Overview
UC Merced's Triple Zero Initiative sets a remarkable goal - achieving zero net greenhouse gas emissions. This means we're dedicated to balancing the emissions we produce by reducing, offsetting, and adopting eco-friendly practices. Our aim is to minimize our carbon footprint and strive for a balanced state where we have as little impact as possible on the environment.
This commitment goes beyond words; it's a profound promise to combat climate change and lead in sustainability. UC Merced is pioneering innovative solutions, encouraging education, and fostering collaboration to redefine what it means to be truly green in the 21st century. Join us on this transformative journey toward a cleaner, greener future.
Progress and Statistics
UC Merced had set an aggressive goal to achieve climate neutrality for scopes 1 and 2 sources by 2020. In 2021, UC Merced operations ramped up with a return to in-person instruction. The campus is assessing its energy performance with the onset of increased building occupancy. Scope 3 emissions are estimated and will be refined as additional information is gathered to provide a full spectrum of campus behavior.
Decarbonization
Accelerating the path to decarbonizing UC campus energy infrastructure is the largest remaining challenge to achieving the goals of the UC Carbon Neutrality Initiative and net zero greenhouse gas emissions. Decarbonization is a technically challenging and capital-intensive undertaking. UC President Drake convened a Task Force under the UC Global Climate Leadership Council to address this challenge of decarbonization and respond to the Academic Senate Memorial to the Regents on Reducing Fossil Fuels. UC Merced has initiated, under the direction of the GCLC, a committee to manage and oversee a decarbonization study to inform direct emission reductions for campus infrastructure.
To learn more about our efforts, click here to be redirected to our Decarbonization page!
