Sustainable energy. Experience it close up.
A global pioneer and research powerhouse in sustainable energy and climate change science, UC Davis is at the forefront of developing new energy technologies and innovative business models to drive their growth.
What Does This Mean For You?
UC Davis is a living lab as a test bed for energy-saving solutions.
The Northern California campus is near some of the nation's leading energy companies and a thriving startup ecosystem. Plus, key energy policymakers are just minutes away in the state capital of Sacramento.
You can visit the region's energy companies and startups—or launch your own—plus see firsthand how UC Davis is implementing energy-efficient technologies and earning global accolades for sustainability.
Exclusive Site Visits
You'll have the opportunity to meet senior executives on exclusive behind-the-scenes tours of energy firms. Recently, Sustainable Energy Industry Immersion students visited Terabase Energy, which is building an interconnected digital and automation platform for solar power plants that reduces cost and increases scalability.
Like-minded MBA and graduate energy students often team up and network with alumni in the energy industry through guided tours, shadow days, and briefings—gaining insights into various energy companies, research projects and organizations.
UC Davis No. 1 Green University: Toward a Fossil Fuel-Free Future
UC Davis, along with all University of California campuses, is leading the charge to eliminate fossil fuel use. Through coordinated efforts in climate and energy, transportation, green building, zero waste, water, and food programs, they are charting a sustainable path forward. UC Davis' Fossil Fuel-Free Pathway Plan, when complete, will reduce the fossil fuel use on the Davis campus by 80%.
We are leading a bold new effort to change the sources of energy.
You'll have a front-row seat to witness and participate in these initiatives.
In fact, for eight years in a row UI GreenMetric has ranked UC Davis as the No. 1 university in the nation for sustainability. The annual rankings evaluate universities' commitments and actions in setting and infrastructure, energy and climate change, waste treatment and recycling, water, transportation, and education and research.
UC Davis: A Living Laboratory for Energy Research and Teaching
Our campus sustainability goals date back to the first version of the UC Policy on Sustainable Practices, adopted in 2004.
See and experience our sustainable campus: Our online, interactive sustainability map shows where to go on campus to see and experience how UC Davis and the campus community are creating a more sustainable future. Learn more about how you can get involved with campus sustainability.
Here are just a few highlights of large-scale sustainability campus projects:
West Village
One of the largest planned zero-net energy community in the U.S., the 180-acre development is home to faculty, students and staff and educational and research facilities, including the UC Davis Energy Efficiency Institute.
Learn more about the West Village.
The Big Shift
UC Davis has embarked on an ambitious $250 million project to transition the campus from using fossil gas fueled boilers to renewable electricity powered heat pumps that produce hot water and chilled water—saving money and further decarbonizing its emissions. An MBA student team explored long-term financing mechanisms to fund the project.
Learn more about The Big Shift.
UC Davis Solar Power Plant
Located on 62 acres south of Interstate 80, the campus' 16.3 megawatt solar farm generates 33 million kilowatt-hours per year, about 14% of the campus's electricity need.
Learn more about the UC Davis Solar Power Plant.
