university of california, irvine climate action...

Climate Action Plan - 2016 Update 1

University of California, Irvine

Climate Action Plan2016 Update


University of California, Irvine

Climate Action PlanDecember 2016

1 Executive summary ��4

2 Introduction ��6

3 Campus Setting ��12Main Campus ��13Medical Center ��15Off-Campus Properties ��15

4 Greenhouse Gas Emissions ��16Characteristics ��17Emission Inventory and Sources ��18Forecasts and Trends ��19Reduction Targets ��20Challenges ��21

5 Strategy ��22Vision ��23Supporting Principles ��23Scope 1 and 2 Actions ��26Scope 3 Actions ��30Future Opportunities ��31Main Campus Key Actions ��33Medical Center Key Actions ��36

6 Implementation and Monitoring ��38Implementation ��39Monitoring ��40Climate Resilience and Adaptation ��40

4

Operating with zero tailpipe pollutant emissions, UCI’s fuel cell bus is part of the campus shuttle system� The collaborative project is focused on applying real world solutions to pressing sustainability challenges and demonstrates the Campus as a Living Laboratory for Sustainability model� Credit: © 2015 University of California

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY


The Climate Action Plan (CAP) provides a road map for the University of California, Irvine (UCI) to achieve its institutional climate protection commitments in support of University of California (UC) sustainability policy, the UC 2025 Carbon Neutrality Initiative, and campus sustainability goals� These commitments include reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to 1990 levels by the year 2020 (a reduction of approximately 49 percent from projected emissions), climate neutrality for Scope 1 and 2 sources (on-site combustion of fossil fuels and purchased electricity) by 2025, and climate neutrality including Scope 3 sources (UCI commuters and University funded air travel) by 2050�The CAP was initially adopted in 2007 and has guided an array of climate protection actions and projects to reduce UCI GHG emissions� CAP initia-tives implemented to date have resulted in an estimated reduction in GHG emissions of 22,000 metric tons per year� Looking forward, UCI will need to significantly increase the rate of GHG emission abatement achieved in the 2007-2015 period to mitigate existing GHG emission sources, plus growth-re-lated emissions, to achieve and sustain emission reduction targets for 2020, 2025, and 2050�UCI’s CAP strategy seeks to (1) balance environmental and financial stew-ardship by investing in actions that provide long term value and result in enduring carbon emission reductions; (2) focus on actions that support UCI’s mission and values; and (3) engage all sectors of the UCI community in pur-suit of UCI’s climate protection goals� The Irvine Campus and Medical Center in the City of Orange share common policy, vision, and strategy in achiev-ing UCI’s climate protection and sustainability commitments, but the two geographically separate campuses have distinct infrastructure systems and operations which rely on site-specific tracking of emissions, and GHG reduc-tion actions focused on the unique systems and opportunities at each site�CAP implementation actions for the Main Campus prioritize low carbon growth, deep energy efficiency and green building to minimize energy use, deployment of on-site renewable energy systems, and procuring off-site clean and renewable energy to replace fossil-fuel energy sources� Additional CAP actions will include UC-catalyzed or UC-supported off-site actions that result in verified, mission-consistent carbon offsets to fill the gap between existing emission levels and annual targets� CAP implementation for the Medical Center focuses on energy system upgrades, deep energy efficiency, on-site renewable energy, and procuring GHG-free energy from off-site sources� Some Medical Center CAP opportu-nities are constrained by pending redevelopment of aging facilities, which limits the ability to invest in energy efficiency or renewable energy projects due to uncertainty in project lifetime�The CAP provides a framework for UCI to track annual campus and Medical Center GHG emissions, identify strategy and resulting actions for GHG emis-sion avoidance or abatement, and monitor plan implementation and new opportunities� Successful implementation of the CAP will require campuswide engagement, collaborations with UC systemwide efforts, and significant investment in resources�

1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

6

Strategies and Key Actions

INTRODUCTION


Society is faced with the immense and urgent challenge of finding a path toward climate stability� Increasing population and dependence on carbon-based energy systems will result in environmental consequences rang-ing from rising sea levels and increased risk of droughts to higher temperatures and food scarcity� Beyond these impacts, climate change will result in increased public health issues and healthcare costs, economic loss, and further social inequality� As a public research university and part of the University of California system, UCI’s leadership in developing and demonstrating climate solutions is central to UCI’s mis-sion and Strategic Plan�UCI is currently providing leadership in:• Research of local, regional, and global impacts of cli-

mate change• Development of innovative solutions in the transi-

tion from fossil fuels to clean and renewable energy systems

• Reduction of GHG emissions associated with oper-ations through energy efficiency and renewable energy projects

• Campus-wide engagement of students, faculty, and staff in climate protection and sustainability

UCI has been nationally recognized as a leader in sustain-ability teaching, research, operations, and community engagement in multiple national rankings and programs� UCI has ranked among Sierra magazine’s top 10 “Coolest Schools” for the past seven years and was named the top “Coolest School” in both 2014 and 2015� UCI is also in the Princeton Review’s Green Honor Roll, and the U�S� Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Better Buildings Challenge�

UCI teaching and research programs address a compre-hensive array of sustainability issues, including climate protection, within multiple academic departments, schools, and research centers� Sustainability and climate protection are being further integrated into the aca-demic experience of both undergraduate and graduate students� Supporting UCI’s academic leadership in sustainability, the UCI campus provides a model for sustainable opera-tions� As part of the ten-campus University of California system, UCI has adopted far-reaching commitments to meet its climate protection responsibilities� These com-mitments are guided by UC policy, state and federal law, and institutional values related to sustainable planning, operations, and environmental stewardship� The CAP Update addresses GHG emissions from facilities and operations under the financial and operational con-trol of UCI� This includes the main UCI Campus, Medical Center, and UCI off-campus properties� Certain properties located on the UCI campus but not under the financial and operational control of UCI (e�g� facilities built, owned and operated by non-university entities) are not included within the scope of the CAP� Climate protection programs for the Main Campus and Medical Center are guided by UCI’s Climate Action Plan, but GHG emission inventories, climate mitigation strate-gies and projects, and progress for the two campuses are addressed individually within the CAP� The Main Campus and Medical Center share common climate protection policy, vision, and guiding principles, but require specific metrics and implementation planning as the two sites are geographically separate and manage distinct infrastruc-ture systems�

2 INTRODUCTION

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CAMPUS AS A LIVING LABORATORY FOR SUSTAINABILITYAdopting the ‘Campus as a Living Laboratory for Sus-tainability’ model, UCI students, faculty and staff work collaboratively to apply real-world, state-of-the-art solu-tions to sustainability challenges while demonstrating and communicating these solutions to the community� Examples of projects include:• Development of UCI campuswide utility systems

Microgrid (Detailed simulation, 120 meter monitoring network, microgrid controller, deployment of 2 MW (0�5 MW-hr) battery)

• Deployment of electric vehicle (EV) renewable energy car shade nanogrid with energy storage (photovol-taic, battery, chargers)

• Deployment of campus EV charging network• Deployment of hydrogen fueling station for fuel cell

vehicles • Deployment of fuel cell bus for campus shuttle

system• Host of 5-year, $80M Irvine Smart Grid Demonstra-

tion project to study how communities will manage energy grids, energy storage, large renewable energy system deployment, and zero net energy homes in the future

• Power-to-Gas (P2G) demonstration with direct feed of stored hydrogen into campus gas turbine to study renewable fuel options and energy storage for com-bined heat and power (CHP) energy systems

• Detailed analysis of Central Plant operations in the context of a high penetration of solar renewable energy on-campus microgrid

• Deployment of 1�4 MW, 200 T High Temperature Fuel Cell with Absorption Chiller system to provide energy to the Medical Center

• Deployment of shared-use, station-car electric vehicle program in cooperation with City of Irvine

• Implementation of engagement programs aimed at reducing food waste and promoting local food production

• Formation of a Regional Climate Resilience Collabora-tion designed to support significant engagement and research programs across UCI schools and Counties

To learn more about sustainable operations, education and research, engagement and collaborative projects, visit www�sustainability�uci�edu

The Irvine Smart Grid Demonstration is an end-to-end demonstra-tion of advanced smart grid technologies� Credit: Paul Kennedy

An EV charging station serves as part of the Irvine Smart Grid Demonstration� Credit: Paul Kennedy


The CAP scoping process included multiple work sessions with campuswide stakeholders represented in the Cli-mate Planning Work Group (CPWG) to gather emissions data, energy system information, and identify project opportunities� The UCI Sustainability Committee provided comments and advice through a series of updates on CAP progress� In addition, UCI hosted a one-day facilitated workshop (“CAP Charrette”) that included faculty, staff, and student stakeholders to discuss CAP vision, goals, desired outcomes, constraints and potential actions� Information and advice collected through this scoping process has informed the 2016 CAP Update�

The 2016 CAP Update is based on the following policies and commitments:

