Sustainability is having healthy social, environmental and economic systems that allow us to meet our needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. University of the Pacific is committed to creating a campus culture that advances this approach for a sustainable future among all members of the Pacific community.
Pacific a national leader in campus solar energy
University of the Pacific ranks No. 1 among private universities in on-campus, renewable energy generation: solar energy provides 30% of the Stockton Campus’ needs. Pacific partnered with Tesla to install 12,000 solar canopies over eight parking lots. The project, dedicated on Earth Day 2022, also provides students and employees with a total of 16 plug-in charging spots at 8 vehicle charging stations throughout campus.
Pacific in Top 10 globally for food/dining efforts
The 2021 Sustainable Campus Index, published annually by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, is based on hundreds of public and private universities in the United States and internationally self-reporting to the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System. Pacific is the only university in California to make the Top 10.
Rethinking (waste)water and conservation
In an effort to reduce water usage on its Stockton Campus, Pacific uses 100% non-potable water from the Calaveras River for irrigation. Pacific's Physical Plant has invested in a central computerized irrigation control system, which allows for the university to turn off all 64 irrigation controls at the same time and closely monitor our water use. To be more efficient with the water usage on campus, the university has installed low-flow shower heads, toilets and high efficiency spray hose nozzles to reduce water consumption.
Walter Robb’s vision grows a sustainable future
The Ted and Chris Robb Garden on the Stockton Campus has been a popular and important spot since the first phase was completed fall 2012. The idea for a campus food garden arose from former Pacific students Fiona Kelly ’08 and Vinny Johl ‘10. Their vision was made possible by a gift from former Pacific Regent Walter Robb, who, at the time, was CEO of Whole Foods.
It’s easy being green
A community of student volunteers, the Green Team works to increase landfill diversion rates at campus events and by helping with sustainability service projects such as Green Move In, Green Move Out. These students also stage a green fashion show annually, showcasing their hand-crafted renewable and recyclable designs.
Assisting with food insecurity
The Pacific Food Pantry is a resource providing non-perishable items, gift cards to a grocery store and produce from the Ted and Chris Robb Garden (as harvests permit). The food pantry has received generous support from organizations including the United Way of San Joaquin County.
Kitchen Co-op: Test your culinary chops
The Pacific Kitchen Co-op is an on-campus apartment with a fully equipped kitchen available for use by students, staff, faculty, clubs and organizations, for culinary activities and adventures.
Sustainability Walking Tour
University of the Pacific is committed to promoting sustainable actions and operations. See some of the ways we are taking actions on our campus.
Sustaining Pacific contact information:
General inquiries:
Sustainingpacific@pacific.edu
209.932.2991
Facebook: Sustaining Pacific at University of the Pacific
Instagram: @sustaining_pacific
Jessica Bilecki, Sustainability Director
jbilecki@pacific.edu
209.932.3256
Kelsey Smith, Sustainability Engagement Manager
ksmith6@pacific.edu
209.932.2994
