About the CSU's Commitment to Sustainability

FACTS AT A GLANCE

Thirty-six facilities are LEED certified; 10 more are in design and construction, expecting LEED certification

Solar PV installations provide 10.5 megawatts, enough to power 11,000 homes, and more are in design or construction

The CSU produces 30 megawatts-enough to power 29,000 homes-through on-site energy cogeneration

The CSU has 18 MW of thermal energy storage capacity

Since 2003, the CSU invested over $50 million in energy efficiency funding

Since 2003, the CSU has reduced operational costs by $8 million annually and leveraged over $13 million of utility incentive

Reduction of more than 25,000 metric tons of CO₂ equivalent emissions since 2004, equal to taking 4,500 cars off the road

35-year track record of energy and greenhouse gas reduction

Six CSU campuses signed the Presidents' Climate Commitment: Pomona, Bakersfield, Chico, Fullerton, Monterey Bay and San Francisco

Innovative and emerging technologies in facility design and renovation

The California State University's strategic plan, Access to Excellence, anticipates the needs of the state and strives to best position the institution to meet those needs. Principles and core values identified in the plan help frame broad strategic goals for setting University priorities. The plan recognizes the important role of CSU in producing civic, political, and social-as well as economic-outcomes, fostering community engagement and global awareness, that equips students to be successful in society and in the workforce.

Accordingly the CSU's mission includes promoting "an understanding and appreciation of the peoples, natural environment, cultures, economies, and diversity of the world." It is in this context that the board's sustainability policy be broadened to include sustainability into the academic curriculum and all areas of the university.

It is envisioned that through teaching, research, and service learning, we provide graduates who are global leaders and are educated, technically capable, and inspired to transform their future employers, industries, businesses and communities. In doing so, the CSU employs sustainability principles in campus administration and operations to use campuses as living laboratories to develop, test, and implement new technologies and model practices which also enhance the quality and richness of teaching, learning, and research.