenous land management focus of this year’s Conversations on Climate Justice
March 7, 2023
Wildfires. Flooding. Drought. The nation has faced these climate issues for centuries. Yet, there’s still a lot that can be learned from pre-colonial indigenous food and land management techniques to combat our current climate problems, according to Dr. Lyla June Johnston, the keynote speaker for UC Santa Cruz’s third annual Conversations on Climate Justice event, coming up this Monday, March 13.
2022-23 Carbon Fund Grant Cycle is Complete
March 3, 2023
UCSC hosts its first decarbonization & electrification town hall
February 3, 2023
On Thursday, January 26th, UCSC’s decarbonization and electrification (D&E) task force and the Climate Coalition hosted its first town hall meeting.
Study reveals influence of krill availability on humpback whale pregnancies
January 23, 2023
Data from Antarctica show more humpback whales get pregnant after years with abundant krill than after years when krill were less plentiful.
UCSC leads new multicampus initiatives on climate change and bilingualism
January 23, 2023
UC Santa Cruz faculty are leading two new collaborative programs funded by grants from UC’s Multicampus Research Programs and Initiatives (MRPI) program.
Vulnerability of red sea urchins to climate change depends on location
January 20, 2023
Scientists found that red sea urchin populations are adapted to local environments, but some populations will suffer more than others as conditions change in the future.
Earth scientist James Zachos honored for climate change research
January 11, 2023
The BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Award in the Climate Change category recognizes Zachos and fellow paleoclimatologist Ellen Thomas of Yale University.
Cool Campus Challenge 2023
January 8, 2023
Cool Campus Challenge is launched!
Report provides guide to funding for coral reef restoration projects for risk reduction
December 12, 2022
The report from a multi-agency working group led by UCSC scientists supports communities seeking funding for projects to reduce flood risks by restoring coral reefs for storm hazard mitigation and climate adaptation.
Offshore wind farms may harm seabirds, but scientists see potential for net positive impact
November 17, 2022
A new study presents a framework for assessing and mitigating the impacts of offshore wind energy development on marine birds.
UCSC marine sciences professor to lead new Center for Coastal Climate Resilience
November 14, 2022
Longtime UC Santa Cruz marine sciences professor Michael W. Beck is adding a new role to his resume: director of the campus’ recently announced Center for Coastal Climate Resilience.
Engineer deploys research on 'mud batteries' for powering sustainable agriculture
November 14, 2022
UC Santa Cruz Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering Colleen Josephson published new research on the current state and future potential of microbial fuel cells for powering sustainable agriculture systems.
UCSC scientists find microplastics in Monterey Bay water, anchovies, and seabirds
November 14, 2022
Microparticles recovered from some seabirds exhibited estrogenic activity with potential to disrupt hormone functions.
Co-Creating Climate Resiliency in Frontline Communities of Color
November 7, 2022
Sustainability Office SEJA's and CNY teams are hard at work creating meaningful partnerships.
UCSC ties for first place in sustainable research
November 4, 2022
Global analysis shows where fishing vessels turn off their identification devices
November 2, 2022
A new dataset of intentional disabling of Automatic Identification System devices by fishing vessels provides insights into illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing activity.
Research on shear strength of rock has implications for carbon sequestration
October 5, 2022
With a $1.1 million grant from the Department of Energy, seismologist Emily Brodsky will address seismic challenges involved in carbon sequestration, geothermal energy, and other areas.
The Carbon Fund Celebrates 10 Years
June 23, 2022
UCSC’s Carbon Fund has officially been sponsoring sustainability and innovation projects for over ten years!
UCSC renews its AASHE-STARS Gold rating!
May 12, 2022
This year, UCSC achieved a GOLD rating in the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS), for the third time in a row.
Less Single Use Cups at UCSC
April 12, 2022
BYO is the way to go! This past month, UCSC Dining is charging $ 0.25 for each single-use cup across campus.
