01.31.2020 UC Sustainability Steering Committee

2020 UC SUSTAINABILITY STEERING COMMITTEE
MEETING PACKET
MEETING DETAILS
Date: January 31, 2020
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: UCOP, Lobby 1, 1111 Franklin Street, Oakland, CA 94607
Weblink: https://UCOP.zoom.us/j/5102873897
Dial In: +1 669 900 6833 (US Toll)
Meeting ID: 510 287 3897
01.31.2020 UC Sustainability Steering Committee 2
Table of Contents
Table of Contents………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 2
1. Agenda…………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 3
2. Consent Items …………………………………………………………………………………………………. 5
Consent 1: Proposed LBNL Inclusions and Exemptions ……………………………………. 5
Consent 2: Proposed Renaming of Sustainable Building Operations Policy Section. 7
Consent 3: Proposed Revisions to the UC Health Policy Section………………………… 8
Consent 4: Propose Revision to the Climate Protection Policy Section………………..10
3. Annual Report on Sustainable Practices………………………………………………………………13
4. Working Group Progress Reports……………………………………………………………………….14
Climate Change Working Group ……………………………………………………………………14
Foodservice Working Group …………………………………………………………………………17
Green Building Working Group ……………………………………………………………………..19
Sustainable Building Operations and Labs Working Group………………………………..21
Sustainable Procurement Working Group……………………………………………………….24
Sustainable Transportation Working Group …………………………………………………….26
UC Health Sustainability Working Group ………………………………………………………..28
Water Working Group ………………………………………………………………………………….29
Zero Waste Working Group ………………………………………………………………………….31
5. Action Item: Proposed Revision to Zero Waste Section – Targets…………………………..33
6. Action Item: Proposed Revision to Zero Waste Section – Single-Use Plastics……………36
7. Action Item: Proposed Revision to Sustainable Food Services Section …………………….40
8. Action Item: Proposed Addition of STARS Section ………………………………………………..45
9. Discussion Item: Diversity Equity and Inclusion…………………………………………………….46
10. Discussion Item: Healthy Campus Network and Healthy Vending ……………………………46
Appendix 1: Overview of the University of California’s Progress Towards Zero Waste……..47
Appendix 2: 17 Principles of Environmental Justice………………….………………………….52
1. Agenda
Sustainability Steering Committee Meeting – January 31, 2020
Time Topic Speakers
10:00 – 10:30
Welcome & Introductions
Rachael Nava, UCOP
Review agenda and meeting packet
Consent agenda
• LBNL inclusions and exemptions
• Proposed renaming of Sustainable Building
Operations policy section
• Proposed revisions to UC Health policy section
• Proposed revision to Climate Protection policy section
10:30 – 10:55
Discussion Item: Annual Sustainability Report and Working
Group Reports
• Presentation to Regents
• Feedback on written report content and format
• Feedback/questions on policy working group reports
and priorities for 2019
David Phillips, UCOP
Sapna Thottathil, UCOP
10:55 – 11:15
Discussion Item: Chancellor meetings with President
Napolitano on carbon neutrality
• Briefing and feedback on CNI metrics in Chancellor
strategic goal meetings with President Napolitano
Rachael Nava, UCOP
11:15 – 12:00 Discussion Item: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Yvette Gullatt, UCOP
Dr. Arnold Sanchez Ordaz,
UCOP
Diana Garcia, UCSB Student
Elvia Cruz Garcia, UCSB Student
12:00 – 1:00 Lunch
1:00-1:45
Action Item: Proposed Revisions to Zero Waste Policy Section
• Targets
• Single-use plastics
Matt O’Carroll, UCSB
1:45 – 2:15 Action Item: Proposed Revisions to Sustainable Foodservices
Policy Section Sam Lubow, UCB
2:15 – 2:30 Action Item: Proposed Addition of STARS Section Camille Kirk, UCD
2:30 – 3:00 Discussion Item: Healthy Vending Wendy Slusser, UCLA
Laura Schmidt, UCSF
3:00 – 3:45
Campus/Health System Highlights:
• Each Campus Shares Top Sustainability Achievement
from 2019
Rachael Nava
01.31.2020 UC Sustainability Steering Committee 4
3:45 – 4:00 Open Items, Review Action Items and Next Steps Rachael Nava
2. Consent Items
Consent 1: Proposed LBNL Inclusions and Exemptions
Justification for Policy Proposal
In several areas of the Sustainable Practices Policy, it is currently unclear whether the
commitments include Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, which is unique from other UC
Locations in that as a federal, Department of Energy laboratory, it must comply with different
sets of federal laws that are not applicable to other UC Locations.
Summary of Proposed Policy Revision
Approve changes to Sustainable Practices Policy that clarify where Lawrence Berkeley National
Laboratory is exempt or included in sustainability goals by using the term “locations” when LBNL
is included and “campuses” when LBNL is exempt.
The policy includes this definition of “location”: any or all campuses, health locations, and the
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
Proposed Policy Updates
III.D.1.A.
By 2025, zero emission vehicles or hybrid vehicles shall account for at least 50% of all new
light-duty vehicle acquisitions. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory will follow federal fleet
requirements in the case where federal and UC fleet requirements conflict.
III.E.4.
All locations campuses shall implement an ongoing Green Lab Assessment Program supported
by a department on campus to assess operational sustainability of research groups and the
laboratories and other research spaces they use by Summer 2018.
a. At least one staff or faculty member from the location campus must have the role of
managing the Green Lab Assessment Program.
b. Any green lab assessment programs and related efforts will adhere to all relevant UC,
state and national policies and laws. Safety will never be compromised to accommodate
sustainability goals.
c. All campuseslocations shall submit a UC Green Laboratories Action Plan by Summer
2018.
III.I.3.
Each location campus shall identify existing single pass cooling systems and constant flow
sterilizers and autoclaves in laboratories and develop a plan for replacement.
V.E.3-6
3. Locations Campuses will use the LEED-O+M certification process to advance the University’s
educational and research mission by using the buildings as living, learning laboratories.
4. Each locationCampuses will assess at least three new research groups through their Green
Lab Assessment Program by Summer 2018.
01.31.2020 UC Sustainability Steering Committee 6
5. All locationsCampuses shall complete a UC Green Laboratories Action Plan by summer 2018
to determine strengths and areas for improvement within the operations of research laboratories
in respect to sustainability and carbon neutrality. A standard template for this with required
sections will be maintained and updated by the Sustainable Operations Working Group and this
plan will be updated on a four-year cycle (2018, 2022, 2026 and so on).
6. Each location campus will report annually on their Green Labs program progress including
the number of researchers directly and indirectly engaged by the program each year.
01.31.2020 UC Sustainability Steering Committee 7
Consent 2: Proposed Renaming of Sustainable Building Operations
Policy Section and Working Group to Sustainable Building and
Laboratory Operations
Justification for Policy Proposal
Green laboratory operations has been the focus of the Sustainable Building Operations Working
Group since the 2014-2015 school year. The working group had historically focused on LEED
Existing Building, Operations and Maintenance (LEED EBOM) since its formation in 2005. As
LEED EBOM and related practices became institutionalized and momentum increased on green
labs work, the working group shifted focus to green labs and added green labs policy language
in 2017.
Laboratories use a significant portion of campus resources (energy, water, and waste) and the
ever changing and complicated nature of this environment requires a high level of best practice
sharing and collaboration to develop solutions that ensure safety; support research productivity
and intellectual freedom; and reduce resource use. This working group has already successfully
incorporated new policy revisions into the Sustainable Practices Policy, supported all 10 UC
campuses in completing draft Green Lab Action Plans, helped campuses to identify and
replace single pass cooling units with a goal towards the elimination of single pass cooling
where feasible for safety and research, and developed a partnership with procurement and
laboratory suppliers to fund six campuses to investigate laboratory waste streams.
This working group will continue focusing on laboratories for 2020 (see goals listed elsewhere in
the packet under the Sustainable Building Operations and Laboratories Working Group).
However, the working group will remain open to taking on other sustainability goals related to
building operations, depending on campus interest, including green event certifications (for
example).
Summary of Proposed Policy Revision
Change the name of the Sustainable Building Operations policy section and corresponding
working group to Sustainable Building and Laboratory Operations.
01.31.2020 UC Sustainability Steering Committee 8
Consent 3: Proposed Revisions to the UC Health Policy Section
Justification for Policy Proposal
The UC Health Sustainability Working Group is proposing minor changes to the UC Health
portion of the Sustainable Practices Policy. These changes include:
• Adding in specific waste and water reduction goals for UCI Health,
• Clarifying the dates by when UCD Health and UCSD Health will have waste and water
reduction goals,
• Taking out irrelevant dates, and
• Adding in two references back to other, existing sections of the Policy where UC Health
is specifically mentioned. These references include Sustainable Foodservices and
Green Building Design. This change is being proposed to make the Policy easier to
read.
Summary of Proposed Policy Revision
Approve changes to UC Health section of Sustainable Practices Policy.
Proposed Policy Updates
J. Sustainability at UC Health
1. Health locations will achieve Practice Greenhealth’s award “Greenhealth Partner for
Change.””. Locations will use the definitions in Practice Greenhealth to set medical-centerspecific goals for waste diversion and reduction as well as water reduction.
Target commitments for water and waste by:
• January 1, 2020 – UC Irvine Health, UC San Diego Health and UC Davis Health
2. Locations will use the definitions in Practice Greenhealth to set medical-center-specific goals
for waste diversion and reduction as well as water reduction.
● UC San Francisco Health and UCLA Health have the following waste and water targets:
â—‹ Waste
â–  By 2020, 50% of total solid waste diverted from landfill and incineration.
â–  By 2020, 40lbs of total solid waste per Adjusted Patient Day.
â—‹ Water
â–  In line with campus targets,UCLA, Health and UCSF Medical Centers
UC San Francisco Health and UCLA Health will reduce growth-adjusted
potable water consumption 20% by 2020 and 36% by 2025, when
compared to a three-year average baseline of FY2005/06, FY2006/07,
and FY2007/08.
● UC Irvine Health has the following waste and water targets:
â—‹ Waste
â–  By 2020, 50% of total solid waste diverted from landfill and incineration.
â—‹ Water
01.31.2020 UC Sustainability Steering Committee 9
â–  In line with campus targets, UC Irvine Health will reduce growth-adjusted
potable water consumption 20% by 2020 and 36% by 2025, when
compared to a three-year average baseline of FY2005/06, FY2006/07,
and FY2007/08.
● UC San Diego Health and UC Davis Health will have target commitments by December
31, 2020.
3. Acute care/hospital facilities and medical office buildings in health locations shall be
designed, constructed and commissioned, or renovated as outlined in Section A of this policy.
4. Health locations will strive to procure 30% sustainable food products by the year 2030 as
defined by Practice Greenhealth and outlined in Section H of this policy on Sustainable
Foodservices.
01.31.2020 UC Sustainability Steering Committee 10
Consent 4: Propose Revision to the Climate Protection Policy Section
Justification for Policy Proposal – Revisions to Climate Change Section
The Climate Change Work Group proposes updating the Sustainable Practices Policy to
address concerns that purchasing offsets may become the University’s default and sidetrack
efforts to de-carbonize campuses Scope 1 emissions. UC locations would commit to assessing
their strategy for reducing Scope 1 emissions from co-generation facilities by 2035 or before
capital renewal or major repair takes place.
This policy does not dictate a particular course of action. Rather, it requires an assessment of
alternatives to continued reliance on fossil fuels. It clarifies and affirms campuses’ plans to
investigate these alternatives and provides an assurance that campuses will develop permanent
solutions for Scope 1 emissions rather than relying on offsets over the long-term. This would
formalize the University’s commitment to lasting forms of carbon abatement.
Summary of Proposed Policy Revision
• Small changes were made to fix grammar issues and improve readability.
• Require campuses to formally assess their Scope 1 climate action strategy for combined
