Gabi Kirk, UC Santa Cruz - On March 23rd, students from across the state pulled together successful messaging to ask the UC Regents to strengthen sustainable food policies and support UC’s investment in renewable energy projects. The UC Board of Regents met from March 23-25 at UC San Francisco. Various committees discussed every aspect of the UC system, from academic programs to fiscal structure to capital expansion. One key policy that was reviewed at the Committee on Grounds and Buildings, was the UC Policy on Sustainable Practices. This Policy, which was initially advocated for by students in 2003 who were apart of the CSSC, has led the UC System to becoming a leader in sustainability. Thanks to this policy the UC system is the 8th largest institutional purchaser of renewable energy in the nation. Since 2003, this policy has been hugely successful in guiding best sustainable practices at all UC campuses. Most UCs are on their way to meeting and exceeding goals, including 20% organic food in dining halls, reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 2000 levels by 2014, and a zero-waste UC system by 2020. Four CSSC students attended the meeting, advocated for increased sustainable food and energy policies and called for the Regents to fund these programs. Students look forward to the continued support of the UC Regents on sustainability projects. For more information on all items discussed at the March meetings, please visit the UC Regent Live blog, written by Student Regent-designate Jesse Bernal: http://ucregentlive.wordpress.com/
- Gabi Kirk, Student at UC Santa Cruz