Campuses across the University of California will go head-to-head in the Cool Campus Challenge, a contest starting April 1 to see which UC location can do the most to reduce its carbon footprint and spread the word about the importance of going carbon neutral.
The Cool Campus Challenge motivates campus communities to support the UC Carbon Neutrality Initiative, launched by UC President Janet Napolitano in 2013, with the primary aim of the university achieving carbon neutrality by 2025.
The goal of this friendly online competition is for the university community to engage in a culture of sustainability and environment-friendly practices. All students, faculty and staff can contribute to this effort by registering at CoolCampusChallenge.org, and taking actions to reduce their environmental impact. Participants earn points for each action they take.
The campuses with the most points and greatest percent of participation at the end of the competition on April 26 will be crowned the “Coolest UC Campus.”
“When we did this contest in 2015, UCSC participants saved 2,655 metric tons of CO2 equivalent, that’s more emissions than over 560 passenger vehicles driven for one year.” Said Sustainability Director Elida Erickson. “This is a great tool for teaching folks tangible steps they can take to make a significant difference.”
Each week, the challenge will highlight actions participants can take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change, such as shutting off computer monitors that are not in use or taking public transportation.
Both individuals and teams can compete to win, and multiple prizes will be awarded. In addition to earning points for taking suggested actions, participants can earn even more points by coming up with their own creative ideas for reducing their carbon footprint.
UC and the Center for Sustainable Energy are proud to sponsor the Cool Campus Challenge and encourages all Californians to take measures that save energy, reduce carbon emissions and lead efforts to combat climate change in California. Sign up at CoolCampusChallenge.org.
