Renewable energy sources now provide 100% of the electricity needs at University of the Pacific across all three campuses—one of just 16 American colleges to achieve that sustainability milestone.

Hydroelectric and solar power provides most of the electricity on the three Northern California campuses, with additional power from geothermal and wind sources.

Sustainability has been a central priority for Pacific since Christopher Callahan became president in 2020, aiming to position the university as a national leader.

"Transitioning all three of our campuses to renewable electricity reflects Pacific’s deep and ongoing commitment to sustainability," the president said. "This milestone builds on years of progress and reinforces our dedication to creating a more resilient and responsible future for our students and communities. It also makes prudent financial sense, saving money that can be used to invest more in our students, faculty and learning environments.”

Pacific is now one of only 16 universities nationwide powered entirely by renewable electricity, according to the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education. 

Callahan said Sustainability Director Jessica Bilecki was the driving force behind the achievement.

“This is a monumental step for Pacific,” Bilecki said. “It demonstrates to current students, future students and alumni that Pacific is invested in their long-term well-being.”

“While Pacific prompts students to consider sustainability in their own lives, this shows ‘we are in it with you,’ actively making significant strides toward building a future where people and planet thrive,” she said.

The Stockton Campus transitioned to 100% renewable electricity this month, coinciding with Campus Sustainability Month, held every October to celebrate sustainability in higher education. The Sacramento and San Francisco campuses made the move earlier this year.

Pacific also produces nearly one-third of the energy used on the Stockton Campus using thousands of solar panels installed in 2022. 

Chief Financial Officer James Walsh said the Stockton solar project has already saved the university more than $1 million.

Other sustainability initiatives and achievements include:

• Newly launched Bachelor of Science in Sustainability degree, an interdisciplinary program that prepares students to address environmental and social challenges in a job market increasingly demanding sustainability expertise.
• Electric bikes, electric cars and shuttle transportation options for students
• Named to the Princeton Review Guide to Green Colleges
• Ranked No. 2 among private institutions in the country for the amount of electricity generated by onsite renewables
• 100% non-potable water used to irrigate the Stockton Campus