University of the Pacific is committed to creating a campus culture that advances sustainable practices and knowledge. The Office of Sustainability guides and supports these efforts in academics, campus infrastructure, operations and programs to build a future where society, economy and the environment thrive. From the writings of John Muir's journals to the numerous gardens on campus, Pacific is a living laboratory dedicated to finding sustainable solutions. With an eye toward the future, the university has set the ambitious goal to earn a STARS Platinum rating from the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System by 2030.
#3
in the country among private institutions for electricity from onsite renewables
1.3K
pounds of produce harvested from campus gardens annually
100%
non-potable water used for irrigation on the Stockton campus
Sustainability Food Resources
Garden Program
Pacific's Garden Program connects classroom learning to hands-on learning by bringing students together to grow food, address food insecurity and learn to be responsible stewards of the environment. The gardens also connect students to nature, and each other, and aid in stress relief.
Sustainability Food Resources
Food Resource Center
The Food Resource Center (FRC) is a full-service stop for food and gardening resources. The space houses the Pacific Food Pantry, a student work and lounge space, the garden coordinator office and a library focused on all things related to food.
Sustainability Food Resources
Kitchen Co-op
Pacific’s Kitchen Co-op is a fully equipped kitchen located in the common area of Calaveras Hall. It is available for use by students, staff, faculty, clubs and organizations to reserve for culinary programs and activities.
Engage with Sustainability
This group of student volunteers help make university operations more sustainable and are essential to landfill diversion efforts during university catered events, Move-In and Move-Out. Volunteers have helped divert nearly 3,500 pounds of compost from landfills.
The Office of Sustainability welcomes students who are interested in learning more about sustainability efforts through volunteering. Whether weeding the gardens, stocking the food pantry or helping collect compost at campus events with the Green Team, volunteers play a critical role in advancing sustainability initiatives on campus.
Ever wonder where the Muir botanic area is? Or where the closest hydration station is located? This self-guided walk around campus will point out sustainability landmarks integrated into campus infrastructure and programs.
Participate in our Green Office Program, request a guest speaker for your group, access our Green Event Guide and more!
A national leader in campus solar energy
Planet-friendly travel
From rentable ebikes to electric vehicle charging and rideshare programs, Pacific offers a host of alternative transportation options to minimize the negative impact on the environment and neighboring communities.
Rethinking (waste)water and conservation
To reduce resource usage on the Stockton Campus, Pacific uses 100% non-potable water from the Calaveras River for irrigation. A computerized irrigation control system allows the university to turn off all 64 irrigation controls at the same time and closely monitor water use. The university also uses low-flow shower heads, toilets and high efficiency spray hose nozzles to reduce water consumption.
A top 10 university in sustainable food and dining
Pacific ranks in the top 10 for sustainable food and dining practices among hundreds of public and private universities around the world according to the 2022 Sustainable Campus Index published by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education.
Sustainability in Academics
Minor in Sustainability
Pacific’s Sustainability Minor is open to students from all majors and is housed in the School of Engineering and Computer Science. The interdisciplinary program is designed for students with an interest in sustainability and offers a broad understanding of environmental problems and their solutions.
Faculty Research
Pacific faculty conduct cross-disciplinary research to solve environmental problems. They are subject matter experts in a variety of topics including water conservation, environmental law, food systems, the life and writings of John Muir and more.
Student Research
Students have the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios and find solutions to the planet's most urgent environmental issues. Special funding is available for students who wish to pursue environmental research or launch sustainability projects on campus.