Carbon Neutrality InitiativeIn late 2013, UC strengthened its climate protection goals by announcing the Carbon Neutrality Initiative (CNI)� The CNI commits the University of California to net carbon neutrality for Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2025� To help in the implementation of this initiative, UC formed the Global Climate Leadership Council (GCLC) in 2014 to advise UC leadership and to ‘connect carbon neutrality to UC’s teaching, research, and public service mission’�

UC Policy on Sustainable PracticesThe UC Policy on Sustainable Practices establishes goals for all ten UC campuses, five medical centers, and other University properties in nine areas of sustainable prac-tices, including climate protection� Consistent with this policy, each UC campus must adopt and implement a CAP to achieve specific GHG reduction targets for 2020, 2025, and 2050� The UC Policy on Sustainable Practices was most recently updated in 2015� The current policy goals are:1� Reduce GHG emissions to year 1990 levels by 20202� Achieve climate neutrality for Scope 1 (combustion)

and 2 (purchased electricity) emissions by 2025 (UC President’s Carbon Neutrality Initiative)

3� Achieve climate neutrality for Scope 3 (commuting and University funded air travel) emissions by 2050 or sooner

UCI Strategic PlanUCI’s strategic plan includes a financially sustainable vision of campus growth and expansion� The plan was developed in 2015 with the active participation of the university community� Fundamental principles of the strategic plan are excellence and social impact� The plan is based on four pillars:• Growth that Makes a Difference: Expanding Our

Capacity to Improve Lives• First in Class: Elevating the Student Experience to Pre-

pare Future Leaders• Great Partners: Making Regional and Global Connec-

tions that Enhance Our Mission and Serve the People• New Paths for Our Brilliant Future: Forging Best Prac-

tices to Power the Coming CenturyThe plan aims to expand community partnerships and research in water conservation, clean energy and sustain-able lifestyles to develop a national model of how to live responsibly and well in the 21st century�

Second Nature Carbon CommitmentUC is a signatory of Second Nature’s Carbon Commit-ment, formerly known as the American College and University President’s Climate Commitment (ACUPCC)� This commitment focuses on reduction of GHG emissions with the goal of reaching carbon neutrality as soon as possible�

AB32: California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006The California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (AB32) requires all state agencies to reduce GHG emis-sions to year 1990 levels by 2020� UC has committed to achieving equivalent emission reduction targets in sup-port of these statewide requirements� AB32 establishes a statewide cap on 2020 GHG emissions based on 1990 levels and requires large GHG emitters to participate in an emission allowance trading program (“Cap and Trade”) administered by the California Air Resources Board (CARB)� The Main Campus emissions currently meet CARB’s threshold for participation in the California Cap and Trade Program requiring annual reporting and acqui-sition of Carbon Emission Allowances�

2 INTRODUCTION

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Prospectus for a Sustainable FutureIn 2011, the UC Climate Solutions Steering Group provided the Executive Vice President for Business Operations a report that provided strategies for imple-menting reduction strategies to meet the University’s climate commitments� The Prospectus for a Sustainable Future: Recommendations for Implementing UC’s Com-mitment to Climate Neutrality provides background on the challenges facing the UC system including the scale and projected growth of the UC system as well as the anticipated rising costs of carbon� While recognizing the these challenges, the report provides reduction strategies including minimization of energy demand through deep energy efficiency initiatives, procurement of renewable energy to negate Scope 2 emissions, and procurement of biomethane to negate Scope 1 emissions�

Global Climate Leadership Council To guide UC systemwide implementation of the CNI, the University established the Global Climate Leadership Council (GCLC) to draw from the strengths of UC research programs, and establish a systemwide energy services unit (ESU) to develop scalable solutions to renewable energy supply, and fully engage students, faculty and staff in supporting the large effort required to implement the CNI� Actions that have resulted from GCLC efforts include:

Bending the CurveThe Global Climate Leadership Council (GCLC) sponsored a summit in fall 2015 comprised of UC leadership and climate change researchers, State of California leaders, and emerging green technology business leaders tasked in the development of solutions for greenhouse gas reductions within UC that can be scaled globally� The report “Bending the Curve: Ten Scalable Solutions for Carbon Neutrality”

was an outcome from the “Summit on Pathways to Carbon and Climate Neutrality: California and the World”� The report, authored by more than 50 UC faculty and researchers, provides ten recommended actions that if implemented globally would reduce warming by as much as 1�5 degrees Celsius�

Energy Services UnitThe UC Energy Services Unit (ESU) has established projects and programs to provide utility-scale supply of renewable electricity and biomethane to support UC’s sustainability goals� These efforts include investment in the development of 80 MW of solar energy supply by 2020 to provide long term sources of renewable power and development of 17 million therms of biomethane to provide renewable fuel to partially replace natural gas combustion on campuses� As a result, the ESU is greening the power supply to UC campuses with a goal of 100 percent GHG-free power supply to UC campuses that are served by the ESU under direct access�

Faculty and Student Engagement EducationThe GCLC recognizes that faculty, staff, and student engagement are key to carbon neutrality� To acceler-ate diffusion of climate and sustainability education and research, the GCLC has sponsored a host of efforts including: faculty skills-sharing workshops on integrating these subjects into existing courses, an online library for sharing teaching resources across campuses, a statewide network for UC and Califor-nia State University faculty to skills-share, a faculty champion award program, a graduate student research competition, student fellowships, an online cross-campus competition on energy efficiency, and implementation of UCI’s Student Institute for Sus-tainability Leadership to students across the state�


STUDENT ENGAGEMENTUCI is committed to preparing the next generation of thinkers, innovators, and entrepreneurs to help the world meet its profound environmental and social justice chal-lenges� Student engagement opportunities on campus provide students with practical experience, training, and exposure to a range of projects that increase the sustain-ability of our campus’s physical operations and systems� Opportunities include the Campus as a Living Lab (CLL) Internship, Earth Reps, Zero Waste Ambassadors, The Green Initiative Fund (TGIF) Internships, GSRC Social Ecology Field Study Placement, and, Climate and Food Student Fellowships� These programs provide students with the opportunity to learn through applied research and exposure to a range of collaborative projects�

Fernando Maldonado, Program Manager at the Global Sustain-ability Resource Center, works with CLL Interns at the Arroyo Vista Garden as part of the UCI Garden Project�

2016 UC Carbon Neutrality and Global Food Ini-tiative Fellows Retreat in Borrego Springs, CA�

2 INTRODUCTION

12UCI Main Campus, Irvine

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CAMPUS SETTING


Main CampusThe UCI Main Campus consists of approximately 1,475 acres within the City of Irvine� The campus was conceived and developed according to a 1963 community-wide master plan designed collaboratively between the Uni-versity and local community� Consistent with this master plan, the campus has developed into a comprehensive academic community with a central core of teaching and research facilities surrounded by outer campus neigh-borhoods that include faculty and staff housing, student housing, support facilities, and private-sector uses within a master-planned framework�

The campus currently houses more than 12�8 million square feet of building space including 7�8 million square feet of instruction, research, and support space and a large on-campus housing program� Approximately 65 percent of UCI faculty and 45 percent of students live on campus resulting in an existing on-campus residential population of approximately 17,000� The campus under-went significant growth during the period of 1990-2009, increasing campus building space by six million GSF (50 percent) and student enrollment by more than 10,000 (38 percent)�

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3 CAMPUS SETTING

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Energy production and use account for the majority of UCI’s GHG emissions; therefore, campus energy policy, energy systems, and energy management are closely linked to climate protection strategies� Consistent with its master plan, UCI relies on a central energy plant and distribution system to meet the primary energy needs of the central academic core� Outer campus development, including student housing areas, are generally served by UCI’s central electric distribution system, but rely on distributed systems for thermal energy (heating, cooling, and hot water)�The UCI Central Plant utilizes a 19 megawatt (MW)combined heat and power (CHP) system with a natural gas-driven turbine to provide the majority of electrical power and thermal energy to serve the campus� The CHP system, with its flexible heat recovery systems and ther-mal energy storage tank, provides significant efficiencies in meeting campus energy demands� While the CHP system serves as a model for energy efficiency and the flexible delivery of energy, it relies on combustion of nat-ural gas as its energy source� As a result, CHP natural gas combustion is the largest source of UCI GHG emissions and a central focus of UCI climate mitigation strategies�

CHP emissions also trigger UCI compliance with CARB’s Cap and Trade program requiring the purchase of annual emission allowances� Grid-purchased electricity and on-site photovoltaic (PV) systems supplement CHP-produced energy to serve UCI’s remaining electrical energy needs� UCI has established a large portfolio of on-site solar energy arrays on 13 campus rooftops and 4 parking structures, which cur-rently total 4�2 MW of generation capacity� Energy provided through the CHP system, on-site renewable energy systems, and purchased electricity are distributed through UCI’s campus microgrid� Successful management of this microgrid with its multiple sources of generation, and energy storage will be a key compo-nent to successful CAP implementation and a focus of UCI’s leading-edge energy research programs� A future all-electric chiller plant with additional thermal energy storage capacity is planned in the Health Sciences quad� This satellite chiller plant will be connected to the central campus chilled water and energy storage systems to provide additional capacity and efficiency to UCI’s dis-trict cooling system�

Main Campus Energy Infrastructure

Combined Heat and Power Plant19 MW CapacityEnergy Storage

Purchased Electricity66 kV Electricity Service8,000 MWh per year24% Renewable

Future Satellite Cooling Plant

Natural Gas Service1.3 Million MMBtu per year

Heating and/or Cooling Water

66 kV to 12 kV Switch Yard

SolarParking Structure Array

Rooftop Array

4.2 MW Capacity6,000 MWh per year

SCE Direct Service12 kV Electricity Service3,000 MWh per year

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Combined Heat and Power Plant19 MW CapacityEnergy Storage

Purchased Electricity66 kV Electricity Service8,000 MWh per year24% Renewable

Future Satellite Cooling Plant

Natural Gas Service1.3 Million MMBtu per year

Heating and/or Cooling Water

66 kV to 12 kV Switch Yard

SolarParking Structure Array

Rooftop Array

4.2 MW Capacity6,000 MWh per year

SCE Direct Service12 kV Electricity Service3,000 MWh per year

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Medical CenterThe 33-acre Medical Center is located in the City of Orange, approximately 15 miles from the Main Campus� Acquired by UCI in 1976, the Medical Center added signif-icant building space and programs between 1990-2009, including the 220-bed Douglas Hospital, to better serve UCI’s strategic mission� As a result, the Medical Center faces a similar challenge as the Main Campus in address-ing growth-related GHG emissions in addition to current emissions� The Medical Center currently relies on purchased elec-tricity for the majority of its power needs, therefore a majority of its GHG emissions result from the embedded emissions in grid electricity� A 1�4 MW High Tempera-ture Fuel Cell and Absorption Chiller system provide the remaining electricity needs and a portion of the thermal energy needs� A central steam plant, two chiller plants, and distributed boiler systems provide the remaining thermal energy needs� The boilers and Fuel Cell account for the majority of Medical Center on-site GHG emissions� The Medical Center currently has no on-site renewable energy installations� As the Medical Center does not

have a CHP turbine, natural gas combustion levels are currently below the threshold for CARB Cap and Trade participation�

Off-Campus PropertiesOther off-site UCI properties including the Santa Ana Community Clinic and the Anaheim Community Clinic, rely on purchased electricity and small scale natural gas combustion to meet energy needs� The Anza Borrego Desert Research Center supplements grid electricity with a solar array which provides approximately 13 percent of the Center’s power needs� Emissions from operations at these off-campus facilities are included in UCI’s CAP and annual emissions inventories�

UCI Medical Center Energy Infrastructure

Central Steam Plant

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Pump 2 Plug is an incentive program designed to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles by UCI faculty and staff�

GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS


CharacteristicsUCI compiles annual GHG emission inventories con-sistent with The Climate Registry (TCR) protocols� UCI tracks emissions for the six classes of greenhouse gases identified in the Kyoto Protocol as contributors to climate change� Table 1 lists each class of GHG with its global warming potential� Reporting protocols characterize GHG emissions by source within three Scopes as described in Table 2� UCI GHG emission inventories undergo third-party veri-fication and are publicly reported through TCR, Second Nature, and UC Regents� Certain Scope 1 emissions are also reported to U�S� EPA and CARB in compliance with federal and state requirements� Projected GHG emissions resulting from major UCI build-ing projects are quantified and published as part of the environmental analysis conducted in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)� This includes characterization of construction and operational GHG emissions resulting from each project, determination of significance levels, and identification and monitoring of any project-level GHG mitigation measures� Following occupancy, emissions from building operations are mea-sured and reported through the annual CAP inventory and reporting process�The UC “Bending the Curve” report identified reduc-tion of short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs), which include methane, black carbon, hydrofluorocarbons,

and tropospheric ozone, as a strategy to make near-term gains against the climate warming curve while also pro-viding local air quality and health benefits� Methane and hydrofluorocarbons are Kyoto Protocol GHGs included in annual CAP reporting and monitoring, while black carbon (soot and particulates) and ozone are addressed in other air quality policy and regulation� Many CAP actions will also result in reduction in SLCPs including replacement of diesel combustion for UCI shuttle and fleet vehicles� CAP implementation decisions will consider the climate and local air quality benefits of SLCP reduction as part of cost/benefit analysis of project opportunities�

Table 1: Kyoto Greenhouse Gas and Warming Potential

GHG Class GWPCarbon Dioxide (CO2) 1Nitrous Oxide (N2O) 310Methane (CH4) 21Hydroflourocarbons (HFC’s) 150-11,700

Perfluorocarbons (PFC’s) 6,500-9,200Sulphur Hexaflouride (SF6) 23,900

Global Warming Potential is the ratio of the radiative forc-ing that would result from the emission of one kilogram of a GHG to that of one kilogram of carbon dioxide for a fixed period of time as established by the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Values are 100-year GWP values.

Table 2: Emissions by Scope

Emission Category SourceScope 1 (On-site emissions) • On-site combustion for energy production (central CHP plant, local boilers,

back-up generators) & fuel cell emissions• Operational GHG releases (GHG’s used in research & medical procedures, refrig-

eration, air conditioning systems)• Fugitive emissions (leaks in mechanical systems)• Fleet vehicles (service vehicles & shuttles)

Scope 2 (Off-site emissions) • Purchased electricity (emissions associated with generation & distribution)Scope 3 (Emissions outside of campus boundary)

• Faculty, staff, & student commuting• University funded air travel

4 GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS

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Emission Inventory and SourcesExhibit 1 characterizes calendar year 2015 emission sources for the Main Campus and Medical Center� In 2015, the Main Campus emitted a total of 124,750 MTCO2e and the Medical Center emitted a total of 32,800 MTCO2e� The majority of UCI GHG emissions (approximately 64 per-cent) at both the Main Campus and Medical Center result from facility energy use including on-site energy gener-ation and purchased electricity� Natural gas combustion at the CHP plant accounts for more than 90 percent of

Scope 1 and 2 emissions� Scope 3 emissions account for 36 percent of all emissions� Adjustments to Scope 3 data occurred in 2015 for both the Main Campus and Medical Center� Main campus com-muter data was adjusted as a result of more detailed UCI commuter transportation survey information on vehicle year, make, and model resulting in more accurate miles per gallon (mpg) data� Medical Center Scope 3 data has been adjusted as a result of recent commuter data collec-tion and analysis of baseline commuter data�

Exhibit 1 – GHG Emissions by Source (MTCO2e)

Stationary Combustion Fugitive Mobile (Fleet)

Purchased Electricity Air Travel Commuting

Scope 1 Scope 2 Scope 3

Total Scope 1 & 2: 79,915 MTCO2e Total Scope 1 & 2: 21,659 MTCO2e

7,47823%

14,181 43%

11,332 34%

71,555 58%

954 1%

2,118 2%

4,325 3%

33,924 27%

11,576 9%

Main Campus Medical Center


2020 Goal (1990 levels)

43,4002025 Climate

Neutrality Goal

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80,000

100,000

120,000

140,000

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Scope 1 & 2 BAU (2007) BAU (2015)

Exhibit 2 – Main Campus Emissions and Targets (Scope 1 and 2)

Forecasts and TrendsExhibits 2 and 3 describe baseline GHG emission levels, historic emission levels, and a forecast of future emissions for the Main Campus and Medical Center based on a busi-ness as usual (BAU) model� The BAU forecasts include an

estimate of emissions from future building growth and plug load growth, prior to applying any GHG reduction measures� Emissions are measured and reported in Metric Tons of CO2 Equivalent (MTCO2e) based on the IPCC global warming potential of each GHG�

2020 Goal (1990 Levels)

13,050

2025 Climate Neutrality

Goal

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Exhibit 3 – Medical Center Emissions and Targets (Scope 1 and 2)


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Table 3 – Main Campus Emissions Forecast and Reduction Targets (MTCO2e)

Reduction TargetsAs described in Table 3, the Main Campus will need to mitigate 58,658 MTCO2e to meet its 2020 goal (Scope 1, 2 and 3) and will need to mitigate 96,560 MTCO2e to

meet its 2025 climate neutrality goal (Scopes 1 and 2)� As described in Table 4, the Medical Center will need to mit-igate 21,448 MTCO2e to meet its 2020 goals (Scope 1, 2, and 3) and 29,219 MTCO2e to meet its 2025 goal (Scopes 1 and 2)�

2015 GHG Emissions

2020 BAU Forecast

2020 Emissions

Target 2025 BAU Forecast

2025 Emissions

Target

2050 BAU Forecast

Emissions

2050 Emissions

Target

Scope 1Fleet and Shuttle 2,118 2,328 1,152 2,559 0 4,107 0Stationary Combustion & Gases 73,472 80,762 39,947 88,775 0 142,466 0Scope 1 Total 75,590 83,090 41,098 91,334 0 146,572 0Scope 2Purchased Electricity 4,325 4,754 2,352 5,226 0 8,386 0Scope 1 & 2 Total 79,915 87,844 43,400 96,560 0 154,959 0Scope 3Commuting 11,576 12,725 13,943 13,987 11,619 22,446 0Air Travel 33,924 37,290 21,808 40,990 18,173 65,780 0Scope 3 Total 45,500 50,014 35,750 54,977 29,792 88,227 0Total Emissions 125,415 137,858 79,200 151,537 29,792 243,185 0

Table 4 – Medical Center Emissions Forecast and Annual Reduction Required (MTCO2e)

2015 GHG Emissions

2020 BAU Forecast

2020 Emissions

Target 2025 BAU Forecast

2025 Emissions

Target

2050 BAU Forecast

Emissions

2050 Emissions

Target

Scope 1Fleet and Shuttle 39 43 21 47 0 76 0Stationary Combustion & Gases 9,962 10,950 5,376 12,037 0 19,317 0Scope 1 Total 10,001 10,993 5,397 12,084 0 19,392 0Scope 2Purchased Electricity 14,181 15,588 7,653 17,135 0 27,498 0Scope 1 & 2 Total 24,182 26,581 13,050 29,219 0 46,890 0Scope 3Scope 3 Total 11,332 12,683 4,766 13,941 3,972 22,373 0Total Emissions 35,514 39,264 17,816 43,160 3,972 69,263 0


Challenges Achieving climate neutrality for the operations of a research university campus and academic Medical Center campus is a significant undertaking� UCI faces challenges and constraints based on the scale and characteristics of its GHG emissions sources, its existing energy systems, and anticipated facility and program growth�

Accelerated Timeline UCI is only four years from the 2020 milestone and only nine years from the 2025 climate neutrality target date yet implementation of large scale projects can typically take three or more years for design, approval, and con-struction� UCI will need to significantly increase its rate of carbon abatement measures to change the trajectory of projected annual GHG emissions, requiring an increase in 2-3 times the current rate of reduction to reach its 2025 neutrality goal�

Scope and Scale The scope of emission reductions required to achieve CAP goals poses significant challenges in implementing solutions that are scalable, economically viable, and result in substantive changes in emissions levels� Many viable GHG mitigation projects and initiatives result in only incremental reductions in overall campus emission levels at a time where large reductions in emission levels are required�

Campus Growth Characteristics UCI experienced significant program and facility growth at the campus and Medical Center during the past two decades� Since 2008, the Main Campus has added close to 2 million square feet of academic and residential space� Energy efficiency projects and green building practices have offset some GHG emission growth and reduced per square foot energy consumption by 10 percent during this period� UCI programs and facilities will continue to grow over the next decade to serve UCI’s strategic mis-sion, therefore the CAP must mitigate these additional growth-driven GHG emissions�

CHP Energy System The CHP system provides efficient and cost effective energy to the campus, but currently relies on the on-site combustion of fossil fuel (natural gas) as its energy source� Mitigating natural gas emissions is generally more complex and costly than mitigating other energy sources such as purchased electricity� As this is the largest source of UCI GHG emissions, mitigating CHP combustion is one of the greatest challenges to be addressed in the CAP�

Laboratory and Clinical Facility Energy Demand Modern research laboratories (which make up a large percentage of existing space and future space growth), consume significant amounts of energy relative to other building types� Similarly, state-of-the-art patient care facilities have significant energy demands� Both types of facilities have long hours of operation and critical func-tions that cannot be interrupted� As a result, the CAP must account for the growth of energy needs related to these facilities and target measures that recognize and respect the critical functions that occur in these facilities�

Funding Availability The amount and source of funding required for CAP implementation is a fundamental issue� As a public Uni-versity there are limited funding sources and competing demands� Funding constraints and dynamic economic variables such as utility prices, carbon pricing, and project costs will affect the feasibility of proposed CAP actions�

Medical Center Redevelopment Program The Medical Center has experienced significant program and facility growth through redevelopment following the 1990 baseline year as a result of the completion of Douglas Hospital and research laboratory facilities, but a significant amount of remaining building space still consists of aging facilities identified for removal and replacement� These older facilities generally have ineffi-cient energy systems and building elements� Uncertainty regarding the remaining useful life of these buildings complicates decisions regarding investment in energy efficiency projects� As energy efficiency is a keystone ele-ment of UCI ‘s CAP, implementation must address Medical Center energy efficiency to be successful�


22Crews install solar arrays on the Student Center parking structure�

STRATEGY


Engage all sectors of the UC Irvine community in the pursuit of University of California climate protection goalsUCI’s climate protection challenges are significant and UCI GHG emission sources span all UCI teaching, research, residential, and health care functions� Climate neutrality will require deep and lasting cultural, behavioral, and operational changes that touch all sectors of the UCI community�

VisionUCI will operate at net-zero greenhouse gas emissions through the responsible stewardship of resources, demonstrating leadership in sustainable operations and practices, and serving as a living laboratory for sustainability, contributing to the research and educational mission of the University�

Supporting Principles

5 STRATEGY

Balance environmental and financial stewardship by investing in GHG mitigation actions that provide long term valueThe scope of UCI’s GHG reduction commitment will require investment in a large portfolio of programs, projects, and measures that result in enduring changes in energy use, energy sources, and emission levels� Investment decisions should focus on long term value to achieve lasting emission reductions and financial sustainability�

Focus on actions that demonstrate strong leadership and support University of California’s mission and valuesAs a public research university, UCI’s climate protection strategy should demonstrate leadership in addressing the challenge of global climate change to the on-and off-cam-pus community that UCI serves� CAP actions should support UC’s teaching, research, and public service mission and be consistent with UC’s values�

24

CAP implementation will employ a multi-tiered portfolio approach that prioritizes actions that add value and result in long term emissions reductions� The scale of UCI’s cli-mate protection goals requires both local on-site actions and off-site actions implemented through UC-wide efforts or in collaboration with community partners� As UC’s goal is to continue climate-neutral operations from 2025 forward, UCI’s strategy will require a managed portfolio of emission reduction measures that will be monitored and adjusted annually�

PLAN low carbon growth

REPLACE fossil fuel energy with low-carbon energy

MITIGATE remaining emissions with mission-consistent measures

REDUCE energy demand

MONITOR progress and adopt new opportunities

PlanThe first tier in UCI’s carbon abate-ment strategy is sustainable planning and design to establish the frame-work and systems to support low carbon growth and long term carbon-neutral operations� Land use planning, utility systems plan-ning, transportation planning, and building design must be guided by sustainability principles to minimize fossil fuel-based energy demands� These principles include account-ing for building and energy system life-cycle costs and carbon mitigation costs in all facility and infrastructure decisions�

Reduce The next tier involves reducing energy demand through investment in deep energy efficiency, targeting both stationary and mobile (fleet) energy consumption� Energy effi-ciency provides long term value through annual energy cost savings, avoided carbon mitigation costs, and may have the added benefit of facil-ity renewal and improvement�

ReplaceThe third tier in UCI’s strategy is replacement of fossil fuel-based energy sources with renewable and GHG-free energy sources� This will require both on-site and off-site measures including deployment of on-site renewable energy sys-tems (e�g� solar or solar thermal), procurement of renewable and GHG-free electricity, procurement of biomethane to replace natural gas combustion, and conversion of shut-tle and fleet vehicles to GHG-free fuel sources�


CARBON NEUTRALITY CHARRETTEIn the spring of 2016, UCI hosted the Carbon Neutrality Charrette with students, faculty, staff and campus leader-ship as part of the CAP scoping process to provide input and advice on UCI’s CAP strategy� Outcomes of the char-rette included envisioning what a carbon neutral campus would look like in 2025, discussing strategies to achieve

carbon neutrality and identifying the barriers and oppor-tunities for implementation�Full engagement and collaboration by the campus com-munity were recognized as fundamental steps toward carbon neutrality� Integration into academic curriculum, staff training, and identifying opportunities for opera-tions and research to collaborate were identified as steps toward broader campus engagement�

MitigateFollowing implementation of CAP carbon reduction and replacement actions, any remaining gap between annual GHG emission levels and emission targets will be offset through participation in off-site carbon abatement actions� Off-site actions that result in authentic GHG mitigation will have the same climate benefits as any on-campus CAP actions� This may include UC or UCI-cat-alyzed actions or third party actions supported by UCI that would result in development or procurement of mis-sion-consistent environmental attributes such as Carbon Offsets and Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)�

Monitor and Adapt In addition to currently viable carbon abatement mea-sures included in the CAP portfolio, future climate protection opportunities have been identified through the CAP scoping process, UCI/UC research programs including GCLC initiatives, and other sources� Emerging practices or technologies (listed in the Future Oppor-tunities section (Page 31) of this chapter) that are not currently feasible due to cost, scalability, or other factors, will be monitored as part of annual CAP review with the goal of adopting such measures as they become viable�

5 STRATEGY

Carbon Neutrality Charrette� Credit: David Phillips

26

Scope 1 and 2 Actions

Minimize Energy Use

Deep Energy Efficiency UCI has invested in deep energy efficiency programs (50 percent or greater energy savings) at the Main Campus over the past two decades, resulting in significant energy cost savings, GHG emission reductions, and facility renewal� Investments to date have occurred primarily through the California Statewide Energy Partnership (SEP) where $75 million has been invested since 2009 in projects with short to moderate financial payback peri-ods (eight years or less) which will result in up to 33,000 MTCO2e of GHG reductions� As laboratories account for 66 percent of campus GHG emissions, the UCI SmartLabs program is targeting laboratory energy use through deep energy efficiency programs�UCI can achieve further reductions by investing in addi-tional deep energy efficiency projects, some with longer financial payback periods (8+ years)� Ongoing assessment of energy efficiency opportunities by UCI energy staff and the UC 2014 Deep Energy Efficiency and Cogeneration Study, have identified significant opportunities for effi-ciency projects involving additional SmartLab, lighting, and HVAC improvements� The Medical Center has yet to undergo significant invest-ment in energy efficiency; therefore, provides many opportunities for deep efficiency projects in adminis-trative, academic, research and clinical space� Projects totaling 1,300 MTCO2e of GHG reductions have been identified to date, but significant additional investment opportunities remain� Overall, it is estimated that the campus and Medical Center can achieve further reductions of approximately 15 percent in energy-related (Scope 1 and 2) emissions through investment in deep energy efficiency projects�

Energy Conservation (Behavior and Business Practices)It is estimated that behavioral energy conservation pro-grams have the potential to reduce emissions by as much as 5 percent� Since 2013 UCI has implemented a wide range of energy conservation outreach and engagement efforts for students, faculty and staff� The most visible outreach effort was the Cool Campus Challenge in the

fall of 2015� The challenge among all 10 UC campuses resulted in more than 19,000 pledges towards individual energy conservation� UCI won the challenge with the most pledges of any UC campus� Additional campuswide engagement and outreach efforts will be required to achieve the 5 percent energy savings target� Future energy conservation efforts include the Student Housing Sustainability Program’s multifaceted outreach and engagement campaign aimed at student residents to increase sustainability literacy and support behavior change to reduce waste, water, and energy use� This cam-paign will also provide training of residential life student staff to facilitate outreach and education�In addition, UCI has launched a Green Labs program which will provide tools for research labs to pursue sus-tainable practices including energy efficiency� UCI Green Labs behavioral energy conservation program will work in concert with the UCI SmartLabs energy efficiency pro-gram to jointly address laboratory energy use�

Green Building Growth in energy demand from new buildings poses a significant challenge in achieving a net-zero emission campus� Green building systems that include deep energy efficiency can achieve energy savings of 30 to 50 percent below California’s Green Building Code, signifi-cantly reducing the rate of emissions growth from new building space� In support of the CAP, UCI will establish a goal that all new buildings will beat California Energy code (Title 24) by an average of 50%� The UC Sustainable Practices Policy requires all new buildings to be certified by the U�S� Green Building Council to LEED Silver� Since 2007, UCI has completed more than 2�5 million square feet of LEED certified green building space� With 14 LEED Platinum and 10 LEED Gold rated buildings the Main Campus has reduced emissions growth by approximately 2,300 MTCO2e annually� Based on projected future building growth the campus can fur-ther reduce growth-based emissions by 4,535 MTCO2e by 2025�

Optimize Campus Microgrid Performance and Carbon EfficiencyThe Main Campus is currently pursuing a number of proj-ects that improve the distribution and efficiency of the UCI microgrid, the electrical generation and distribution


system that serves the campus� UCI’s existing energy systems are highly efficient, utilizing high performance power generation and large scale energy storage sys-tems, but a number of collaborative research projects involving UCI’s Advanced Power and Energy Program (APEP) and UCI energy staff are investigating improved microgrid efficiency, additional energy storage opportu-nities, and the integration of additional renewable energy systems within the microgrid� As an example, the Step 4 Electrical Improvement Project (to be completed in 2017) will improve the efficiency of electrical distribution sys-tems to the academic core� It is estimated that ongoing improvements could increase the efficiency of the overall microgrid by 2 percent resulting in an estimated reduc-tion of 750 MTCO2e by 2025�The Medical Center is currently upgrading aging energy plants and electrical distribution systems with two new high efficiency chiller plants to be completed in 2017� Efficiencies gained through the new chiller plants and improved electrical distribution system are projected to reduce GHG emissions by more than 2,200 MTCO2e annually�

Electrification of Distributed Thermal SystemsUtilization of high efficiency electric systems for heating and cooling provides an opportunity to replace or avoid

natural gas combustion for certain thermal systems� Existing UCI opportunities are limited to distributed generation for new facilities that are not connected to UCI’s central CHP system� As described in the Future Opportunities section of this chapter (Page 31), larger scale electrification of campus thermal energy systems is identified as a long term (post 2030) opportunity for replacement of natural gas combustion systems� The future satellite chiller plant planned in the Health Sciences Quad provides an opportunity to develop an all-electric low-carbon chiller plant to augment the capacity of central campus thermal systems

Deploy on-site renewables

SolarUCI has installed 4�2 megawatts of solar power on campus� This includes solar power arrays installed on four parking structures that generate 3�2 megawatts of power resulting in emission reductions of 1,500 MTCO2e annually� In addition, recently completed building proj-ects, Continuing Education Classroom Building and Mesa Court Expansion, include rooftop solar arrays bringing the total number of rooftop solar arrays to 13�

STRATEGY

Newkirk Alumni Center is certified LEED Platinum for New Construction

GREEN BUILDINGTwenty-four buildings at UC Irvine carry U�S� Green Build-ing Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for new construction (LEED

NC)� The campus has fourteen LEED NC Platinum and ten LEED NC Gold awards, among the most LEED Platinum and Gold buildings at any U�S� college campus�

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The campus will continue to expand solar power installa-tions to the extent feasible within the campus microgrid and State energy regulatory framework� It is estimated that a minimum of 8 MW of solar generation can be added to the campus microgrid by 2025 through addi-tional parking structure arrays and solar canopies over the Medical Sciences Building Complex and Crawford Hall facilities, resulting in a reduction of approximately 3,707 MTCO2e annually� An additional a 4�2 MW ground-mounted solar array has been proposed for the UCI north campus landfill site as part of a joint renewable energy/habitat system research project� The renewable energy from the landfill solar array could serve multiple campus or Medical Center facilities and result in GHG reductions of 2,000 MTCO2e annually� The campus will continue to explore additional opportunities for on-site deployment of solar energy by expanding the capacity of the campus microgrid to accommodate solar energy production� It is estimated that 1 MW of on-site solar energy could be installed at the Medical Center on parking structure, roof-top, and surface parking lot canopy installations� These projects have the potential to reduce GHG emissions by 300 MTCO2e annually�

Solar ThermalOn-site solar thermal systems, producing hot water from solar energy, have been deployed in the recently com-pleted Mesa Court Expansion student housing project� Similar opportunities exist for future buildings where distributed thermal energy generation is feasible� Solar thermal system installation on existing campus facilities is more challenging, but will continue to be evaluated for facilities such as student housing, recreation, and athlet-ics facilities that have significant on-site water heating demands�

Off-site Renewable Energy

Purchased Electricity Mix In 2014 UC became a registered Electric Service Pro-vider (ESP) enabling the UC system to directly manage the percentage of GHG-free energy provided in its pur-chased electricity supply� The Main Campus and Medical Center have direct access accounts, allowing access to UC ESP-provided electricity� ESP electricity is currently 25 percent GHG-free, greener than the current California grid mix of 20 percent� ESP electricity is projected to reach

100 percent GHG-free levels prior to 2020, resulting in a reduction of 3,240 MTCO2e annually at the Main Campus and 8,965 MTCO2e at the Medical Center by 2025�

Biomethane Procurement Natural gas combustion in UCI’s CHP plant accounts for 92 percent of UCI’s energy-based (Scope 1 and 2) GHG emissions� Switching to renewable fuel through the use of biomethane, provides a significant opportunity to reduce UCI’s GHG emissions� Due to the processes involved in biomethane production (landfill gas capture, biodigestion systems using sewage or agricultural bio-mass) procurement of biomethane produced off-site and “nominated” to UCI (through acquisition of the environ-mental attributes) is the most likely method for procuring large quantities of biomethane� UC’s ESU is currently investing in the development of biomethane sources throughout the U�S� Two projects currently in development through the ESU would provide UCI with nominated biomethane to reduce natural gas combustion by 11 percent (9,600 MTCO2e) and UCI will rely on additional ESU projects to met a goal of replacing natural gas combustion emissions by 25 percent by 2025, a reduction of 17,890 MTCO2e per year�

Optimize Efficiency of Shuttle and Fleet The campus fleet and shuttle bus operation (Anteater Express) account for 2 percent of Scope 1 emissions (2,118 MTCO2e per year)� Anteater Express currently utilizes a fleet of diesel buses that travel 480,000 miles per year (emitting approximately 1,100 MTCO2e)� In a partnership with the California Energy Commission Anteater Express also uses a hydrogen fuel cell bus as a demonstration project supporting research into alter-native fuels� UCI is moving forward to replace its diesel bus fleet with an all-electric fleet, reducing annual GHG emissions by approximately 480 MTCO2e� Fleet service vehicles account for approximately 1,000 MTCO2e of GHG emissions, relying primarily on gasoline� In 2013 the UCI Fleet Conversion Working Group (FCWG) developed recommendations to right-size support vehicles and tran-sition to low or zero emission vehicles� UCI will continue to replace its fleet with low-emission alternatives with the goal of replacing 100% of the fleet by 2025�


Carbon Offset MeasuresIn addition to on-campus actions, achievement of CAP goals will require that UCI participate in off-site carbon abatement actions� This may include UC or UCI-catalyzed actions or third-party actions supported by UCI that result in authentic carbon mitigation� These actions may result in local carbon offsets or environmental attributes such as tradable Carbon Offsets or Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)� Consistent with CAP principles, any environmen-tal attributes developed or acquired as part of UCI’s CAP portfolio must result from projects that support UCI’s mission and values and must be “additional” (i�e� GHG reduction measures that would not otherwise have been undertaken)� Examples of projects that produce envi-ronmental attributes include off-site renewable energy projects, destruction of ozone depleting substances and forestry programs� This may include actions on-campus, in the local community, or global efforts� As environ-mental attributes will be used to fill the gap between annual GHG emission levels and CAP targets for a given year, acquisition and retirement of these attributes will be an ongoing part of CAP portfolio management and monitoring�

Regulatory Compliant OffsetsAs a participant in the CARB Cap and Trade program, UCI can meet up to 8 percent of its annual compliance obli-gation through the purchase of CARB compliant carbon offsets with the remainder of the campus’ obligation met through CARB allowances� For 2015 compliance, UCI used

5,500 MTCO2e CARB approved carbon offsets and the CAP assumes that UCI will continue to offset 8 percent of its Cap and Trade compliance obligation through the acqui-sition and retirement of CARB compliant offsets�

Voluntary Offsets In addition to CARB-compliant carbon offsets, non-regu-latory “voluntary” carbon offsets are used by public and private entities for compliance with voluntary carbon commitments� These voluntary offsets are certified and tracked through third-party entities and are derived from a range of carbon mitigation projects� Recognizing that voluntary carbon offsets will be required to meet both 2020 and 2025 emission targets, representatives from each UC campus and the ESU have formed the Carbon Abatement Technical Group (CATG)� The CATG will develop principles that will guide a collective approach to the purchase of credible offsets� UCI will follow the principles developed by the CATG and will utilize credible carbon offsets that have been verified and meet recog-nized standards such as the Climate Action Reserve (CAR)�

Renewable Energy Credits (RECs)RECs are tradeable energy commodities that confirm that 1 megawatt-hour of renewable electricity was generated and fed into the electric grid for consumption� All renew-able energy produced off-site through UC-catalyzed solar energy projects will utilize RECs as a part of the energy transaction process for GHG-free electricity credited to UCI and other UC campuses�

5 STRATEGY

FIVE POINTS SOLAR PROJECTFive Points Solar Park is a 60-megawatt solar power instal-lation built to supply renewable energy to the University of California� The power supplied by the new solar farm represents roughly 14 percent of the total UC system’s electricity usage� In addition to helping the university reach its goal under the Carbon Neutrality Initiative, new solar power installa-tions will provide research and education opportunities for UC faculty, students and staff� Five Points Solar Project� Credit: David Phillips

30

Scope 3 Actions Transportation Demand Management (TDM)GHG emissions from commuting students, faculty, and staff account for approximately 9 percent of UCI GHG emissions� UCI has implemented a robust TDM program using land use policy, parking policy, incentives, transit opportunities, and other programs and infrastructure to reduce commuter vehicle miles� In addition to TDM-based GHG reductions, market changes and regulatory

requirements in vehicle technology, fuel types, and fuel efficiency will reduce commuter emissions�UCI will continue to develop on-campus housing in order to limit emissions associated with commuting� Currently UCI provides housing for approximately 45 percent of its student population and approximately 65 percent of faculty� While land use policy, transportation policy and other TDM measures will limit the growth of Scope 3 com-muter emissions, carbon offsets or other GHG abatement

TDM PROGRAMSUCI’s TDM measures implemented since 2007 have resulted in an average vehicle ridership per vehicle of 1�94, the highest of any large employer in Orange, LA, and Riverside Counties� Key actions include:• UCI shuttle system ridership of 2�2 million passengers

per year (2015)• “University Pass” transit program for unlimited OCTA

bus ridership and coordination OCTA of routes • Rebate on commuter train passes • Incentivized Vanpool, carpool, ridesharing programs • Zipcar car sharing program with 6,000 on campus

members

• Bicycle programs including “ZotWheels” the first bike sharing system in the region, installation of more than 3,000 bike racks, and significant investment in bikeway infrastructure�

• Collaboration with community transit services includ-ing Irvine i-shuttle, OCTA bus programs�

As part of the TDM program UCI supports the growing adoption of zero-emission and plug-in hybrid vehicles by providing electric vehicle (EV) charging stations on campus� Since 2011 UCI has installed 108 EV charging ports and is further incentivizing adoption of electric vehicles by offering an incentive program called Pump 2 Plug� The program offers complimentary Level 1 charging for up to three years for faculty and staff that purchase all-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids�

In June 2016, more than 300 bike parking spaces, skate docks and repair stands were installed at the new Bike Park-ing Center near Engineering Tower�


measures will be required to achieve UCI’s Scope 3 emis-sion reduction goals�Potential State regulatory changes may affect UCI report-ing and mitigation of commuter GHG emissions during the 10 year CAP planning horizon� This may include an “at the pump” carbon tax to abate mobile carbon emis-sions which would change the reporting of commuter GHG emissions and UCI-developed carbon reduction programs�

Reduce and Offset Air Travel MilesUniversity sponsored air travel accounts for 20 percent of UCI emissions� While air travel is thought of as an unavoidable and integral part of higher education, logis-tic and behavioral changes that reduce air travel demand provide opportunities for emission savings� Carbon offset programs targeted for air travelers provide additional opportunity�As a substantial amount of University air travel is funded through research sponsors, it is possible that these spon-sors will assume responsibility to fund carbon offsets for sponsored air travel during the CAP planning horizon�

Future Opportunities In addition to actions currently identified for CAP imple-mentation, there are a range of measures that provide GHG mitigation opportunities that are not currently feasi-ble to implement for the CAP 2020 or 2025 horizon years� This includes emerging technologies being developed through UC/UCI research programs that could feed into future CAP projects when developed and available tech-nologies that are not technically or economically feasible at this time� These measures will be monitored as part of CAP implementation and adopted as part of the CAP portfolio as feasible�

Renewable HydrogenUCI APEP is currently piloting an on-campus Power-to-Gas (P2G) demonstration project focused on producing renewable hydrogen through an electrolyzer as a way of addressing the time-of-production challenge with renew-able energy systems that are otherwise-curtailed due to lack of demand at certain production times� Renewable hydrogen produced with otherwise curtailed renew-able energy systems can be fed directly into natural gas

combustion systems such as UCI’s CHP plant or stored as renewable energy within the natural gas grid�

Energy StorageDue to the disparity between renewable energy time-of-production and energy time-of-demand, energy storage technologies may play a key role in reaching carbon neutrality� In addition to existing on-campus energy storage systems which include a large scale thermal energy storage water tank and multiple battery storage pilot projects, emerging technologies in hydro-gen storage, battery technology, water/gravity storage, thermal storage, and compressed gas are examples of potential solutions to the time of production challenge� Additional opportunities for energy storage from other-wise curtailed renewable energy include fluid storage, such as molten-salt systems and compressed air systems with heat capture�

Wind TurbinesFeasibility of utility scale wind turbines on the campus is limited by available wind and suitable land area� Smaller scale vertical wind turbines installed on building rooftops provide a possible strategy that would result in an esti-mated 2,000 MTCO2e annual reduction�

BiomassBiomass, including wood and other organic materials, provides a renewable alternative to fossil fuels� Scalable solutions for on-site energy production with biomass would require procurement, storage and handling of large quantities of biomass materials� Participation in off-site energy production using appropriately managed biomass supplies such as forestry provides a scalable opportunity that will continue to be evaluated�

SequestrationCapture and long-term storage of carbon to prevent release into the atmosphere or oceans provide scalable opportunities, but will require advances in technologies and metrics prior to application� Opportunities include sequestration in biomass through biochar, organic mulch or other materials applied to soil or grasslands, and urban and natural area forestry projects� Other research in the capture and long term storage of carbon emis-sions include technologies for concentrating CO2 within