heat and power systems before capital renewal or major repair takes place, or by 2035 at
the latest.
Proposed Policy Updates
Section II. Definitions
Climate Neutrality: Climate neutrality means that the University will have net zero climate
impacts from greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions attributed to scope 1 direct emission sources
and scope 2 indirect emission sources as defined by The Climate Registry (TCR), and specific
scope 3 emissions as defined by Second Nature’s Carbon Commitment. The University will
achieve neutrality This neutrality will be achieved by minimizing GHG emissions from these
sources as much as possible and using carbon offsets or other measures to mitigate the
remaining GHG emissions.
Section III. C. Climate Protection
Each campus and the UC Office of the President will develop strategies for meeting the
following UC goals:
1. Climate neutrality from scope 1 and 2 sources by 2025
2. Climate neutrality from specific scope 3 sources (as defined by Second Nature’s
Carbon Commitment) by 2050 or sooner
And at a minimum, meet the following intermediate goal in pursuit of climate neutrality:
3. Reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to 1990 levels by 2020, pursuant to the
California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006.
For purposes of this section, campuses shall include their related health locations for all goals.
GHG emissions reduction goals pertain to emissions of the six Kyoto greenhouse gases8
01.31.2020 UC Sustainability Steering Committee 11
originating from all scope 1 and scope 2 sources, as specified by the Climate Registry, and from
scope 3 emissions as specified by Second Nature’s Carbon Commitment, which include air
travel paid for by or through the institution; and commuting to and from campus on a day-to-day
basis by students, faculty, and staff. These goals will be pursued while maintaining the
research, education, and public service missions and education mission of the University.
Campuses subject to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA)
Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program, California Air Resources Board (CARB) Mandatory
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reporting, orand participation in the CARB Cap-and-Trade
Program shall perform to those regulatory requirements.
8 The six greenhouse gasses identified in the Kyoto Protocol are carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, sulfur
hexafluoride, hydrofluorocarbons, and perfluorocarbons.
Section V. C. Climate Protection
1. Each campus will maintain individual membership with The Climate Registry (TCR)15.
Campuses shall include their health locations in their membership.
2. Each campus will complete a Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions inventory annually.
Campuses shall include their health locations in their inventories.
3. To comply with TCR and the Second Nature Carbon Commitment requirements,16
inventories should contain emissions of the six Kyoto greenhouse gasses from: scope 1
and 2 emission sources outlined in the TCR General Reporting Protocol; and scope 3
emissions sources outlined by the Second Nature Carbon Commitment’s
Implementation Guide. All UC campuses will report their updated emissions inventories
through the Second Nature Carbon Commitment on-line reporting tool at least biennially.
Campuses must verify all emissions inventories through TCR. Campuses may either
pursue verification annually (for the previous year’s emissions inventory) or biennially
(for the emissions inventories from the previous two years).
4. Campuses subject to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA)
Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program, California Air Resources Board (CARB)
Mandatory Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reporting, orand participation in the CARB
Cap- and -Trade Program shall complete the relevant emissions inventories outlined in
the USEPA and CARB reporting protocols.
5. Each campus will regularly update its climate action plan for reducing GHG emissions
to 1990 levels by calendar year 2020 (annual 2020 emissions to be reported in 2021);
achieving climate neutrality for scope 1 and 2 sources by calendar year 2025 (annual
2025 emissions reported in 2026); and achieving climate neutrality for the Second
Nature Carbon Commitment- specified scope 3 sources (as defined by Second Nature’s
Carbon Commitment) for calendar year 2050 (annual 2050 emissions reported in 2051).
This will include an annual review and update, if needed, of the GHG reduction
strategies reported by the campus to the UC Office of the President (UCOP).Campuses
shall include their health locations in the action plan.
6. Each campus will complete an assessment of Scope 1 emissions from natural gas
combustion by 2035 or at the date when that location’s combined heat & power plant
(or any other major fossil fuel-using campus infrastructure) is planned for capital
renewal or major repair, whichever occurs first. The assessment should determine the
best pathway, at that point, to decarbonize 80 percent of Scope 1 emissions through
means other than offsets. A de-carbonization assessment should evaluate, but is not
limited to, (1) progress toward de-carbonization of piped gas, (2) the feasibility of
01.31.2020 UC Sustainability Steering Committee 12
installing on-site carbon capture, (3) electrification of carbon-emitting plant equipment,
(4) hydrogen or synthetic methane injection, (5) emergent technologies, and (6) energy
efficiency directed at Scope 1 footprint reductions. The assessment should be provided
to campus leadership and inform each campus’s Climate Action Plan.
7. The Climate Change Working Group (CCWG), under the UC Sustainability Steering
Committee and represented on the President’s Global Climate Leadership Council, will
monitor progress toward reaching the stated goals for GHG reduction, and will evaluate
suggestions for strategies and programs to reach these goals.
8. The CCWG will develop protocols to allow for growth adjustment, data normalization of
data, and accurate reporting procedures among the UC campuses, as required.
15 The Climate Registry is a nonprofit collaboration among North American states, provinces, territories and Native
Sovereign Nations that sets consistent and transparent standards to calculate, verify and publicly report greenhouse
gas emissions into a single registry.
16 The Second Nature Carbon Commitment requirements are outlined at Second Nature: The Presidents’ Climate
Leadership Commitments
01.31.2020 UC Sustainability Steering Committee 13
3. Annual Report on Sustainable Practices
See 2019 Annual Report, available online:
https://www.ucop.edu/sustainability/policy-areas/annual-reports.html
01.31.2020 UC Sustainability Steering Committee 14
4. Working Group Progress Reports
Climate Change Working Group
Working Group Chairs
Jewel Persad Sustainability Manager, OVC
for Administrative Services [email protected]
Matt Deines Senior Planner, Physical &
Environmental Planning [email protected]
Working Group 2019 Achievements
1. Helped facilitate the evaluation of voluntary market offsets and development of UC-related
offsets. We supported the release of a request for ideas for UC-initiated carbon offset
projects and evaluation of 82 proposals submitted by faculty, researchers, staff, and
students. We expect to support around 12 prospective UC offset projects that expand or
apply UC research, offer educational opportunities, advance understanding of scalable
climate solutions, and provide health and social justice benefits with seed awards.
2. Organized a system-wide conservation initiative, the Cool Campus Challenge (CCC) 2.0,
a friendly 4-week challenge designed to educate and motivate the University of California
community to take simple energy-saving, waste reducing and sustainability-focused
actions to lower our carbon footprint and help the UC system reach carbon neutrality by
2025. Over 22,000 faculty, staff, and students participated in the challenge
3. Facilitated development of GHG mitigation strategies and tracking of progress towards our
2020 Second Nature Goal, and 2025 Carbon Neutrality goal.
4. Explored best practices for quantifying air travel and estimating associated greenhouse
gas (GHG) emissions.
5. In October 2019, we submitted CNI funding proposals for five projects that were carefully
reviewed and vetted through a series of in-depth discussions held with members of the
CCWG over summer 2019.
01.31.2020 UC Sustainability Steering Committee 15
Quantitative Progress
01.31.2020 UC Sustainability Steering Committee 16
Note: UC Santa Barbara changed the emissions factors used to calculate Air Travel emissions in 2018, which caused a significant
drop in emissions. Updated emissions factors came from the IPCC Version 5.
Total tracked emissions from the UC system decreased in 2018 compared to 2017 with a 1.7%
decrease in scope 1 emissions and a 3% decrease in scope 2 emissions. Emissions in 2019 are
expected to decrease even further as UC’s Wholesale Power Program procures more
renewable electricity for its supply with the goal of providing 100 percent clean electricity.
Working Group Objectives for 2020
1. Develop best practices for quantifying total university-funded air travel and
estimating associated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. And propose a
standardized methodology for calculating air travel emissions.
2. Help facilitate the development of UC Campus Travel Offset Programs.
3. Continue to support the evaluation of voluntary market offsets and the
development of UC-related offsets.
4. Help support science-based climate resiliency and adaptation planning in
conjunction with emergency preparedness planning and UC’s carbon neutrality
goals.
5. Serve in an advisory role to the projects submitted through this working group for
CNI funding in 2020/2021.
01.31.2020 UC Sustainability Steering Committee 17
Foodservice Working Group
Working Group Chairs
Sam Lubow Environmental Initiatives
Coordinator, Cal Dining [email protected]
Erin Fabris Sustainability Manager, Housing
and Dining Services, UCLA [email protected]
Working Group 2019 Achievements
1. All 10 campuses and 4/5 health systems met the 2020 goal of purchasing 20%
sustainable food. Combined, over 26 percent of UC’s spend in residential dining, retail
and health systems, over $27 million, was deemed sustainable in 2018-19.
2. Hosted in-person meeting of the working group in June at UC Davis.
3. Updated policy language to:
â—‹ Develop new goals for the next 10 years,
â—‹ Align goals and reporting with existing reporting and industry standards for
campuses (AASHE STARS) and health systems (Practice Greenhealth),
â—‹ Add a menu development section to the policy draft, and
â—‹ Add a goal of tracking rand reducing greenhouse gas emissions from protein
served.
4. Applied for CNI funding to measure and develop a baseline for setting goals around
reducing greenhouse gas emissions from protein served.
5. Found a new Co-Chair for the Working Group, Erin Fabris of UCLA.
01.31.2020 UC Sustainability Steering Committee 18
Quantitative Progress
Working Group Objectives for 2020
1. Celebrate and communicate accomplishments around the 2020 goal.
2. Develop a communications plan around the new policy and changed metrics.
3. Develop a new reporting template for the new policy.
4. Develop a baseline for greenhouse gas emissions from protein served.
5. Find a Co-Chair for the Working Group.
01.31.2020 UC Sustainability Steering Committee 19
Green Building Working Group
Working Group Chairs
Walt Kanzler Senior Director of Design,
Capital Program Management [email protected]
Mark Maxwell Director of Sustainability [email protected]
Working Group 2019 Achievements
1. Received funding for developing campus specific climate models to incorporate future
climate change into design criteria and energy modeling of new buildings.
2. Began developing guidelines for implementing the Long Term Energy Considerations for
Capital Projects project’s recommendations. An intercampus subcommittee reviewed
existing LCCA and LCA models, launched a pilot of an in-depth tool, and applied for
funding to develop a UC-specific tool.
3. Investigated the carbon emissions associated with site and landscaping plans.
4. Launched a subcommittee to investigate approaches integrating all sections of the
Sustainable Practices Policy into P3 developments (beyond just the Green Building
section).
5. Drafted a report into the barriers preventing more wide-spread adoption of Energy Use
Intensity benchmarks for policy compliance, identify ways to eliminate those barriers, and
suggest improvements.
6. Began tracking issues surrounding all-electric buildings complying with Title-24’s energy
modeling requirements and the reorganization of the Savings By Design program.
01.31.2020 UC Sustainability Steering Committee 20
B. Quantitative Progress
Working Group Objectives for 2020
1. Pilot guidelines for implementing the recommendations from the Long Term Energy
Considerations for Capital Projects project. Begin developing a UC-specific LCCA tool.
2. Develop Policy language clarifying how the Sustainable Practices Policy should be applied
