UC Riverside has begun preparing a climate action plan that will put into place practices and policies towards University of California system-wide sustainability goals.

The document, set to be completed by the end of the year, is the first of its kind under a new UC policy.

UC updated its sustainability practices policy last year requiring each campus to adopt a climate action and adaptation plan in 2025. The policy includes 13 areas of sustainable practices including green building design, clean energy, zero waste, and sustainable practices in areas ranging from food services to transportation.

“The Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) will be a roadmap towards achieving sustainability before 2045, and will incorporate our goals towards climate mitigation, adaptation, resilience, and environmental justice,” said Francis Mitalo, the interim sustainability program director with the Office of Sustainability.

All ten UC campuses must reduce total greenhouse gas emissions by at least 90% from 2019 levels by 2045 and set interim emission reduction targets. The plans will lay out each campus’ approach for meeting those targets.

The Office of Sustainability held a kick-off event April 3 at the bell tower inviting students, staff, faculty, and community members to be part of the months long process. 

A consultant is working with the department to determine a scope of work and help prepare the plan. Mitalo said an important part of the process will be engaging the campus community in collaborating and contributing to the plan.  Key topics that will be part of the planning process include a greenhouse gas emissions inventory and forecasting, reduction targets, campus engagement, and education.

Students, faculty, staff, and the Riverside community are invited to take part in a survey on their climate and environmental justice priorities for UCR and the surrounding community. The responses will be used in the development of the plan. The survey is open through June 6.