Vote YES on Fee Measure 76
April 8, 2022
This year, the election runs from April 18th to April 25th and the Sustainability Office has placed a fee measure on the ballot: Fee Measure 76. Also known as the Sustainability Office Fee, it provides around 25 students the opportunity to work in the Sustainability Office annually.
Incubator Replacement Projects Hatch Great Savings
November 5, 2021
Incubator replacement efforts lead to up to 93% energy savings, in addition to greenhouse gas and financial savings at UCSC. Learn more about this great initiative lead by Julio Harvey, Biology Teaching Laboratories Manager.
Wonderfil Refill Stations Are Coming to Campus
October 7, 2021
Wonderfil will be on our campus soon, thanks to Banana Slug Alumnus and Carbon Fund grant.
2019-2020 Carbon Fund Projects Show Their Impact
September 24, 2021
Throughout 2019-2020 the UCSC Carbon Fund awarding nearly $140k in sustainable projects.
Anthropology Teaching Labs Embrace Sustainability to the “Bone”
June 24, 2021
The Green Labs team has recently had the opportunity to meet with the Anthropology Labs Manager, Richard Baldwin, whose sustainable practices have found their way into his lab space. The Anthropology department has had a good track record of being resourceful on campus as much as they can.
Santa Cruz Student Mehul Kamran Leaves Big Impact on Campus
June 14, 2021
Mehul Kamran (he/him) is a senior studying environmental studies and economics at UCSC. While at Santa Cruz, he's been part of a few huge decisions being implemented on campus. After graduation, he hopes to work in corporate sustainability, and in his spare time loves hiking, climbing, playing basketball, listening to music, and watching Netflix.
Press Release Home Office Assessment Challenge
December 9, 2020
The Green Office Certification Program staff is excited to announce the relaunch of the Home Office Assessment Challenge. Now that everybody who is able to work at home is doing so, we should look at ways to stay green during quarantine! Now that you are acclimated to your home office, you should make sure you are being as sustainable as you possibly can. Through this challenge, you assess your emissions, water, waste, and environmental justice impact to get a score! And as another incentive, the person with the highest score wins a $75 Patagonia gift card with two runner-up $50 cards.
Grounds Department Embraces Sustainability and Saves One Million Gallons of Water
December 4, 2020
Josh Goldman, the Assistant Superintendent of Tree Management, Turf and Irrigation Management, Pest Control, and Equipment and Infrastructure works diligently every day to keep the lush lands of campus looking healthy. Goldman’s expertise was not mastered overnight, starting out on golf course turf management, he brings over 20 years of experience to UCSC.
UC Santa Cruz Biology Teaching Labs Wins Honorable Mention for Freezer Challenge 2020
November 4, 2020
The 2020 International Freezer Challenge has come to an end and the winners have been announced! Out of the 88 research institutions and 218 labs around the world participating, this year Dr. Julio Harvey has won the Honorable Mention for his tremendous efforts to improve cold storage management and to reduce the environmental impact of the UCSC Biology Teaching Labs.
The UC is Collecting Input on a New Carbon Offset Policy
November 4, 2020
The University of California, as a part of meeting our 2025 carbon neutrality goal, is using our exceptional research capacity to develop a portfolio of high-quality carbon offset projects aligned with UC’s mission of research, education, and public service. Learn more about how you can give feedback on the UC's draft offset policy.
The Pros and Cons of Telecommuting
September 9, 2020
Mehul Kamran, UCSC Carbon Neutrality Fellow discusses the pros and cons of telecommuting
A YES on Measure 74 is a YES on Sustainability
May 12, 2020
Measure 74 is a small undergraduate student fee measure that allows the Sustainability Office to fund paid undergraduate student positions in the office and across campus in sustainability, to host the Annual Sustainability & Social Justice Inter-Organizational Retreat, and to support student professional development and travel to sustainability conferences.