to public private partnership projects (P3). P3 projects should comply with all sections of
the policy.
3. Develop new reporting and/compliance procedures to demonstrate that new buildings
comply with the whole building energy performance targets, Title 24 models, and the
reformulated Savings By Design program.
4. Review other Green Building Rating Systems (WELL, Living Building Challenge,
ParkSmart) and consider opportunities to pilot.
5. Review Zero code and LEED v4.1 for carbon metrics relative to Energy Use Intensity.
01.31.2020 UC Sustainability Steering Committee 21
Sustainable Building and Laboratory Operations Working Group
Working Group Chairs
Katie Maynard Sustainability Coordinator, Geography [email protected]
Rowena Eng Sustainability Coordinator, UCSF [email protected]
Working Group 2019 Achievements
1. All 10 campuses completed a draft of their Green Lab Action Plans.
2. The Working Group collected and reported systemwide data on green lab certifications and
autoclaves for the first time in the Annual Report.
3. Each campus completed an inventory of autoclaves. 76% of autoclaves in the UC System
have efficiency measures in place or are not on single pass.
4. Each campus assessed at least three labs and has a pilot program in place. 273 labs have
been assessed across the UC system through green lab assessment programs.
5. Six campuses received funding from UCOP to investigate laboratory waste streams.
Quantitative Progress
01.31.2020 UC Sustainability Steering Committee 22
Engagement represented by total number of researchers directly engaged in Green Labs during
FY 2019.
Engagement represented by total number of researchers directly engaged in Green Labs during
FY 2019.
01.31.2020 UC Sustainability Steering Committee 23
Working Group Objectives for 2020
1. Finalize Green Lab Action Plan drafts for all campuses.
2. Identify and assess the feasibility of alternatives to foam coolers and Styrofoam use in
laboratories.
3. Better understand where UC hazardous waste goes, how it is handled, and how it can be
reduced.
4. Develop recommendations for autoclave replacements, new purchases, and retrofits for
water efficiency.
01.31.2020 UC Sustainability Steering Committee 24
Sustainable Procurement Working Group
Working Group Chairs
Russell Chung Director of Procurement,
Procurement Services [email protected]
Heather Perry Sustainable Procurement
Analyst, Purchasing [email protected]
Stephanie Lopez Special Programs Manager [email protected]
Working Group 2019 Top Achievements
1. Collected and reported green spend data for the first time for cleaning supplies,
electronics, indoor office furniture, and office supplies.
2. Conducted several webinars and trainings to support staff in sustainable procurement,
including a Policy and Guidelines Overview, a Sourcing Deep Dive, and training on
Sustainability in RFPs. Additionally, the Working Group developed and began conducting
in-person trainings at each campus that will continue into 2020.
3. A comprehensive Sourcing Guide was developed and posted on the website, providing
detailed information for Buyers and Commodity Managers on policy requirements and
criteria, resources available, template bid language, examples for how to develop custom
sustainability bid questions, and a template RFX Question Library.
4. The University of California will be the first public university system in the country to adopt
the health protective standards promoted by the Center for Environmental Health (CEH)
that restrict the use of key toxic chemicals in indoor furniture.
5. Continued to monitor and track improvement of its supply base using a third-party
sustainability assessment tool, EcoVadis, with several system-wide bids during the last
year requiring suppliers to undergo an evaluation as a requirement of award. To date, UC
has received 79 supplier scorecards that have gone through the assessment process.
6. Worked with the Zero Waste Working Group to refine and finalize the foam ban policy; also
continued to work with the Zero Waste Working Group on single-use plastics.
7. Conducted an in-person Summit at UC Berkeley.
01.31.2020 UC Sustainability Steering Committee 25
Quantitative Progress
Working Group Objectives for 2020
1. Refine green spend reporting methodology and communicate data requirements
to Commodity Managers and Suppliers to improve process efficiency.
2. Continue campus specific in-person trainings on sustainable procurement policy,
guidelines, and goals.
3. Continue working with the Zero Waste Working Group on source reduction and
elimination of packaging waste.
4. Sign the Center for Environmental Health’s Purchaser Pledge to Prefer Safer
Furniture Products following final execution of system wide Furniture Agreements.
5. Become an EPA Smartway Affiliate.
6. Host annual in-person working group summit.
7. Develop a Sustainable Procurement Technology Strategy in partnership with
UCOP Analytics & Systems team.
01.31.2020 UC Sustainability Steering Committee 26
Sustainable Transportation Working Group
Working Group Chairs
Dave Sorrel
Transportation Demand
Management Administrator &
Campus Mobility Manager
[email protected]
Clinton Bench Director, Fleet and Transit
Administration [email protected]
Greg Nishihira Operations Manager, Fleet
Services
[email protected]
Working Group 2019 Achievements
1. Coordinated responses to scooter-share issues, including a successful RFP, contract
program, and policies at UCSD, UCB, and UCSB.
2. Launched the CNI project “Scaling-up UCLA’s Model Air Travel Mitigation Pilot;” draft white
paper completed
3. Continued work on the sustainable fleet plan(s) with CarbonBlue (project delayed due to
lack of support from the contractor, draft systemwide data ready) and exploring
partnerships with NREL.
4. Submitted a CNI funding request for vanpool EV conversion
01.31.2020 UC Sustainability Steering Committee 27
Quantitative Progress – Commute
Nearly half of UC campuses have made progress in reducing their single-occupancy vehicle
commute rate by students and employees. Campuses continue to introduce new alternative
commuting incentive programs, such as bike-sharing and commute club offers.
Campuses continue making progress toward their 2025 and 2050 goals. At least 50 percent of
all new fleet vehicles purchased in 2018-19 at six campuses were all-electric or hybrids.
Working Group Objectives for 2020
1. Draft new fleet targets to advance carbon neutrality (consider additional vehicle
and fuel types and performance-based targets)
2. Develop the sustainable transportation and fleet best practices guide.
3. Pursue NREL partnership to pilot sustainable fleet modeling.
4. Consider the implications of only purchasing fleet vehicles from automakers
who adhere to CA emissions standards.
01.31.2020 UC Sustainability Steering Committee 28
UC Health Sustainability Working Group
Working Group Chairs
Sapna Thottathil Associate Director of Sustainability
(staff and proxy co-chair) [email protected]
Colleen McCormick Director of Sustainability, UC Davis
Health [email protected]
Working Group 2019 Achievements
1. Three UC Health systems hired new sustainability officers; 4 of 5 UC Health systems now
have sustainability officers.
2. Three energy manager vacancies were filled and all 5 UC Health systems have energy
managers.
3. Continued annual reporting to Practice Greenhealth, the industry body for sustainability in
health care. This past year, UC Health systems earned nine awards through Practice
Greenhealth for leadership in areas such as greening operating rooms and green
buildings.
4. Developed new, post-2020 sustainable foodservice goals for UC Health in collaboration
with the UC Sustainable Foodservice Working Group.
5. The working group developed and submitted CNI funding proposals for projects on
reducing the climate impact of anesthetic gases, energy-efficient airflow within hospitals,
and climate resiliency and emergency management.
6. In collaboration with UC Health Procurement, adopted campus policy to allocate 15% of
points in competitive solicitations for sustainability.
Working Group Objectives for 2020
1. Develop new and/or adopt campus sustainable procurement criteria for products for
health systems to inform the new 15% solicitation goal.
2. Develop robust sustainability measure for operating rooms that can be replicated at each
UC Health location.
3. Support new and existing Energy Managers with energy efficiency programs.
4. Pending funding – Measure and reduce the climate impact of anesthetic gases, research
energy-efficient airflow within hospitals, and explore climate resiliency plans with
emergency management personnel.
01.31.2020 UC Sustainability Steering Committee 29
Water Working Group
Working Group Chairs
Nurit Katz Chief Sustainability Officer and Executive
Officer, Facilities Management [email protected]
Valerie Fanning Compliance Officer, Environmental Health
and Safety [email protected]
Working Group 2019 Achievements
1. UC System achieved the 2020 goal collectively, through 46% reduction in UC-wide water
use from the baseline (8 out of 10 campuses and the Office of the President are on track to
meet the 20% water reduction goal by 2020 individually).
2. Added water pledges to the Cool Campus Challenge.
3. Consolidated systemwide data and implemented a new data collection system for the
Annual Report.
4. Depicted the water reduction graph in Annual Report in a new format (see below).
5. Developed a list of speakers on water conservation and invited several to present during
the Water Working Group calls.
01.31.2020 UC Sustainability Steering Committee 30
Quantitative Progress
(The three-year average baseline of fiscal year 2005-06, fiscal year 2006-07 and fiscal year
2007-08 was 22,984 gallons per capita.)
Working Group Objectives for 2020
1. Evaluate normalization factors in the sustainability policy and explore developing water
intensity factors, particularly in light of climate change.
2. Continue with campus best practice presentations.
3. Work with the Sustainable Operations and Labs Working Group to either develop
guidelines or policy around efficient water use in autoclaves.
4. Develop and share systemwide water conservation communications templates.
5. Evaluate potential procurement guidelines related to water-using equipment.
01.31.2020 UC Sustainability Steering Committee 31
Zero Waste Working Group
Working Group Chairs
Matt O’Carroll Refuse, Recycling, and Water Efficiency
Manager, Facilities Management [email protected]
Anne Krieghoff Recycling and Sustainability Program
Manager, Facilities Management [email protected]
Working Group 2019 Achievements
1. Developed an updated Zero Waste Target for post-2020 that integrates the waste
minimization and diversion goals to take a more holistic look at Zero Waste that focuses on
the waste hierarchy.
2. Fielded multiple press inquiries about the status of meeting the University’s 2020 waste
diversion goals and developed a communications packet campuses can use to answer
future questions.
3. Developed a policy to reduce the amount of single-use plastics (i.e., bags and water
bottles) distributed on campuses.
4. Hosted the UC Zero Waste Summit to share best practices and discuss issues of mutual
concern.
5. Began discussion about revising boundaries and developing written guidelines to clarify
standard practices for data gathering and analysis.
Quantitative Progress
• 90% Diversion Rate
Target (2020 goal)
01.31.2020 UC Sustainability Steering Committee 32
Campuses are continuing to work towards achieving UC’s zero waste goals. Systemwide, UC
locations sent 1.5 pounds of municipal solid waste per person per day to landfill. This is down
from 2017-18 and more than a 10% reduction from the FY 2015-16 baseline. Diversion rates
held constant on most campuses, but systemwide municipal solid waste diversion declined
slightly to 63% reflecting external pressures from international recycling markets. However,
when construction and demolition debris is considered, total diversion increased to 76%.
Working Group Objectives for 2020
1. Assess each campus’ waste characterization and developing best practices for handling
specific waste materials, especially in the face of changing recycling markets (e.g., plastics
in light of China’s ban, organics collection southern California, lab waste).
2. Develop strategic partnerships with procurement to address material coming into campus
that will eventually need to be handled as waste. The first area will be developing
guidelines for implementing UC’s foam ban.
3. Formulate a strategy for waste reduction and diversion as we rapidly approach the end of
the 2020 goal in June 2021. How to address the remaining waste streams going to landfill?
What is the next Policy goal after 2020?
4. Defining methodologies for measuring and tracking waste reduction and diversion (e.g.,
defining boundaries, calculation methodologies, projections, quantifying reuse).
5. Quantitatively linking waste generation and greenhouse gas emissions specifically around
Scope 3 emissions.
01.31.2020 UC Sustainability Steering Committee 33
5. Action Item: Proposed Revision to Zero Waste Section –
Targets
The Zero Waste Working Group is proposing two separate policy revisions. The first is to revise
