UC ANR's statewide facilities – including nine Research and Extension Centers, the Elkus Ranch Environmental Education Center and an administrative building – made strides in sustainable practices in fiscal year 2020–21.
For example, Hansen REC gleaned 9,300 pounds of fruit from orchards typically used for agricultural literacy school field trips. With youth programs shut down due to COVID-19, HAREC partnered with Food Forward and Ventura Unified School District to redistribute fresh produce to students and families.
West Side REC, meanwhile, leveraged COVID-19 site closures to redesign two buildings into laboratories with energy-efficient air systems, lighting, windows and insulation, demonstrating how older facility conversions can increase UC ANR's sustainability.
The RECs reduced carbon dioxide emissions from 1,766 to 1,596 metric tons from 2014 to 2019 and further cut emissions by 711 metric tons during pandemic-related closures in fiscal year 2020–21. UC ANR's water consumption remained stable in 2020–21 due to ongoing agricultural research.
Additionally, it is often not feasible for UC ANR to use zero-emission vehicles or hybrid vehicles given the need for trucks and farm equipment, which are often unavailable in these models. When possible, UC ANR purchases or leases flex-fuel vehicles.
UC ANR's LEED-certified administrative building – the offices at 2801 Second Street in Davis – reduced electricity use by 22% and natural gas use by 50% from 2014 to 2019.
Read more at https://sustainabilityreport.ucop.edu/2021/locations/agriculture-and-natural-resources.