Engagement

Sustainability is rooted in everything that we do at UC San Diego. As one of the world’s top public research universities, UC San Diego is addressing the challenges that accompany our unprecedented growth. As we expand our academic, research, public service and ancillary programs, we continue to make sustainability a top priority. We aim to achieve the best possible balance between aesthetics, sustainability and functionality to guide stewardship over the development of UC San Diego’s spectacular location while appropriately integrating with the surrounding La Jolla community.

Each Triton plays an important role in helping to meet our campus sustainability goals. You can do your part by implementing sustainable habits, joining a sustainability group and connecting with UC San Diego Sustainability on social media.

Highlights

• In February 2022, the Green Classroom Program certified the first UC San Diego Preuss School teacher, Ms. Tan.
• UC San Diego and Thermo Fisher Scientific agreed to form a transformational 10-year strategic partnership that leverages the leading expertise of each organization. The unprecedented public-partnership will focus on achieving four key objectives, including the launch of a “Technology Sandbox,” establishment of a collaborative research framework, creation of a pipeline of underrepresented, next-generation talent that become tomorrow’s leaders in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and development of a sustainable supply chain.
• In Spring Quarter 2022, the Green Labs Program launched three new student projects focusing on water conservation, recycling of lab items and shutting the fume hood sash.
• The Inter-Sustainability Council and Sustainability Ambassadors hosted the Seventh Annual Green Talks on April 28. Watch the video.
• In recognition of Earth Day and Arbor Day—a national holiday that encourages to plant and care for trees—UC San Diego volunteers planted 13 trees on Friday, April 29 in Scholars Grove (behind Ché Café). Facilities Management began the event with an educational program and ceremonial tree planting.
• Launched a campus-wide Utilities & Sustainability Update e-newsletter, featuring highlights of progress towards our goals.
• Began hosting quarterly campus-wide Climate & Sustainability Town Halls.
• Published UC San Diego CALPIRG’s 2021–22 Annual Report.
• Collaborated with the Office for Strategic Initiatives to facilitate three focus groups on energy and sustainability campus efforts with student, staff and faculty representation. The final focus group included deans, professors and directors.
• Recognized by Forbes magazine this year in the annual college ratings. UC San Diego’s sustainability efforts were singled out, contributing to the campus being ranked 17th overall and third in public institutions.
• Ranked as a top performer in Research and Investment/Finance Categories for AASHE Campus Sustainability Index.

Join a Group

• Inter-Sustainability Council
• Staff Sustainability Network
• Student Organizations
• Sustainability Alumni Network