the zero waste target. The second is to add a new policy section addressing single-use plastics.
Justification for Policy Proposal
The zero waste target outlined in the Sustainable Practices Policy is to achieve a 90% diversion
of municipal solid waste from landfills by 2020. When adopted in 2007, this goal was thought to
be aggressive but achievable and was in line with similar targets being adopted by the state,
local governments, and other universities. We have made significant progress in increasing our
diversion rates over the last 13 years. In 2007, diversion rates on most UC campuses were well
below 50% (and as low as 19%). Data collected for the 2019 Annual Report shows that over
half the campuses now have diversion rates over 60% (with two at, or just under, 80%).
However, we are not likely to achieve the 2020 target this year. The Zero Waste Working Group
has prepared a white paper (Appendix 1) outlining our current status, the barriers faced, and
plans for moving forward.
In light of this shortfall, the Zero Waste Working Group has developed a proposal for updating
the University’s zero waste target. The proposed policy revision would expand the University’s
zero waste goal to integrate the existing waste minimization and waste diversion targets into a
single multi-faceted zero waste target. This change better aligns with our commitment to the
waste hierarchy of reduce, reuse, and recycle and compost. The policy would still contain the
goal of diverting 90% of the waste generated as soon as feasible. However, it would prioritize
waste minimization and then diverting the waste we do generate. This approach is in line with
the approach other institutions that are sustainability leaders, such as the City of San Francisco
and Arizona State University, are taking.
Additionally, the proposed policy revisions will take steps to increase accountability. Campuses
will need to explicitly outline their strategy for maximizing diversion in their waste management
plans submitted to UCOP and will annually report their progress and the steps they will take
over the next year to improve their diversion rates. These reports will also identify barriers and
opportunities. This information will help the Zero Waste Working Group support progress
towards achieving our zero waste goals. The revised policy specifically calls on the Working
Group to develop a systemwide best practices guide to capture and share the most effective
practices for waste reduction and diversion. The Working Group will also work to improve the
consistency of the data we collect to better target and improve the effectiveness of our efforts
(i.e., identifying or developing new tools, quantification guidelines, boundary definitions,
contamination accounting practices, etc.).
Although there is a broad consensus supporting the updated target, there is an ongoing
discussion about when the new language should become policy. The Zero Waste Working
Group drafted and recommended the new policy language on the assumption that it would go
into effect with the rest of the 2020 policy updates early this summer. Moving forward now
recognizes the need to clarify our post-2020 targets and priorities. However, some Sustainability
Directors have recommended adopting the language now but delaying its formal inclusion in the
policy until the end of the year; this will keep the emphasis on waste diversion through the end
of the target period.
01.31.2020 UC Sustainability Steering Committee 34
Summary of Proposed Policy Revision
• The proposed policy revisions integrate the University’s waste minimization and waste
diversion goals into the zero waste target. These changes could become policy this
summer or be delayed until the end of 2020.
Proposed Policy Revisions – Zero Waste Targets
Section III. F. Zero Waste
(make the following changes)
1. The University will achieve zero waste through prioritizinges waste reduction in the
following order: reduce, reuse, and then recycle and compost (or other forms of organic
recycling) as described in section V.F.5. Minimum compliance for zero waste, at all
locations other than health locations, is as follows:
a. Reduce per capita total municipal solid waste generation by:
i. 25% per capita from FY2015/16 levels by 2025
ii. 50% per capita from FY2015/16 levels by 2030
b. Divert 90% of municipal solid waste from the landfill.
2. The University supports the integration of waste, climate and other sustainability goals,
including the reduction of embodied carbon in the supply chain through the promotion of
a circular economy and the management of organic waste to promote atmospheric
carbon reduction. In support of this goal, waste reporting will include tracking estimated
scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions.
3. The University will reduce per capita total municipal solid waste generation at all
locations other than health locations as follows:
a. Reduce waste generation per capita to FY2015/16 levels by 2020
a. Reduce waste generation by 25% per capita from FY2015/16 levels by 2025
b. Reduce waste generation by 50% per capita from FY2015/16 levels by 2030
4. The University will achieve zero waste by 2020 at all locations other than health
locations. Minimum compliance for zero waste is 90% diversion of municipal solid waste
from landfill.
5.3. By 2020, the University will prohibit the sale, procurement or distribution of
packaging foam, such as food containers and packaging material, other than that utilized
for laboratory supply or medical packaging and products. The University seeks to
reduce, reuse and find alternatives for packaging foam used for laboratory and medical
packaging products.
a. No packaging foam or expanded polystyrene (EPS) shall be used in
foodservice facilities for takeaway containers.
For implementation guidelines as they relate to the procurement of goods for University
of California campuses, reference the University of California Sustainable Procurement
Guidelines.
01.31.2020 UC Sustainability Steering Committee 35
Section V. F. Zero Waste
(add the following new sections at the end)
8. Locations, other than health locations, will strive to achieve 90% diversion of municipal
solid waste as soon as feasible through steps that include, but are not limited to,
partnering with local waste haulers to maximize diversion opportunities available and
actively engaging with their local campus users to improve source separation. These
locations shall outline their strategy for maximizing diversion in their waste management
plans and updates. Every year after 2020, these locations will report to UCOP on their
progress and next steps towards meeting this target and identify common barriers and
opportunities.
9. The Zero Waste Working Group will coordinate the development of a systemwide best
practices guide to outlining methods for quantifying waste generation and diversion at
university locations. This guide will include recommendations on boundaries, calculation
methodologies, contamination rates, tools, best practices for waste reduction and
diversion, etc.
01.31.2020 UC Sustainability Steering Committee 36
6. Action Item: Proposed Revision to Zero Waste Section –
Single-Use Plastics
Justification for Policy Proposal
UC researchers have shown that plastics can have a significant impact on the environment, the
use of plastics (especially for single-use items) is increasing dramatically, and only a small
fraction of the plastics used are recycled. To address these environmental and disposal issues,
a number of universities, local governments, and the State of California have adopted policies to
reduce the amount of single-use plastic being generated within their jurisdictions.
Similarly, continuing progress towards achieving the University’s zero waste goals will require
UC locations to take steps to avoid the use of materials that will eventually become waste that
needs to be managed. Single-use items, especially plastics, make up a significant portion of
campuses’ waste streams. However, recent changes in recycling markets are making these
materials more difficult to divert into recycling programs. Statewide trends in plastics recycling
have been toward fewer types of plastics being accepted, increased costs, higher standards
(i.e., less contamination) required for loads to be accepted, and in the worst cases collection
being eliminated altogether.
To address these concerns, the Zero Waste Working Group has developed a policy proposal
committing to reducing the single-use disposable plastic items generated on UC campuses. The
Working Group was guided by the need to develop a policy that is workable and reflects the
needs of campus stakeholders, supported by local examples of successful practices, and
positions UC as a leader in envisioning a future with less plastic, fewer landfills, and less plastic
pollution.
The environmental impact of single-use plastics is also a particular concern to UC students.
Since August, CALPIRG’s Plastic-Free Seas Campaign has collected over 12,000 signatures
and sponsored successful resolutions with the UC Student Association and with the ASUCs
(student governments) on four campuses supporting a phase-out of non-essential single-use
plastic on all UC campuses. Regarding the Zero Waste Working Group’s proposed policy,
Nicole Haynes, CALPIRG’s Statewide Plastic-Free Seas Coordinator reports that, “Students are
more conscious than ever of our consumption of plastic and its impact on our environment and
public health, so we’re thrilled that our institution, which has so much purchasing power in
California, is making major steps in the right direction to eliminate single-use plastic.”
Summary of Proposed Policy Revision
• Adds definitions to the Policy related to the proposed new single-use plastics policy
section
• Adds a new provision to the zero waste section of the Policy aimed at reducing the
distribution of single-use plastics at UC locations – especially the use of plastic bags and
foodware items. Campuses are asked to include additional steps to reduce the use of
plastic as part of their next zero waste plans.
01.31.2020 UC Sustainability Steering Committee 37
Proposed Policy Revisions – Single-Use Plastics
Section II. Definitions
(Add the following definitions)
Foodware Accessory Items: all types of items usually provided alongside food in
containers and cups, including but not limited to utensils, chopsticks, napkins, cup lids,
cup sleeves, food or beverage trays, condiment containers and saucers, straws, stirrers,
and toothpicks.
Foodware Items: products that are used to serve or transport ready-to-consume food or
beverages, including but not limited to cups, bowls, plates, and hinged containers. This
does not include prepackaged, sealed food that is mass-produced by a third party
vendor off the premises for resale at University locations (e.g., grab-and-go items, such
as prepackaged sandwiches and snacks resold in on campus stores)
Plastic Bags: a carryout bag, regardless of the thickness of the material, made of
plastic that is provided by a store or foodservice facility to a customer at the point of sale
to hold customer’s purchases. This does not include bags that are locally compostable.
Locally Compostable: Products that can be composted in the local facilities that
provide service to the campus. Acceptable products will vary by facility. Locally
compostable may include but is not limited to products made of plastic, paper, wood,
and bamboo. Compostable products must meet the criteria outlined in the Sustainable
Procurement Guidelines.
Foodservice Facilities: Restaurants, cafes, retail stores, or similar places in which food
or drink is stored, prepared, packaged, served, or sold for consumption on premises or
elsewhere.
Dine-in Facilities: Foodservice facilities that offer onsite dining including facilities
located within food courts and facilities with outdoor seating.
Locally Recyclable: Products that can be recycled by the local facilities that provide
service to the campus. Acceptable products will vary by facility.
To-go Facilities: Foodservice facilities, including retail stores, that offer food that is
primarily taken to-go with the majority of food sold consumed off the premises.
Section III. F. Zero Waste
(add the following sections after the existing provisions)
6. The University is committed to the reduction and elimination of single-use items in line
with the University’s and the State of California’s Zero Waste goals and in recognition of
the severe environmental impact single-use products have globally. In recognition of this
commitment, Locations will reduce single-use products by taking the following actions:
a. Eliminate plastic bags in all retail and foodservice establishments in campus
facilities or located on university owned land no later than January 1, 2021
01.31.2020 UC Sustainability Steering Committee 38
b. Replace disposable single-use plastic foodware accessory items in all
foodservice facilities with reusables or locally compostable alternatives and
provide only upon request no later than July 1, 2021
c. Provide reusable foodware items for food consumed onsite at dine-in facilities
and to-go facilities no later than July 1, 2022.