5 STRATEGY

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captured carbon emissions� UCI will continue to explore sequestration opportunities for on-site and off-site sequestration project participation�

Carbon Emission Capture from Fossil Fuel Combustion UCI researchers have developed a concept and are pursuing funding in collaboration with UC San Diego to demonstrate “at-scale carbon sequestration” using a molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC)� The MCFC concept would separate and capture carbon dioxide from the emissions of natural gas-powered energy plants as the fuel cell produces additional zero emissions power� The concept is scalable to the most popular existing power plants that are used around the world today and could be widely deployed to capture carbon dioxide with-out the efficiency penalty of traditional carbon capture approaches�

De-Tuning UCI CHP System UCI researchers are studying methods to install a smaller co-generator at the UCI Central Plant combined with additional thermal energy storage, If feasible this system would provide greater efficiencies and support the deployment of additional on-campus solar energy to the UCI microgrid�

Electrification of Campuswide Thermal Systems Electrification, or “returning to the grid” is a possible long term alternative to fossil fuel combustion� One electri-fication option would entail replacing the CHP plant with purchased electricity, electric chillers with heat recovery to provide thermal energy, and large energy storage capacity� Such a system could result in signifi-cant reductions in Scope 1 GHG emissions, but replacing the existing CHP system and campuswide piping and building systems would be prohibitively expensive and disruptive, particularly since the existing CHP system is in excellent condition with a long useful life and significant unamortized debt� Electrification should continue to be examined as a possible long term (post 2030) strategy� Heat pumps which utilize thermal energy from the earth, provide an opportunity for low carbon thermal energy that can be combined with electrification options�

Other Emerging Technologies These measures and additional emerging technologies will be monitored as part of UCI’s annual CAP monitor-ing program with the goal of adopting opportunities that become viable� This includes UCI’s continuing com-mitment to collaborative research and pilot projects involving UCI faculty researchers, UCI campus systems, and UCI staff�

POWER-TO-GAS (P2G) DEMONSTRATION The Power-to-Gas (P2G) project run by UCI’s Advanced Power and Energy Program is a first-of-its-kind project in the U�S� The P2G project converts excess solar power generated by UCI solar PV systems into renewable hydro-gen, which is then blended with natural gas and fed to the campus’s CHP plant where it is used to produce car-bon-free heat and electricity� The project involves direct collaboration among UCI staff, faculty and students and will allow the team to conduct more extensive research into the opportunities to use P2G as a storage medium for the power derived from the increased use of solar and wind power in utility grid networks throughout the world�


Main Campus Key Actions Table 5 details the key actions and estimated reductions to meet the 2020 Scope 1 and 2 emissions target (43,450 MTCO2e)� Through this portfolio of strategies the Main Campus estimates a 26 percent reduction will be realized through reducing energy use� An additional 26 percent of

required reductions will be met through the replacement of carbon based energy sources with clean and renew-able sources� The remaining reductions (44 percent) will be met through mission-consistent offsets� Scope 3 emis-sions that are not mitigated through TDM measures will need to be mitigated through the purchase of offsets�

5 STRATEGY

Table 5 - 2020 Main Campus Actions

Percent Reduction

Annual GHG

Reduction (MTCO2e)

Scope 1 & 2 ActionsMinimize Energy UseDeep Energy Efficiency Implement all feasible deep energy efficiency projects 16% 6,900 Energy Conservation Broaden and strengthen energy conservation through behavior and

business practices 6% 2,555

Green Building Construct planned facilities at LEED Gold or Platinum level (50 per-cent reduction goal) 4% 1,920

Optimize Campus MicrogridOptimize CoGen and Distribut-ed Generation

Implement microgrid projects (efficiency, energy storage, integration of renewable energy) 2% 750

Deploy On-Site Renewable EnergySolar Implement second phase parking structure solar arrays (3 MW) 3% 1,390 Off Site Renewable EnergyPurchased Electricity Mix Purchase 100 percent GHG-free electricity 7% 3,240 BiomethaneProcure Biomethane Procure biomethane to replace 10 percent of Central Plant emissions 16% 7,155 Optimize Efficiency of Shuttle and FleetOptimize Fleet Implement fuel switching for half of existing fleet operations and

convert 20 diesel buses to EV 2% 980

Carbon Offset MeasuresCARB Compliant Offsets Maximize CARB compliant offsets through Cap and Trade Program 13% 5,870 Voluntary Offsets Catalyze or procure mission-consistent offsets for remaining Scope 1

and 2 emissions 31% 13,634

Total Annual GHG Reduction 44,394 Scope 3 ActionsTransportation Demand Man-agement

Implement TDM programs 11% 1,500

Voluntary Offsets Secure mission-consistent offsets for remaining Scope 3 emissions 89% 12,764 Total Annual GHG Reduction 14,264

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Table 6 details the actions and estimated reductions for 2025� Deep energy efficiency is expected to account for 15 percent of total reductions required, while energy con-servation and green building will account for more than 11 percent� By participating in ESU renewable energy

procurement and securing biomethane to accommodate the equivalent of 25 percent of the Central Plant emis-sions, the Main Campus can further reduce emissions by 19 percent� Remaining emissions will be mitigated through the procurement of mission-consistent offsets�

Table 6 - 2025 Main Campus Actions

Percent Reduction

Annual GHG

Reduction (MTCO2e)

Scope 1 & 2 ActionsMinimize Energy UseDeep Energy Efficiency Implement all feasible energy efficiency projects 15% 14,450Energy Conservation Broaden and strengthen energy conservation through behavior and



Deploy On-Site Renewable EnergySolar Implement rooftop solar canopies (5 MW) 2% 2,317Off Site Renewable EnergyPurchased Electricity Mix Purchase 100 percent GHG-free electricity 3% 3,270BiomethaneProcure Biomethane Procure biomethane to replace 25 percent of Central Plant emissions 19% 17,890Fuel Switching Implement fuel switching for 100% of existing fleet operations 2% 1,480 Environmental AttributesCARB Compliant Offsets Maximize CARB compliant offsets through Cap and Trade Program 6% 5,870 Voluntary Offsets Catalyze or procure mission-consistent offsets for remaining Scope 1

and 2 emissions 40% 49,003

Annual GHG Reduction 96,560

COOL CAMPUS CHALLENGEIn October 2015, the University of California launched the Cool Campus Challenge, aimed at engaging the campus community in the Carbon Neutrality Initiative and kick-start a cultural change around sustainability� More than 19,000 University of California students, faculty and staff came together to take action against climate change� The challenge included 37 different pledges, targeting actions anyone can take on a daily basis to reduce their energy and carbon footprint from lighting, computer use, purchasing, heating and cooling, and transportation�

Students pledge to reduce their carbon foot-print at the Cool Campus Challenge kick off event held at Middle Earth�


Minimize Energy UseDeep Energy E�ciencyEnergy ConservationGreen Building

Optimize Microgrid On Site Renewable Energy

Biomethane Procurement O� Site Renewable Energy

Optimize Fleet Carbon O�sets

Scope 1 & 2 BAU Forecast

MTC

O2e 2020 Goal

(1990 levels)43,400 MTCO2e

2025 Carbon

Neutrality Goal

0

10,000

20,000

30,000

40,000

50,000

60,000

70,000

80,000

90,000

100,000

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025

Exhibit 4 - Main Campus Emissions Reduction Strategy (Scope 1 and 2)

Exhibit 4 shows 2020 and 2025 actions and estimated reductions based on historical emissions data and 2025 BAU forecast.

5 STRATEGY

36

Medical Center Key Actions Table 7 illustrates the key actions required by the Medical Center to reach the 2020 emissions target� The Medical Center will need to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 13,530 MTCO2e�Medical Center staff have identified nearly 3,000 MTCO2e reductions in energy efficiency, green building, and energy conservation actions by 2020� The potential for additional savings is estimated to be much higher� A planned energy audit at the Medical Center will identify additional energy efficiency projects� The replacement of aging thermal systems with two new chiller plants in 2018 is estimated to save 2,248 MTCO2e of natural gas emissions� Due to the urban setting of the Medical Center, locations for on-site renewable energy are lim-ited, however a photovoltaic canopy can be added to the

existing parking structure which would result in a 252 MTCO2e reduction� ESU purchased GHG-free electricity will further reduce Scope 2 emissions by 6,650 MTCO2e by 2020� Procurement of biomethane will replace natural gas use in the 1�4 MW Fuel Cell system� Scope 3 emissions not addressed through TDM will need to be mitigated through the purchase of offsets�Table 8 (Page 37) illustrates key actions required to achieve carbon neutrality for the Medical Center by 2025� Approximately 29,000 MTCO2e will need to be reduced, replaced, or offset� In addition to the actions outlined for 2016-2020 timeframe, a combination of energy efficiency projects, on-site renewable energy projects, fuel switch-ing, and carbon offset procurement will be required�

Table 7 - 2020 Medical Center Actions

Percent Reduction

Annual GHG

Reduction (MTCO2e)

Scope 1 & 2 ActionsMinimize Energy UseDeep Energy Efficiency Implement all feasible energy efficiency projects 10% 1,300 Energy Conservation Broaden and strengthen energy conservation through behavior and


Green Building Construct planned facilities at LEED Gold or Platinum level (50 per-cent reduction goal) 4% 580

Optimize Energy DistributionCentral Plant Expansion OSHPD Central Plant Expansion 10% 1,360 Central Plant Construction Non OSHPD Central Plant Construction 7% 890 Deploy On-Site Renewable Energy

Solar Parking Structure Solar Array 2% 250 Off Site Renewable EnergyPurchased Electricity Mix Purchase 100 percent GHG-free electricity 48% 6,650 BiomethaneProcure Biomethane Procure biomethane to replace 20 percent of Central Plant and fuel

cell emissions 11% 1,500

Total Annual GHG Reduction 13,530Scope 3 ActionsTransportation Demand Man-agement

Implement TDM programs 19% 1,500

Voluntary Offsets Secure mission-consistent offsets for remaining Scope 3 emissions 81% 6,417 Total Annual GHG Reduction 7,917


Percent Reduction

Annual GHG

Reduction (MTCO2e)

Scope 1 & 2 ActionsMinimize Energy UseDeep Energy Efficiency Implement all feasible energy efficiency projects 10% 2,800

Energy Conservation Broaden and strengthen energy conservation through behavior and business practices 6% 1,845


Deploy On-Site Renewable EnergySolar Implement 200 Manchester Solar Project 1% 50 Off-Site Renewable EnergyPurchased Electricity Mix Purchase 100 percent GHG-free electricity 31% 8,965 Solar Landfill Solar Energy Research Project 7% 2,025 BiomethaneProcure Biomethane Procure biomethane to replace 25 percent of Central Plant and fuel

cell emissions 6% 1,875

Environmental Attributes

Voluntary Offsets Catalyze or procure mission-consistent offsets for remaining Scope 1 and 2 emissions 29% 8,409

Annual GHG Reduction 29,219

Table 8 - 2025 Medical Center Actions

Minimize Energy UseDeep Energy E�ciencyEnergy ConservationGreen Building

Optimize Microgrid On Site Renewable Energy Biomethane Procurement O� Site Renewable Energy Carbon O�sets Scope 1 & 2 BAU Forecast

2020 Goal(1990 Levels)

13,050 MTCO2e

2025 Carbon Neutrality Goal

-

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

30,000

35,000

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025

MTC

Oe

Exhibit 5 - Medical Center Emissions Reduction Strategy (Scope 1 and 2)

Exhibit 5 shows 2020 and 2025 actions and estimated reductions based on historical emissions data and 2025 BAU forecast.

5 STRATEGY

38

Engineering Hall on the Main Campus, holds a LEED Platinum certification for new construction�

IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING


ImplementationCAP implementation and funding decisions will follow the principles identified in the CAP vision statement: • Balance environmental and financial stewardship by

investing in actions that provide long term value• Demonstrate leadership and support UC’s mission

and values • Engage all sectors of the UCI community to achieve

UC climate protection goals

Implementation and funding of CAP actions fall into five general categories:

1� Investment in Green Building and Energy Systems Long term investment in sustainable land planning, green building systems, and energy efficiency provide long term value and long term cost savings� Green building features are typically funded though capital budgets and project budget decisions should be driven by analysis of lifecycle costs and carbon savings� Deep energy efficiency projects will be funded through SEP and other incentive programs to provide low-interest financing with payback through energy cost savings�

2� Energy Procurement GHG-free energy procurement decisions by the ESP and campus will seek the best value for UCI� This may include energy procured from the grid, through power pur-chase agreements (e�g� on-site and off-site solar energy systems) or other energy transactions� Although the

efficiencies and economies of UC systemwide energy pro-curement will provide significant value to UCI, procuring certain green energy types will have cost premiums�

3� Development or Procurement of Carbon Offset Measures

UCI’s CAP portfolio will require the funding and pro-curement of carbon offset measures such as carbon offsets, RECs, or other instruments� These measures may be developed through local or remote UCI-catalyzed projects or through third-party developed projects� CAP management and monitoring will ensure that these instruments meet UCI’s mission and values�

4� Campuswide Engagement Full engagement of the campus community will involve programs and initiatives spanning many functional areas across the campus and medical center focusing on practices, behaviors, and equipment and commodity pur-chasing� Foreseeable initiatives include Student Housing outreach programs, faculty and staff outreach programs, UCI Green Labs and green office programs�

5� Asset Replacement and Facility RenewalReplacement of existing assets with low-carbon alterna-tives will be a key part of CAP implementation as building systems, laboratory equipment, fleet vehicles and other assets require renewal and replacement, life cycle cost analysis and carbon avoidance should be key decision factors�

6 IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING

40

Monitoring The CAP will be implemented using an adaptive manage-ment approach that relies on annual monitoring�• The progress of CAP implementation is tracked

through annual inventory and reporting of GHG levels by source� Measured annual emissions are compared against forecasted BAU emissions and predicted emission reductions from completed miti-gation measures to track progress�

• CAP actions are reviewed by the campus Climate Planning Work Group, campus Energy Team, and other staff on a semi-annual basis for the purpose of updating project information, adding, or removing proposed projects�

• Emerging technologies and other project opportuni-ties are assessed each year to determine if new CAP actions should be adopted�

• Metrics collected as part of the monitoring process will be used to update and calibrate the CAP� Updated information resulting from this adaptive manage-ment process is reflected in CAP updates that are completed every 2 years as required by University sustainability policy�

Climate Resilience and AdaptationIn addition to implementing actions to abate GHG emissions, UCI will need to establish the resiliency to withstand climate change-induced disruption to its facil-ities, systems, and community to mitigate the impacts of climate change� This will require actions at the campus and Medical Center that develop the capacity to antic-ipate, adapt, and continue to thrive in the face of these changes�UCI’s teaching, research, and health care mission are critical to the community that it serves� The campus and Medical Center must monitor changes in the external environment and develop the adaptive capacity to avoid or minimize climate-related disruption to UCI’s mission and operations� Climate related risks to UCI’s mission include both short-term impacts and long term changes that may affect its community, facilities and operations:

Short Term Impacts• Severe weather events• Impacts to campus utility systems

• Emergency response

Long Term Changes• Temperature• Humidity• Persistent and severe drought• Urban forest impacts• Natural area impacts• Sea level rise• Economic and social impacts

As part of annual CAP monitoring and reporting, UCI will assess short term impacts and long term trends that may affect UCI’s mission and recommend actions such as contingency planning, emergency planning, systems and facility needs, and community needs�The short term impacts and long term changes resulting from climate change are not limited to the Main Campus and Medical Center as they will affect communities throughout Orange County and the region� UCI can help fulfill one of the pillars of its Strategic Plan, to be a ‘Great Partner’, by building community capacity to deal with a constantly changing climate and resulting extremes in a manner that fosters and reflects social cohesion, inclu-sion, participation, and leadership from multiple parts of our university and neighboring communities� In building community resilience, we seek to understand and engage the interests and contributions of underrepresented communities on our campuses and of communities in our region that are most adversely affected by the changing climate—typically low-income communities and commu-nities of color� Over the medium-term, UCI will create internal institutional structures to guide development and implementation of community partnerships in climate adaptation planning and resilience building� These struc-tures will enable UCI to build community resilience by, for example, supporting mechanisms to align our campus’ climate adaptation and resilience efforts with community goals; leading and completing an initial campus-commu-nity resilience assessment, including initial indicators and current vulnerability; taking actions to make resilience a part of the curriculum and other educational experiences for all students; and taking actions to expand research in resilience�


Contributors

Wendell Brase Vice Chancellor, Administrative and Business ServicesKathy Haq Special Projects Manager, Administrative and Business Services

UC Irvine Climate Planning Work GroupRichard Demerjian (Chair) Assistant Vice Chancellor, Environmental Planning and SustainabilityFred Bockmiller Engineering Manager, Facilities ManagementJoe Brothman Director, UC Irvine Medical Center, Environmental Health and SafetyMatthew Deines Senior Planner, Environmental Planning and SustainabilityGreg Eikam Director, UC Irvine Medical Center Facility Maintenance Melissa Falkenstien Director, Capital Projects and Assent Management – HousingRon Fleming Director, Transportation and Distribution ServicesMatt Gudorf Campus Energy ManagerRachel Harvey Sustainability Coordinator - HousingDick Sun Associate Deputy Director, Environmental Health and SafetyRamon Zavala Sustainable Transportation Supervisor

UC Carbon Neutrality Initiative FellowKimberly Duong Graduate Student Researcher, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Document Prepared by Office of Environmental Planning and SustainabilityKatie BabcockMatt DeinesRichard Demerjian

On the cover: Solar arrays on the Environmental Health and Safety Facility at the Main Campus�

university of california, irvine climate action...

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