Nonprofit awards UCI for reducing carbon emissions

UC Irvine was recognized with the 2011 Second Nature Climate Leadership Award in Washington, D.C., on Thursday for its commitment to carbon reduction.

Awarded by Second Nature at the ACUPCC Climate Leadership Summit, UCI won in the category for doctorate-granting universities.

The ACUPCC, also known as the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment, has been signed by the heads of 675 universities and colleges in an effort to promote green research and a "low-carbon society."

Second Nature is a nonprofit and the lead supporting organization of ACUPCC.

"As a major research institution, UC Irvine is an exemplary model in developing climate solutions," Anthony Cortese, president of Second Nature, said in a statement from UCI.

The college signed the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment in 2007, promising to lower greenhouse gas emissions to 2000 levels by 2014, 1990 by 2020, attempting to arrive at zero in the near future, according to the release.

Since they signed the pact, UCI has been a leader in low-carbon, green building and renewable energy — slashing carbon dioxide emissions by 34,060 metric tons.

UCI is distinguished as the top university in the nation when it comes to green design. Eight buildings hold the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design gold rating for new construction, more than any other university in the nation.

— Joanna Clay