d. Replace single-use plastic foodware items with reusable or locally compostable
alternatives at to-go facilities no later than July 1, 2022
e. Phase out the procurement, sale and distribution of single-use plastic beverage
bottles. Non-plastic alternatives shall be locally recyclable or compostable.
i. Foodservice facilities will provide alternatives no later than January 1,
2023.
ii. UC Locations are encouraged to prioritize the installation of water refill
stations to support the transition from single-use plastics to reusables.
iii. Locations will consider eliminating single-use plastic beverage bottles
when contracting with suppliers, or upon contract renewal and/or
extension if current contract terms prohibit (e.g., vending machines,
departmental purchases, etc.).
f. When selecting prepackaged, sealed food that is mass produced off premises
and resold at University locations (e.g., grab-and-go items, such as chips, candy,
prepackaged sandwiches, etc.), preference should be given in contract award
and negotiations to suppliers that utilize locally compostable or locally recyclable
packaging options.
This policy section (III.F.6.) also applies to third-party foodservice facilities that lease
space or provide contracted services at UC locations. Locations will include these Policy
provisions in lease language as new leases and contracts are negotiated or existing
leases are renewed and work to incorporate these practices, as much as possible, within
the timeframe of current leases. When procuring catering services, where possible
select providers that can provide alternatives to single-use plastics.
Section V. F. Zero Waste
(add the following new sections and renumber the remaining sections)
1. The University will voluntarily comply with Chapter 18.5, the “State Agency Integrated
Waste Management Plan,” in California Public Resources Code Section 40196.3.
2. Waste reduction and recycling shall be prioritized in seeking LEED credits for LEEDBD+C, LEED-ID+C, and LEED-O+M projects.
3. By the end of 2018, locations other than health locations will submit new waste
management plans including planned waste reduction strategies. Plans will include
campus and regional waste management practices and options, evaluate progress
towards policy goals and determine the associated costs of achieving policy goals.
Waste management plans will be updated and submitted to the Associate Vice President
of Energy and Sustainability, Office of the President on a 5-year cycle.
a. The 2023 updates to locations’ waste management plans shall identify next steps
to take (including costs, responsible parties, etc.) towards eliminating nonessential single- use plastics by 2030 and assess other opportunities for
01.31.2020 UC Sustainability Steering Committee 39
eliminating other single-use products. The findings of these assessments will be
used to recommend changes and additions to section III.F.6. of this policy, no
later than July 1, 2024.
4. In line with the objective to minimize the use of single-use products (Section III.F.6), all
locations will,
a. Create a local implementation procedure, by December 2020 that includes the
delineation of an exception/exemption protocol (i.e., identifying campus authority,
implementation authority, etc.) for cases where reasonable alternatives to plastic
do not exist. Key stakeholders could include sustainability, dining, athletics, event
services, and other departments that operate foodservice facilities. Local
procedures may consider allowing plastic water bottles for emergency services,
emergency water storage, and at events where alternatives are not practically
available.
b. Work to identify and reduce single-use plastics that are not identified in section
III.F.6.
c. Recognize that accessibility for and inclusion of the disability community is a
priority, and integrate best practices into their local implementation procedures to
ensure this policy and its implementation do not create barriers to access or an
unwelcoming environment. This includes providing reasonable alternatives to
single-use plastic products. If reasonable alternatives are not available, a small
stock of single-use plastics (including, but not limited to, plastic straws) should be
maintained and made readily available for individuals who need them either at
the point of service/cashier; or upon request at dine-in facilities.
01.31.2020 UC Sustainability Steering Committee 40
7. Action Item: Proposed Revision to Sustainable Food
Services Section
Justification for Policy Proposal
The Sustainable Food Service Working Group is proposing changes to Policy for the following
reasons:
• The current policy will be outdated. It has a 2020 goal that all UC locations should
purchase 20% sustainable food by 2020. All 10 campuses and 4/5 health systems met
or exceeded this goal in 2019.
• Since the current food service goals were created 10 years ago, the University added a
carbon neutrality commitment to the policy.
• The certifications and label claims recognized by the current policy do not reflect the
changes that have taken place in the marketplace in the past 10 years.
The proposed policy revisions:
• Align the definition of “Sustainable Food” with AASHE STARS 2.2’s and Practice
Greenhealth’s definitions. AASHE and Practice Greenhealth are two respected
organizations that all campuses and health systems are members of and already
reporting to. These two organizations have also more recently vetted the certifications
and label claims currently available in the marketplace.
• Provide a reporting structure to also recognize campuses and health systems for
prioritizing plant-forward menus.
• Align with other policies within the UC Sustainability Practices Policy – for example, the
revisions refer to the Sustainable Procurement section and the Sustainable Procurement
Guidelines will be revised to reflect the new definition of “Sustainable Food”.
Summary of Proposed Policy Revision
Approve changes to the Sustainable Food Service Policy.
Proposed Policy Updates
Section II. DEFINITIONS
Plant-Based Foods: As defined by the Culinary Institute of America’s Menus of Change
program, these include fruits and vegetables (produce); whole grains; beans; other legumes
(pulses), and soy foods; nuts and seeds; plant oils; herbs and spices; simple combinations of
these foods and their derivatives, and vegetarian/vegan alternatives to meat and dairy.
Sustainable Food: Sustainable food is defined as food and beverage purchases that meet
AASHE STARS’ “sustainably and ethically produced” food for campuses and Practice
Greenhealth’s “sustainable food” for health locations.
01.31.2020 UC Sustainability Steering Committee 41
Section III. POLICY TEXT
H. Sustainable Foodservices
A. Sustainable Foodservices
1. Campus and Health Location Foodservice Operations
Campuses and health locations shall develop sustainability goals and initiatives in each
of the four categories of sustainable foodservice practices listed below.
a. Food Procurement
Each campus and health location foodservice operation shall strive to procure
20% sustainable food products by the year 2020, while maintaining accessibility
and affordability for all students and UC Health Location’s foodservice patrons.
Each campus foodservice operation shall strive to procure 25% sustainable food
products by the year 2030 as defined by AASHE STARS and each health location
foodservice operation shall strive to procure 30% sustainable food products by the
year 2030 as defined by Practice Greenhealth, while maintaining accessibility and
affordability for all students and UC Health Location’s foodservice patrons.1
b. Education
Each campus and health location shall provide patrons and foodservice staff with
access to educational and training materials that will help support their food
choices.
c. Menu Development
Each campus and health location shall strive to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions of their food purchases through globally- inspired, culturallyacceptable plant- forward menus.
i. Campuses and health centers shall establish a baseline and goal in 2020.
ii. Progress shall be tracked annually by reporting the percentage of plantbased foods procured beginning in 2021.
c. Engagement With External Stakeholders
Campus and health location departments, organizations, groups, and individuals
shall engage in activities with their surrounding communities that support
common goals regarding sustainable food systems.
d. Sustainable Operations
Campus and health location foodservice operations shall strive to earn third-party
“green business” certifications for sustainable dining operations.
2. Retail Foodservice Operations in Leased Locations:
a. Retail foodservice tenants will strive to meet the policies in III.H.1.a-d. above. Given
the constraints faced by nationally-branded franchises that must purchase food
through corporate contracts, location departments managing retail foodservice
tenants will have the option of meeting III.H.1.a. (procuring 20% of all sustainable
food products by the year 2020) by aggregating the purchases of all retail entities
1 For the purposes of this policy, campus foodservice operations is defined as locations that are managed
by entities that administer meal plans. Health location foodservice is defined as cafeterias.
01.31.2020 UC Sustainability Steering Committee 42
under the jurisdiction of a single operational unit on location.Foodservice operations
leased in campuses and health locations owned by the University of California and
contractors providing food services in campus and health locations will strive to meet
the policies in III.H.1.a-c. above.
b. Campuses and health locations will include Section H of this Policy in lease
language as new leases and contracts are negotiated or existing leases are
renewed. However, campus and health locations will also work with tenants to
advance sustainable foodservice practices as much as possible within the timeframe
of current leases.
IV. COMPLIANCE/RESPONSIBILITIES
A. Sustainable Foodservices
1. Campuses and Health Locations
1. Campus and health location foodservice operations subject to this Policy shall include
both self-operated and contract-operated foodservices, as well as food services in
leased locations.
2. Sustainable food is defined as food and beverage purchases that meet AASHE
STARS’ “sustainably and ethically produced” food for campuses and Practice
Greenhealth’s “sustainable food” for health locations, as outlined below.
2. In the context of this Policy, sustainable food is defined as food and beverage purchases
that meet one or more of the criteria listed below, which are reviewed annually by the UC
Sustainable Foodservices Working Group (under the UC Sustainability Steering Committee).
Locally Grown2
Locally Raised, Handled, and Distributed
Fair Trade Certified3
Domestic Fair Trade Certified
Shade-Grown or Bird Friendly Coffee
Rainforest Alliance Certified
Food Alliance Certified
USDA Organic
AGA Grassfed
Grass-finished/100% Grassfed
Certified Humane Raised & Handled
American Humane Certified
2 Resulting from regional constraints, campus definitions of “Locally Grown” and “Locally Raised,
Handled, and Distributed” may vary; however, “Locally Grown” and “Locally Raised, Handled, and
Distributed” distances shall not exceed 500 miles.
3 Fair Trade Certified products must be third party certified by one of the following: IMO Fair For Life, Fairtrade
International (FLO), Fair Trade USA.
01.31.2020 UC Sustainability Steering Committee 43
Animal Welfare Approved
Global Animal Partnership (steps III, IV, V)
Cage-free
Protected Harvest Certified
Marine Stewardship Council
Seafood Watch Guide “Best Choices” or “Good Alternatives”
Farm/business is a cooperative or has profit sharing with all employees
Farm/business social responsibility policy includes (1) union or prevailing wages, (2)
transportation and/or housing support, and (3) health care benefits
Other practices or certified processes as determined by the location and brought to the
Sustainable Foodservices Working Group for review and possible addition in future Policy
updates.
a. AASHE STARS 2.2 Sustainably and Ethically Produced for campuses, available
online: https://stars.aashe.org/resources-support/help-center/operations/food-andbeverage-purchasing/#stars-2-2
b. Practice Greenhealth Healthier Food Purchasing Standards for health locations,
available online: https://noharm-uscanada.org/documents/sustainable-fooddefinitions-checklist
3. Plant- based foods as defined by the Culinary Institute of America’s Menus of Change
program includes fruits and vegetables (produce); whole grains; beans; other legumes
(pulses), and soy foods; nuts and seeds; plant oils; herbs and spices; simple
combinations of these foods and their derivatives, and vegetarian/ vegan alternatives to
meat and dairy.
a. AASHE STARS provides additional guidance on processed food items, available
online: https://stars.aashe.org/resources-support/help-center/operations/food-andbeverage-purchasing/#stars-2-2
b. Animal products (i.e., meat, poultry, fish, seafood, eggs, and dairy) and their
derivatives, drinking water, and most ultra-processed foods do NOT qualify as plantbased foods. Examples of ultra-processed foods include sweet or savory packaged