Bay Tree Moves to 100% Recycled Gowns
March 5, 2020
UCSC's 2020 Commencement gowns are made from 100% recycled materials as the campus continues to move toward a more sustainable event.
A Look at the 2020 Sustainability & Social Justice Inter-Organizational (InterOrg) Retreat
March 5, 2020
Reflecting on this year's 2020 Sustainability & Social Justice InterOrganizational Retreat.
Freezer Challenge
February 20, 2020
UCSC Labs Participate in the International Freezer Challenge!
Energy & Emissions Presentation
February 19, 2020
Carbon Neutrality Initiative Fellow offers an Energy & Emissions Presentation to UCSC classes and clubs.
Million LED Challenge
February 12, 2020
UCSC Affiliates Eligible for Discounted LED Bulbs Through the Million LED Challenge
UCSC Switches Fleet Diesel Use to Biofuel
February 10, 2020
2020 has began with many great news for UCSC on the transportation front. UCSC fleet vehicles switched to renewable diesel fuel and TAPS has new initiatives to reduce the impact of commuters on our environment.
People of Color Sustainability Collective Leading the Way
October 14, 2019
UCSC People of Color Sustainability Collective was recognized and was highlighted in the AASHE Sustainable Campus Index as leading the way towards environmental justice!
Free online training and webinars through LEED
December 4, 2018
Sustainability Inter-Organizational Retreat
November 27, 2018
Showcasing our sustainability
November 13, 2018
The campus, through the Sustainability Office, is in the midst of collecting information to submit for our 2019 report to the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment, and Rating System (STARS).
Now Hiring: Office Manager/Events Coordinator Staff Position, Deadline 2/5
January 18, 2017
Startup Weekend Santa Cruz: Sustainability & Social Impact
November 17, 2016
Startups!
Carbon Slam Applications Due 4/10
March 21, 2016
Any student, undergraduate or graduate, in the UC system is invited to submit an application to represent their campus in either the Climate Impact or Climate Solutions competitions. Learn more about the categories of competition and entry details, including video submission guidelines.
Provost's Sustainability Internship Applications Due 4/28
April 23, 2015
Apply to the PSI program for a hands-on learning experience with sustainability projects on campus.
The sun rises as one of UC's top energy choices
September 11, 2014
Through two new agreements, UC has committed to the largest purchase of solar power by any university in the country.
UC announces new approaches to combat climate change
September 10, 2014
The University of California announces a series of measures to make UC a national leader in sustainability, efforts that range from proposals to actively use its $91 billion portfolio to invest in climate solutions to a major agreement to boost solar energy use.
Call for Your Waste Reduction Stories!
November 7, 2013
Calling all students, staff, and faculty! Have you done something innovative to reduce waste? Help us tell the whole story about waste reduction at UCSC by telling us your waste reduction story.
Impact Award: Beyond a Personal Commitment
November 7, 2013
Students are encouraged to take the Chancellor's Sustainability Challenge to the next level with the Impact Award, which includes a cash prize of up to $300.
88% of Waste Diverted from Landfill at OPERS Fall Festival
November 7, 2013
88 percent of the total pounds of waste from OPERS Fall Festival was diverted away from the landfill to be recycled or composted.
McHenry Library Goes Solar!
October 6, 2013
The library is UCSC's first on-site renewable power system and it will provide 25% of the annual electrical energy needed for the building. More importantly, it will provide 75-100% of the power needed for the building during peak times of year.
Chancellor's Sustainability Challenge
September 13, 2013
Chancellor Blumenthal is challenging UCSC students, staff, and faculty to reduce their own waste this year, in an effort to get us closer to our Zero Waste by 2020 goal.
New! Campus Sustainability Plan
September 12, 2013
The 2013 - 16 Campus Sustainability Plan, which outlines goals and objectives for making UCSC more sustainable, is complete!
The IDEASS internship program is currently accepting applications for Fall. Find out more and apply here!
May 2, 2013
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