Printable Version in PDF Format (Get Adobe Acrobat)
History
- Policy Number: FA.83.004
- Version: 2nd Revision
- Drafted By: Roxane Beigel-Coryell
- Approved By: Richard Yao
- Approval Date: 03/24/2025
- Effective Date: 03/24/2025
- Supercedes: OP.01.006
Purpose
This policy is to provide general guidance about efficient and environmentally sustainable use of resources by the campus community.
Background
CSU Channel Islands places a high value on being an environmentally sustainable and resilient campus. Sustainability has been a longstanding strategic focus for the campus. CSUCI has achieved significant success in conservation, demonstrating leadership through innovative practices and educating the campus community about responsible stewardship of resources. In 2023, the university adopted a Climate Action Plan, identifying carbon neutrality goals and identifying actions to reduce CSU carbon footprint. This policy will aid CSUCI and campus units in their efforts to become more sustainable and in complying with California State University policy.
Policy
Accountability
Office of the President, Provost, Vice Presidents and the Sustainability Working Group
Applicability
All divisions, departments, programs, auxiliaries, and any parties conducting business on university grounds.
Definition(s)
Sustainability Sustainability is the just, equitable, and efficient use of all types of capital -- human, financial, manufactured and natural -- with the goal of maintaining healthy ecosystems in perpetuity and meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
Text
California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI) is committed to minimizing its impact on the environment and reducing its consumption of non-renewable resources while supporting efforts to promote a more environmentally and financially sustainable campus and community.
All campus units will carefully consider both long- and short-term environmental implications associated with their use of resources.
The CSUCI community will work together to increase the sustainability of the campus through:
Energy and Climate
- Prioritization of practices that contribute to efficient use of energy and water
- Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in alignment with CSU
Responsible Procurement and Consumption
- Responsible purchasing, procurement and handling of goods and services
- Minimizing unnecessary use of single-use plastics, such as confetti, utensils, plates, cups, and other items with reusable and/or compostable alternatives
- Including sustainability specifications in bid proposals, for products and/or suppliers
Transportation Initiatives
- Promotion of public and alternative transportation options for students, staff and faculty
- Support of telework for approved personnel to reduce vehicle trips to campus
Education and Training for Sustainability
- Delivery of curricular and co-curricular programs that promote environmental awareness and climate literacy
- Development and delivery of training programs that equip members of the campus community to be better stewards of the CSUCI campus
Community Engagement and Support
- Promotion and support of student-led sustainability efforts
- Housing and Residential Education activities that promote the value of sustainable choices
Waste Management and Recycling
- Promotion of waste prevention, recycling and responsible management of waste materials and compliance with all relevant state regulations
Operational and Administrative Practices
- Creation and implementation of administrative, financial, and operational practices that support the campus sustainability goals
- Utilization of recognized best practices in the design, construction and operation of facilities and grounds to conserve energy, water and materials
Landscaping and Biodiversity
- Prioritization of native, drought-tolerant, climate adaptive, and/or non-invasive flora for campus landscaping
CSUCI will comply with relevant CSU executive orders concerning environmentally sustainable and resilient practices, such as the CSU Sustainability Policy, Single Use Plastics Policy, CSU Buy- Recycled Products Campaign, and Executive Order 987. As an institution, CSUCI will measure and demonstrate its commitment to sustainability by working to achieve and maintain a campus platinum rating using the AASHE STARS sustainability rating system. While some units and individuals may have specific roles and tasks related to sustainability, each campus unit is expected to contribute to creating a more sustainable campus. Campus divisions will support sustainability efforts by collecting appropriate data, identifying a sustainability lead or coordinator, demonstrating leadership in implementing sustainable practices, and including information about divisional efforts in their annual reports. Campus divisions will consider the balance between immediate financial needs of the campus and long-term sustainability impacts when making significant policy or operational decisions.
Exhibit(s)
CSU policies and reports related to sustainability
https://www.calstate.edu/impact-of-the-csu/sustainability
CI Climate Action Plan
https://www.csuci.edu/fs/sustainability/plans-and-policies/climate-action-plan.htm
CI Sustainability Reports
https://www.csuci.edu/fs/sustainability/what-csuci-is-doing/reports-and-awards.htm
STARS ratings for CI
https://reports.aashe.org/institutions/california-state-university-channel-islands-ca/report/