snacks; chocolate and candies (confectionary); mass produced packaged breads
and buns; cookies (biscuits), pastries, cakes, and cake mixes; instant sauces; many
ready to heat products including pre-prepared pies and pasta and pizza dishes;
powdered and packaged ‘instant’ soups, noodles and desserts; carbonated drinks;
‘energy’ drinks; ‘fruit’ drinks; and distilled alcoholic beverages such as whiskey, gin,
rum, and vodka.
4. All food service operations should track and report annually the percentage of total
annual food budget spent on sustainable food and plant- based products.
01.31.2020 UC Sustainability Steering Committee 44
5. Each campus and health location procurement department will integrate sustainability
into competitive solicitations. Procurement departments will allocate a minimum of 15%
of the points utilized in solicitation evaluations to sustainability criteria. Additional
guidelines for procurement are listed in III G and the UC Sustainable Procurement
Guidelines.
6. The University prioritizes waste reduction in the following order: Reduce, reuse, and then
recycle and compost. Campuses, health locations, and leased foodservice operations
are encouraged to utilize compostable food service containers and packages that have
recycled and/or sustainably harvested content wherever possible. Guidelines for
compostable food service ware are listed in the UC Sustainable Procurement
Guidelines.
3.7. Each campus and health location is encouraged to maintain accessibility and
affordability for all students, staff, and patrons. Campuses are encouraged to explore
food recovery programs that can support campus basic needs programs.
• With the goal of achieving 20% sustainable food purchases, all Food Service Operations
should track and report annually the percentage of total annual food budget spent on
sustainable food.
• If cost effective, each campus and health location will certify one facility through a third-party
green business certification program through one of the following: (1) city or county’s “green
business” program, (2) Green Seal’s Restaurants and Food Services Operations certification
program, or (3) the Green Restaurant Association certification program.
• Campuses, health locations, and retail foodservice operations will provide an annual
progress report on these goals. Annual reports should include the individual campus and
health location’s goals as well as the progress and timelines for the programs being
implemented to reach those goals.
• Campuses and health locations are encouraged to form a campus-level foodservices
sustainability working group to facilitate the campus goal setting and implementation
process.
• The stakeholders who are involved with the implementation of the Sustainable Foodservice
section of this Policy will participate in a system-wide working group to meet, network and to
discuss their goals, best practices, and impediments to implementation.
• Campuses and health locationsare encouraged to implement training programs for all
foodservice staff on sustainable foodservice operations, as well as, where applicable, on
sustainable food products being served to patrons, so that staff can effectively communicate
with the patrons about the sustainable food options.
• Campuses and health locations are encouraged to participate in intercollegiate and national
programs that raise awareness on dietary health, wellness and sustainability (e.g. the
MyPyramid.gov Corporate Challenge and the Real Food Challenge).
• Campuses and health locations are encouraged to develop health and wellness standards
for food service operators, including eliminating the use of trans-fat oils or products made
with trans-fat.
• Campuses and health locations are encouraged to undertake additional initiatives that
encourage healthy and sustainable food services operations. Examples include tray-less
dining, beef-less or meat-less days, and preservative minimization programs.
01.31.2020 UC Sustainability Steering Committee 45
8. Action Item: Proposed Addition of STARS Section
Justification for Policy Proposal
All undergraduate UC campuses have been participating in the Sustainability Tracking,
Assessment and Rating System (STARS). The proposed policy addition would codify regular
participation in STARS at all undergraduate campuses.
STARS is the leading North American green/sustainable campus rating system that was
developed by colleges and universities (including UC) for colleges and universities. STARS is a
transparent, self-reporting framework for colleges and universities to measure their sustainability
performance. Rating levels range from Bronze, to Silver, Gold, and Platinum at the highest
level. STARS provides the foundation for other campus sustainability rankings, such as Sierra
Cool Schools, and is a primary standard by which peer institutions evaluate our overall
achievements and progress in sustainability. Nearly 1,000 colleges and universities have
registered for STARS.
To date, all UC undergraduate campuses have completed a STARS report and achieved a
minimum of Silver rating. UC Irvine is one of only five universities in North America which have
achieved a STARS Platinum rating. While all but two undergraduate UC campuses have
already achieved a STARS Gold rating, a new STARS report must be submitted at least once
every three years and STARS continues to evolve and set the bar higher to incentivize
improved performance. Setting a goal of STARS Gold by 2023 is thus a suitable target that all
campuses should be able to achieve.
Summary of Proposed Policy Revision
The proposed policy addition would codify regular participation in STARS at all undergraduate
campuses, with a goal of all undergraduate campuses achieving a current STARS Gold rating
by 2023.
Proposed Policy Update
Section III.K. General Sustainability Performance Assessment
1. All undergraduate campuses must maintain a certified Association for the
Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) Sustainability Tracking,
Assessment and Rating System (STARS) report.
2. All campuses must achieve a Silver STARS rating and strive for Gold by 2023.
Section V.K. General Sustainability Performance Assessment
1. Rating must be for a current certified STARS report, and under the current STARS point
allocations.
01.31.2020 UC Sustainability Steering Committee 46
9. Discussion Item: Diversity Equity and Inclusion
As a follow-up to the January 2019 in-person meeting and September 2019 phone meeting, the
Committee today will hear two presentations about the connection between sustainability and
diversity, equity, and inclusion. The first speaker, Yvette Gullatt, is the Vice Provost for Diversity
and Engagement and Chief Outreach Officer in the Office of the President. The second set of
speakers are Diana Garcia and Elvia Cruz Garcia, two students at UC Santa Barbara and
members of the Environmental Justice Alliance (EJA), an organization that bridges the gap
between sustainability groups and underrepresented groups on the UC Santa Barbara campus.
Diana and Elvia will speak about EJA and the process the group is undergoing to explore the
relationship between the UC Sustainable Practices Policy and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
There will be time for discussion after the presentations.
10.Discussion Item: Healthy Campus Network and Healthy
Vending
The Healthy Campus Network (HCN) is a system-wide initiative that promotes innovative
reforms in all dimensions of health and well-being “to make UC the healthiest place to work,
learn and live.” HCN works to change the environment on campuses to promote a culture of
health for students, staff, faculty, and visitors. Some of HCN’s initiatives include supporting
community gardens and developing campus walking maps that showcase gardens, urban
forests and historic groves.
As the outcomes of working on sustainability include better health outcomes from cleaner air,
water, and soil (for example), HCN and Sustainability Offices on campuses and at UCOP have
been collaborating on many projects. Last year, HCN also created a Food, Climate, and Health
Subcommittee to further explore the connections between climate change, sustainable food,
and health on UC campuses.
This Food, Climate, and Health Subcommittee has recently been discussing incorporating the
draft Healthy Vending Policy into the Sustainable Practices Policy. Incorporation could take a
variety of forms, which will be discussed during the meeting. The advantages of incorporation
include further alignment with AASHE STARS. AASHE is a respected organization that
campuses are members of and are using to track sustainability metrics. Health is included in
these metrics.
The incorporation of the Healthy Vending Policy would provide the needed opportunity for the
Sustainable Practices Policy to address more deeply areas like the intersection of human health
and the environment. The Co-Chairs of the Healthy Campus Network, Dr. Wendy Slusser
(UCLA) and Dr. Laura Schmidt (UCSF) will present and guide a discussion about the process
for exploring policy incorporation in 2020.
The Healthy Vending Policy is linked here: https://www.ucop.edu/global-food-initiative/_files/uchealthy-vending-policy-draft-040417.pdf
01.31.2020 UC Sustainability Steering Committee 47
Appendix 1: Overview of the University of California’s
Progress Towards Zero Waste
Zero Waste Working Group
January 2020
BACKGROUND & CURRENT STATUS
In 2007, the University of California (UC) adopted the targets of diverting 50% of the municipal
solid waste generated on UC campuses by 2008, diverting 75% by 2012, and ultimately
achieving zero waste sent to landfills by 2020. Zero waste was later defined as a 90% waste
diversion rate. These goals were in line with the policies being adopted at the time by the state,
the cities in which UC campuses are located, and other colleges and universities nationwide.
Since the adoption of the University of California’s Zero Waste Policy more than a decade ago,
there have been substantial increases in diversion rates across campuses. In 2007, the first
year for which campus data was reported, the best campuses had diversion rates in the mid
50% range, and some diversion rates were as low as 19%. The 2019 Annual Report on
Sustainable Practices shows that half the campuses now have diversion rates over 60% with
two campuses’ diversion rates at, or just under, 80%. Systemwide UC’s 2018-19 waste
diversion rate stands at 63% of all municipal solid waste (higher, if we were to include
construction and demolition waste).
In 2018, recognizing the importance of reduction as an integral part of achieving zero waste, the
University of California amended its policy to include the waste minimization goals of reducing
waste generation per capita to FY 2015/16 levels by 2020, 25% by 2025, and 50% by 2030.
Systemwide we have reduced per capita waste generation 12% below the 2015/16 base-year,
and most campuses have met the 2020 waste minimization goals.
The University has made significant strides in the field of waste management, and our
campuses are seen as national leaders in this field. Our successes have shown the value of
goal setting as a tool for focusing and driving change. However, we do have room for
improvement. This paper outlines the progress we have made and a path forward towards
meeting our goals.
SUCCESSES
Over the last 13 years, campuses have implemented many programs and infrastructure
changes necessary for increasing waste diversion. For example, campuses are actively rollingout standardized multi-stream waste stations and consistent signage across campus. Several
campuses now have one or more staff members dedicated to advancing zero waste initiatives
on their campuses. Most campuses are also conducting regular waste audits to better target the
specific types and sources of local waste generation. One campus recently certified (platinum
level) UC’s first building under the U.S. Green Building Council’s TRUE Zero Waste program,
and other campuses are also investigating certification.
Additionally, strategic partnerships formed between diverse stakeholder groups have been
instrumental in advancing zero waste. These partnerships (involving student organizations, food
services, facilities, sustainability offices, housing, athletics, and others) have led to innovative
cross-departmental initiatives. For example, several campuses have:
01.31.2020 UC Sustainability Steering Committee 48
● Formed partnerships with procurement departments to develop environmental product
labels that encourage the procurement of low-waste or zero-waste products.
● Established secondhand reuse stores, clothing swaps, and repair clinics to reduce waste
generation.
● Launched robust educational campaigns targeting new students, residential halls,
athletics, & events.
● Established the growing food waste reduction and recovery movement to address food
insecurity on campus and in the local community.
BARRIERS
The barriers to achieving zero waste vary between locations depending on variables such as
campus priorities and culture, and the capabilities of the regional waste management system
(i.e., haulers, recovery facilities, and markets). Despite these local variations, there are standard
barriers that cut across campuses.
As campuses roll out successful waste diversion programs, continued improvement becomes
more difficult and costly. Early efforts focus on the quick wins from readily recyclable materials
and receptive audiences and venues (i.e., the “low-hanging fruit”). Additionally, waste reduction
efforts (in line with the UC’s policy) can make achieving higher diversion rates more difficult. For
example, shifting to electronic documents and processes has significantly reduced the amount
of paper waste generated; however, that success reduces paper waste, minimizing a large,
readily recyclable waste stream, and reduces diversion rates. This leads to a situation where
increasing diversion rates require expanding outreach efforts and finding suitable, cost-effective,
waste disposal options for specialized waste streams such as lab plastics, Styrofoam, organics,
healthcare materials, and other hard to handle materials.
Waste diversion also relies on the involvement of many:
● Distributed inputs, which the campus may not be able to control (i.e., materials brought
onto campus from the surrounding community or delivery services, the packaging
provided by vendors, members of the public who visit campus);
● Diverse decision-makers (i.e., the policies of individual departments and purchasers);
and
● Personal decisions – every member of the campus community makes choices around
using recyclable/compostable materials, sorting their wastes properly, and taking steps
to avoid contaminating the recycling and compost streams.
This makes it difficult to assign a specific point of responsibility for meeting campus-wide
diversion targets. Rather, there needs to be broad stakeholder engagement and accountability
supported by senior management.
Despite the successes listed above, most campuses still report challenges related to:
● Reaching the entire campus community with education and outreach campaigns to
create changes in individual and departmental behavior.
● Finding the resources needed to continue standardizing infrastructure (i.e., waste
stations and bins) and signage.
● Measuring certain waste types and areas (e.g., landscaping waste, reuse, waste
reduction) that could improve diversion numbers and/or focus efforts.
Similarly, many campuses report a lack of experienced staff dedicated to solely implementing
zero waste programs as a significant barrier.
01.31.2020 UC Sustainability Steering Committee 49
China’s National Sword Policy
Finally, changes in the international recycling market, driven by China’s policy limiting the import
of recyclable materials, have been a universal challenge. Nearly every campus faces reduced
diversion rates from more stringent standards around the materials accepted into recycling
programs and the acceptable levels of contamination. These impacts are highly location specific
and depend on the local materials recovery infrastructure and the availability of alternative
recycling markets. However, most campuses are facing increased costs, reduced revenues
from recycling, and reduced opportunities to recycle.
For example, only the highest quality (clean) waste streams are being accepted for recycling.
Most campuses are no longer able to accept plastic types #3 – #7, as there is no longer a
market for those materials. Materials that were already difficult to recycle due to limited markets,
such as food packaging, film plastic, and styrofoam, are no longer able to be recycled in most
locations. One campus reported that the projected cost of recycling collection has increased
from $0 to $100 per ton. Other sites report having to pay for recycling collection as opposed to
being paid for the materials they collect.
In short, the recycling industry is very different today than it was when UC adopted its waste
diversion goals. The assumptions that were in place when the policies were adopted no longer
apply, and many of the trends that were initially seen have slowed or been reversed.
MOVING FORWARD
Despite these barriers, several strategies are being developed to continue our progress towards
zero waste.
Policy Updates
Over the last 20 years, the larger zero waste community has also continued to evolve, and
diversion is not the only metric used to measure zero waste. Therefore, the Zero Waste Working
Group is proposing integrating the University’s waste reduction and diversion targets into a
more holistic definition of zero waste. This approach aligns better with the waste hierarchy of
reduce, reuse, and recycle or compost the rest. This shift also allows more flexibility for
campuses to focus their zero waste efforts on programs that will have the largest impact. Other
jurisdictions and institutions that are recognized as sustainability leaders, like the City of San
Francisco and Arizona State University, have already taken this approach. This policy proposal
also includes increased accountability through more robust annual reporting requirements.
Campuses will report on the progress made each year and on the next steps they will take to
improve waste diversion.
The Zero Waste Working Group is also collaborating with the Sustainable Procurement Working
Group to take steps to reduce the use of materials on campus that are the most problematic for
recycling and to reduce plastic packaging waste. This includes the packaging foam bans
recently adopted, and the policy around phasing-out single-use plastics being considered this
year.
Next Actions
All campuses are in the process of developing Zero Waste Plans outlining the steps they will
take to meet their policy goals. These plans were to be completed in late 2018, but limited staff
resources and competing projects have led to many delays. Most campuses have submitted
new estimates for when their plans will be submitted.
01.31.2020 UC Sustainability Steering Committee 50
Campuses are also planning programs that build on past successes to deepen engagement and
complete infrastructure improvement. This includes launching more robust educational
programs around diversion and waste reduction, expanding zero waste collection bin
infrastructure, and updating and expanding signage. Campuses are also seeking to strengthen
the strategic partnerships between procurement, waste management, sustainability, athletics,
and housing to minimize waste generation at the source. A few campuses are exploring the
expansion of their on-campus composting infrastructure or finding a cost-effective local hauler to
increase organics collection. In order to increase the quality of waste and diversion data, many
campuses are planning to enhance their waste audits.
The Zero Waste Working Group is committed to supporting campuses in their efforts. Initiatives
to be undertaken over the next year include:
● Identifying (or developing) better tools to assess progress and the feasibility of reaching
the Zero Waste goals. This includes adopting tools to capture the climate and other
benefits of zero waste programs and developing written guidelines to standardize and
streamline data collection and reporting.
● Collaborating with CalRecycle to integrate new statewide waste reduction policies into
campus operations.
● Continuing to deepen involvement with strategic sourcing initiatives to avoid waste
generation, through acting as a resource during RFP development.
Resource Needs
Zero Waste Working Group members have also identified some of the resources that would
help meet the University’s zero waste targets. Common themes to emerge from the Zero Waste
Plans and follow-up surveys submitted include the need for:
● Support from leadership to communicate to the campus community that zero waste is a
core value. Several campuses requested an explicit endorsement of the zero waste
policy from campus leadership. Also mentioned was the need for support in bringing
campus stakeholders to the table to promote zero waste projects – procurement
(including all departmental purchasers), faculty, athletics, and housing were commonly
cited partners who should be more deeply involved.
● More granular waste data to be able to better identify what materials are coming onto
campus, where waste is generated, and from what sources. This would allow for more
targeting to increase the effectiveness of programs.
● Support for developing and presenting campus-specific zero waste trainings. As the
success of waste initiatives requires the active engagement of all members of the
campus community, it is important to develop mechanisms to reach everyone (i.e.,
through orientation, staff training, etc.).
● UCOP support for a systemwide analysis (by consultants) to evaluate systemwide waste
data, identify best practices and replicable case studies, and identify key opportunities
for programmatic and infrastructure investments.
Many campuses mentioned the need for a dedicated zero waste specialist, citing the connection
between campuses with dedicated technical staff and higher diversion rates. Similarly, many
campuses would benefit from funding to implement zero waste programs, purchase collection
bin stations (indoor and outdoor), and to hire student staff. One estimate puts costs for
significantly advancing a campus’s zero waste program at around two million dollars. This would
cover costs such as a new truck and collection infrastructure, a student outreach staff position, a
01.31.2020 UC Sustainability Steering Committee 51
donation pickup driver, new signs and bins, a pilot program for move-outs/clean-outs, a
donation site, and additional hand dryers and water refill stations on campus.
COMMUNICATIONS PLAN
The University does not anticipate proactively promoting the updated zero waste target.
However, the fact that it is unlikely that any campus will meet its 2020 waste diversion target is
generating a fair amount of interest from students and campus newspapers. The Zero Waste
Working Group members are responding to inquiries as they arise.
To provide a unified message and support consistent answers to questions that come in, the
Working Group has developed some key talking points and a sample statement that campuses
can issue (see below). They have also put together a FAQ sheet that answers many of the other
questions that may arise.
Key Points
● UC’s zero waste target was adopted in 2007 as an aggressive but achievable goal that
would drive change and was aligned with state, local, and international initiatives
● We are pleased with the significant progress that has been made
● We are facing barriers that make it unlikely that we will reach the 2020 waste diversion
goals
● We are following the lead of other jurisdictions in adjusting our waste goals to take a
more holistic view of waste generation and diversion
● We are not abandoning our diversion target but expanding what it means to be zero
waste
● We are increasing accountability through additional reporting requirements
● We have made significant strides in the field of waste management and are seen as a
national leader
Sample statement:
In 2007, the University of California established aggressive but achievable waste
management goals to increase the diversion of waste from landfills to recycling and
composting facilities. These goals mirrored those adopted by the state and the jurisdictions
where our campuses are located.
We have made significant progress in this area. When the goals were adopted, the
diversion rate on most UC campuses was well below 50% (and as low as 19%). UC’s 2019
Annual Report on Sustainable Practices shows that, systemwide, we are now diverting
63% of the municipal solid waste generated (76% if construction and demolition waste is
included), and half the campuses now have diversion rates over 60% with two campuses’
diversion rates at, or just under, 80%.
While we have made great progress in increasing our diversion rates, we will not likely hit
the goal of diverting 90% of our waste by 2020. Various internal and external barriers,
including turmoil in the international recycling markets and the limitations of regional
recycling and compost infrastructure, have slowed our ability to achieve higher diversion
rates.
Recognizing these challenges, the University has expanded our goals to include waste
minimization in addition to waste diversion. This more holistic approach better supports our
commitment to the waste hierarchy of reduce, reuse, recycle and compost. It also allows
01.31.2020 UC Sustainability Steering Committee 52
campuses flexibility to focus resources on the most efficient and effective programs.
Systemwide, we have reduced per capita waste generation 12% from our 2015-16 levels.
To support these efforts, we are also looking at ways to reduce specific waste types, such
as the recently adopted policy to eliminate packaging foam. We are also pursuing policy
initiatives to reduce single-use plastics such as water bottles and plastic bags.
Overall, we are pleased with our achievements as we consider multiple metrics to track
progress and continue working to meet our commitments to minimize the waste we
produce and send to landfills.
01.31.2020 UC Sustainability Steering Committee 53
Appendix 2: 17 Principles of Environmental Justice
01.31.2020 UC Sustainability Steering Committee 54

