Sustainability Program

UCSF has a robust sustainability program covering sustainability activities across the entire campus and medical center. Formal and grassroot efforts are happening in many areas of the organization. Find out more about these efforts at the Sustainability Dashboard above.

what you can do

Take the Pledge
Send us your suggestions
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Participate in upcoming events

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UCSF Green

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quick links

Discount on a Nissan Leaf
UCSF Sustainability Video
Discount Solar Program
LivingGreen Office
LivingGreen Lab
Sort Your Waste Video

Review Metrics & Annual Reports

FY11-12 Annual Report - Zero Waste Work Group

The Right Bin300

Tri-Chairs: Susan Bluestone and Adam Schnirel, Campus Recycling Coordinators
Dave Giovannini, Medical Center Hospitality Manager

Mission

To incorporate best practices in recycling, composting, and re-use at UCSF facilities.

UC Policy

50 percent waste diversion by June 30, 2008
75 percent waste diversion by June 30, 2012
Zero waste by 2020

2011-2012 Accomplishments
Medical Center

Expanded co-mingled recycling and compost in Operating Rooms and Surgery Department break rooms.
Expanded pilot In-Patient Room recycling program to include 8-Long.
Converted to 100% recycled content paper towels at all facilities.
Expanded comprehensive recycling program practices throughout Osher Center.
Implemented micro-fiber mops; Implemented use of micro-fiber rags to eliminate the use of paper cleaning wipes throughout the Osher Center.

Campus

Set up kitchenette food compost program and restroom paper towel composting in: Buchanan Dental Clinic, Lucia Child Care Center, Hunters Point, and the Mission Center Building.
Increased the weight of food compost to over 830 tons this fiscal year.
Expanded scrap metal recycling program so crafts workers (plumbers, building maintenance workers) now direct scrap metal to recycling; 54+ tons recovered this fiscal year.
Increased the solid waste diversion rate from 61% to 63% from FY10-11 to FY11-12.
Completed educational recycling video to train all members of the UCSF community on how to correctly recycle, compost, re-use, and reduce waste.
Incorporated the use of recycling video as part of UCSF annual staff safety trainings across the campus and medical center.

FY2012-13 Goals

Increase the volume of materials recycled, composted, and re-used by an additional 5%.
Complete educational recycling video to train all members of the UCSF community on how to correctly recycle, compost, re-use, and reduce waste.
Incorporate the use of recycling video as part of UCSF annual staff safety trainings.
Expand the use of micro-fiber rags to eliminate the use of paper wipes in more buildings.