During the 2023-24 academic year, UC Santa Cruz continued to make consistent progress in accelerating the path to decarbonizing the University’s infrastructure focusing on the full decarbonization and electrification of the campus.
Why ending fossil fuel use is vital
Global climate disruption impacts the planet in ways never before experienced in recorded human history. Each time we use fossil fuel energy we’re contributing to the problem. Scientists say we only have a few years left to change course and avoid the worst consequences of the climate crisis. Fortunately, California and the UC system are at the forefront in this fight. Our regional electrical grid is around 93% carbon free and because of the UC’s Clean Power Program, all of UCSC’s purchased electricity is counted as carbon free. However, UCSC still generates considerable emissions from the combustion of natural gas across campus and in our cogeneration plant.
Decarbonization infrastructure program manager
Phil Boutelle has been named UC Santa Cruz’s inaugural Decarbonization Infrastructure Program Manager. In his new role, Boutelle will strategize and lead initiatives aimed at advancing and implementing the campus’s 2023 Decarbonization and Electrification Plan and associated infrastructure, including:
- Management of the scoping, programming, design, and construction of capital projects and major renovations
- Electrifying existing natural gas equipment
- Development of new solar, energy storage, and microgrid projects
He will also work with campus stakeholders to align with campus-wide strategic priorities and systemwide policy requirements.
Boutelle was previously an Associate Engineer in Physical Planning Development & Operations - Engineering Services and is a Decarbonization and Electrification (D&E) Task Force team member. He holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from San Jose State University, and is a licensed Professional Engineer. Find out more about Phil Boutelle and his non-traditional path to engineering.
Advancing decarbonization of campus
Projects are underway to advance the electrification of campus, including the UCO Lick Shop B, LML William T. Doyle Research Building, and the Elena Baskin Arts Building. The construction of the upcoming all-electric family student housing and daycare center at the intersection of Hagar and Coolidge broke ground at the end of spring quarter and is expected to be completed in late 2025.
UC Santa Cruz now has five photovoltaic (PV) solar systems in the feasibility to the final development stages which will convert sunlight into electricity. Many of the systems will include battery storage. They will be located at Westside Research Park; Monterey Bay Education, Science, and Technology Center; Emergency Response Center; Student Housing West - Hagar; and Student Housing West - Heller.
Multiple planning efforts and feasibility studies are underway to inform the next steps in the decarbonization and electrification of campus. A critical part of the work is the project between UC Santa Cruz and Pacific Gas & Electric to develop a new electrical substation to campus to provide additional electrical power for our increasing demand and to improve resiliency.
Electric vehicles & chargers
The campus is working to transition the campus fleet to electric vehicles (EV). Campus is currently awaiting the arrival of multiple medium/heavy duty all-electric fleet vehicles.
The number of charging stations on campus is growing to also support campus commuters who drive electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Last year UC Santa Cruz had 69 active charging ports and is working to design multiple other locations on the residential campus and satellite campuses, including Level-2 EV chargers and direct current fast charging (DCFC) equipment. In a 30-minute charge, Level 2 chargers can add 50 miles and DC Ultra-Fast chargers can add more than 100 miles.
Just Transition and Equity
As of Spring 2024, the Just Transition and Equity Subcommittee has drafted its report and made recommendations to campus leadership. Next steps are currently being discussed and identified. To learn more about the JT&E subcommittee and read their draft report, visit the Social Justice & Inclusion website.
Get involved
Michael V. Drake, president of the University of California, is requiring all campuses to set their decarbonization dates no later than 2045. Responding to early calls from the UC Santa Cruz community to move away from our reliance on fossil fuels, Chancellor Larive anticipates setting the University’s range between 2035 and 2040. Having reviewed the recommendations in the long-term campus plan to end the use of fossil fuel, she will announce UC Santa Cruz’s Decarbonization target date during the 2024-25 Academic Year.
This fall the Decarbonization & Electrification Task Force will hold a town hall meeting to share plans for the coming year and how you can get involved. Watch your email for details.
For more information on the campus plan and UCSC’s fossil-free work, visit the Decarbonization and Electrification Planning website.
Congratulations to the D&E logo winner!
The D&E team would like to extend a special thank you to undergraduate Damon Pham for winning the D&E logo contest. His submission has been adapted by University Advancement to become the official D&E electric slug.