Get Professional Assignment Help Cheaply

Are you busy and do not have time to handle your assignment? Are you scared that your paper will not make the grade? Do you have responsibilities that may hinder you from turning in your assignment on time? Are you tired and can barely handle your assignment? Are your grades inconsistent?

Whichever your reason is, it is valid! You can get professional academic help from our service at affordable rates. We have a team of professional academic writers who can handle all your assignments.

Why Choose Our Academic Writing Service?

• Plagiarism free papers
• Timely delivery
• Any deadline
• Skilled, Experienced Native English Writers
• Subject-relevant academic writer
• Adherence to paper instructions
• Ability to tackle bulk assignments
• Reasonable prices
• 24/7 Customer Support
• Get superb grades consistently

Online Academic Help With Different Subjects

Literature

Students barely have time to read. We got you! Have your literature essay or book review written without having the hassle of reading the book. You can get your literature paper custom-written for you by our literature specialists.

Finance

Do you struggle with finance? No need to torture yourself if finance is not your cup of tea. You can order your finance paper from our academic writing service and get 100% original work from competent finance experts.

Computer science

Computer science is a tough subject. Fortunately, our computer science experts are up to the match. No need to stress and have sleepless nights. Our academic writers will tackle all your computer science assignments and deliver them on time. Let us handle all your python, java, ruby, JavaScript, php , C+ assignments!

Psychology

While psychology may be an interesting subject, you may lack sufficient time to handle your assignments. Don’t despair; by using our academic writing service, you can be assured of perfect grades. Moreover, your grades will be consistent.

Engineering

Engineering is quite a demanding subject. Students face a lot of pressure and barely have enough time to do what they love to do. Our academic writing service got you covered! Our engineering specialists follow the paper instructions and ensure timely delivery of the paper.

Nursing

In the nursing course, you may have difficulties with literature reviews, annotated bibliographies, critical essays, and other assignments. Our nursing assignment writers will offer you professional nursing paper help at low prices.

Sociology

Truth be told, sociology papers can be quite exhausting. Our academic writing service relieves you of fatigue, pressure, and stress. You can relax and have peace of mind as our academic writers handle your sociology assignment.

Business

We take pride in having some of the best business writers in the industry. Our business writers have a lot of experience in the field. They are reliable, and you can be assured of a high-grade paper. They are able to handle business papers of any subject, length, deadline, and difficulty!

Statistics

We boast of having some of the most experienced statistics experts in the industry. Our statistics experts have diverse skills, expertise, and knowledge to handle any kind of assignment. They have access to all kinds of software to get your assignment done.

Law

Writing a law essay may prove to be an insurmountable obstacle, especially when you need to know the peculiarities of the legislative framework. Take advantage of our top-notch law specialists and get superb grades and 100% satisfaction.

What discipline/subjects do you deal in?

We have highlighted some of the most popular subjects we handle above. Those are just a tip of the iceberg. We deal in all academic disciplines since our writers are as diverse. They have been drawn from across all disciplines, and orders are assigned to those writers believed to be the best in the field. In a nutshell, there is no task we cannot handle; all you need to do is place your order with us. As long as your instructions are clear, just trust we shall deliver irrespective of the discipline.

Are your writers competent enough to handle my paper?

Our essay writers are graduates with bachelor's, masters, Ph.D., and doctorate degrees in various subjects. The minimum requirement to be an essay writer with our essay writing service is to have a college degree. All our academic writers have a minimum of two years of academic writing. We have a stringent recruitment process to ensure that we get only the most competent essay writers in the industry. We also ensure that the writers are handsomely compensated for their value. The majority of our writers are native English speakers. As such, the fluency of language and grammar is impeccable.

What if I don’t like the paper?

There is a very low likelihood that you won’t like the paper.

Reasons being:

• When assigning your order, we match the paper’s discipline with the writer’s field/specialization. Since all our writers are graduates, we match the paper’s subject with the field the writer studied. For instance, if it’s a nursing paper, only a nursing graduate and writer will handle it. Furthermore, all our writers have academic writing experience and top-notch research skills.
• We have a quality assurance that reviews the paper before it gets to you. As such, we ensure that you get a paper that meets the required standard and will most definitely make the grade.

In the event that you don’t like your paper:

• The writer will revise the paper up to your pleasing. You have unlimited revisions. You simply need to highlight what specifically you don’t like about the paper, and the writer will make the amendments. The paper will be revised until you are satisfied. Revisions are free of charge
• We will have a different writer write the paper from scratch.
• Last resort, if the above does not work, we will refund your money.

Will the professor find out I didn’t write the paper myself?

Not at all. All papers are written from scratch. There is no way your tutor or instructor will realize that you did not write the paper yourself. In fact, we recommend using our assignment help services for consistent results.

What if the paper is plagiarized?

We check all papers for plagiarism before we submit them. We use powerful plagiarism checking software such as SafeAssign, LopesWrite, and Turnitin. We also upload the plagiarism report so that you can review it. We understand that plagiarism is academic suicide. We would not take the risk of submitting plagiarized work and jeopardize your academic journey. Furthermore, we do not sell or use prewritten papers, and each paper is written from scratch.

When will I get my paper?

You determine when you get the paper by setting the deadline when placing the order. All papers are delivered within the deadline. We are well aware that we operate in a time-sensitive industry. As such, we have laid out strategies to ensure that the client receives the paper on time and they never miss the deadline. We understand that papers that are submitted late have some points deducted. We do not want you to miss any points due to late submission. We work on beating deadlines by huge margins in order to ensure that you have ample time to review the paper before you submit it.

Will anyone find out that I used your services?

We have a privacy and confidentiality policy that guides our work. We NEVER share any customer information with third parties. Noone will ever know that you used our assignment help services. It’s only between you and us. We are bound by our policies to protect the customer’s identity and information. All your information, such as your names, phone number, email, order information, and so on, are protected. We have robust security systems that ensure that your data is protected. Hacking our systems is close to impossible, and it has never happened.

How our Assignment  Help Service Works

1.      Place an order

You fill all the paper instructions in the order form. Make sure you include all the helpful materials so that our academic writers can deliver the perfect paper. It will also help to eliminate unnecessary revisions.

2.      Pay for the order

Proceed to pay for the paper so that it can be assigned to one of our expert academic writers. The paper subject is matched with the writer’s area of specialization.

3.      Track the progress

You communicate with the writer and know about the progress of the paper. The client can ask the writer for drafts of the paper. The client can upload extra material and include additional instructions from the lecturer. Receive a paper.

4.      Download the paper

The paper is sent to your email and uploaded to your personal account. You also get a plagiarism report attached to your paper.

PLACE THIS ORDER OR A SIMILAR ORDER WITH US TODAY AND GET A PERFECT SCORE!!!