UC Merced Magazine | Commemorative Chronicle

Recognition and Impact

UC Merced’s sustainability achievements have not gone unnoticed. e university has earned a Platinum rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), placing it among the top-performing institutions globally and was ranked 10th in the Princeton Review’s 2024 Top 50 Green Colleges.

ese honors re ect a holistic approach that integrates environmental, economic, and social sustainability. From food justice initiatives and inclusive education programs to research on climate resilience and water conservation, UC Merced is rede ning what it means to be a sustainable university.

A Model for the Future

UC Merced’s story is one of intentionality, innovation, and impact. It demonstrates how a university can be built both physically and philosophically around the principles of sustainability. By embedding these values into its curriculum, research agenda, and community partnerships, UC Merced is preparing the next generation of leaders to tackle the world’s most pressing environmental and social challenges, while serving our community and the Central Valley.

As institutions across the globe grapple with how to reduce their carbon footprints and promote sustainability, UC Merced stands as a compelling model of living sustainability, not just implementing it.

UC Merced is preparing the next generation of leaders to tackle the world’s most pressing environmental and social challenges, while serving our community and the Central Valley.

DANIEL T. OKOLI, PH.D., NCARB VICE CHANCELLOR | CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER PHYSICAL OPERATIONS, PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT