Support for a CSU Sustainability Policy

AS-2639-04/EX - January 22-23, 2004

ATTACHMENT TO AS-2639-04/EX

RESOLVED: That the Academic Senate of the California State University (CSU) urge the CSU Board of Trustees to adopt a sustainability policy that

• Requires all new and renovated buildings be designed and built to a "Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design" (LEED) Silver rating or higher without binding the CSU to pursue LEED certifications,



• Establishes specific goals for a 20 percent reduction in energy use per CSU student (from 2000 levels) by 2014 and of 40 percent by 2024 through energy conservation programs, energy-efficient building design, and use of high-efficiency equipment and systems,



• Establishes specific goals that 25 percent of energy use in the CSU system be from renewable sources by 2014 and 50 percent from renewable sources by 2024,



• Requires annual progress reports to the CSU Board of Trustees; and be it further

RESOLVED: That the Academic Senate CSU commend the California State Student Association for their leadership in bringing the sustainability issue to the Senate and for educating us on it.

RATIONALE: The U. S. Green Building Council developed the "Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design" (LEED) Green Building Rating system as a voluntary, consensus-based, market-driven building rating system based on existing proven technology that evaluates environmental performance from a "whole building" perspective over a building's life cycle, providing a definitive standard for what constitutes a "green building." This standard seeks to fulfill three primary objectives: implement high energy/water efficiency, conserve natural resources, and create a healthy environment. The expected results of conformance to the standard are substantially lower operating, maintenance, and healthcare expenses and higher occupant productivity. The energy conservation and efficiency features that are designed in LEED buildings offer the most cost-effective means of reducing the cost and environmental impact of providing energy services. Further, the evidence is that LEED Silver designed buildings cost no more than non-LEED buildings when the appropriate design concepts, technologies, and materials are incorporated at the beginning of the design process.

A new sustainability policy as envisioned above will allow CSU to continue to be a leader in the efforts for responsible, cost-effective, development and consumption of resources. The Los Angeles Community College District and the University of California have each recently adopted forward-looking sustainability policies and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's "Environmental Policy Agenda" stipulates that 20 percent of all electricity sold on the grid should come from renewable energy sources by 2010, with 33 percent coming from renewable energy sources by 2020. Finally, this resolution supports a similar resolution (attached) recently passed by the California State Student Association (CSSA).

APPROVED - March 11-12, 2004