Developer

University of California

www.universityofcalifornia.edu

Total capacity of implemented projects

up to 10 MW

Countries of projects presence

1

The University of California (UC) is a public research university system that operates ten campuses across the state of California in the United States of America. UC is a leader in higher education, with a reputation for excellence in research, teaching, and public service. The university system is committed to sustainability and has implemented a number of initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, including decarbonisation, corporate energy, corporate power purchase agreements (PPAs), and renewable energy.

Decarbonisation is a key priority for UC, as the university system aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2025. To achieve this goal, UC has implemented a number of strategies, including energy efficiency measures, renewable energy generation, and carbon offsets. The university system has also established a Carbon Neutrality Initiative, which aims to achieve carbon neutrality across all UC campuses and medical centers by 2025.

Corporate energy is another important area of focus for UC. The university system is committed to reducing its reliance on fossil fuels and increasing its use of renewable energy sources. To achieve this goal, UC has implemented a number of strategies, including the installation of solar panels and the use of energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems. The university system has also established a Green Building Policy, which requires all new construction and major renovations to meet LEED Gold certification standards.

Corporate power purchase agreements (PPAs) are an innovative way for UC to procure renewable energy. Under a PPA, UC agrees to purchase electricity from a renewable energy provider at a fixed price for a set period of time. This allows UC to lock in a predictable energy cost and support the development of new renewable energy projects. UC has signed a number of PPAs with renewable energy providers, including wind and solar projects.

Renewable energy is a key component of UC's sustainability strategy. The university system has set a goal to generate 100% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2025. To achieve this goal, UC has implemented a number of strategies, including the installation of solar panels, wind turbines, and geothermal systems. The university system has also established a Renewable Energy Policy, which requires all new construction and major renovations to include renewable energy generation.

UC's commitment to sustainability has earned the university system recognition as a leader in higher education. In 2020, UC was named the top university in the United States for sustainability by the Sierra Club's Cool Schools ranking. The university system was also recognized as a leader in renewable energy procurement by the Rocky Mountain Institute's Business Renewables Center.

In addition to its sustainability initiatives, UC is a leader in research and innovation. The university system is home to a number of world-class research centers and institutes, including the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, the California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, and the California NanoSystems Institute. UC is also a leader in online education, with a number of high-quality online courses and degree programs available to students around the world.

Overall, the University of California is a world-class institution committed to sustainability, innovation, and excellence in higher education. Through its decarbonisation, corporate energy, corporate PPA, and renewable energy initiatives, UC is leading the way in reducing its environmental impact and supporting the development of a more sustainable future.