CACS Initiatives
Over the years, CACS has undertaken several major initiatives aimed at increasing the sustainability of the UC Berkeley campus. These projects have been crucial milestones for the campus and are frequently cited as examples of our progress and accomplishments.
These initiatives include:
- The 2005 and the 2008 Campus Sustainability Assessments
- A Sustainable Water Plan for UC Berkeley: In 2005, one of the graduate students who was instrumental in the creation of the Campus Sustainability Assessment authored an expanded Professional Report on campus water use.
- At CACS' 2006 Sustainability Summit, Chancellor Birgeneau officially launched Cal’s Climate Action Partnership, an initiative to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the UC Berkeley campus. This effort, with support from both CACS and the Berkeley Institute of the Environment (BIE), produced the 2007 CalCAP Campus Feasibility Study.
- In 2009 CACS, in partnership with the Berkeley Institute of the Environment (BIE) and others on campus, will take on issues around campus water use and disposal
Campus Sustainability Assesments
The 2005 Campus Sustainability Assessment was a major accomplishment for CACS. Though its breadth and depth make for a compelling document, the Assessment is best viewed as an important first step in the ongoing process of transforming UC Berkeley into a sustainable institution.
CACS continues to work with Office of Sustainability on regular updates to the Assessment. The 2008 Campus Sustainability Assessment highlights progress UC Berkeley has made in addressing its carbon footprint, reducing water use and waste, and implementing numerous innovative projects by faculty, students and staff. The assessment unveils an initial set of Sustainability Metrics to be used by the campus to monitor overall success.