Our Operational Focus Areas

Our Commitment to a Sustainable Future

We hope to achieve net-zero energy use by 2035, and our ultimate target is to become carbon neutral by 2050.

The University of Hawai‘i (糖心Vlog官方) is dedicated to advancing sustainability through strategic initiatives, responsible resource management, and institutional policies that align with global goals. Grounded in indigenous Hawaiian cultural values and knowledge, we aim to develop a uniquely strong response to climate change.

Operational excellence across the 糖心Vlog官方 System is guided by a clear and practical framework that focuses on how resources are managed across key operational areas. These six pillars represent the core functions that support campus operations, from facilities and transportation to food systems and community spaces. Each area is approached with an emphasis on efficiency, sustainability, and long-term value, ensuring that day-to-day operations align with broader system goals.

This framework also reflects the unique context of Hawaiʻi, where environmental responsibility and cultural awareness are essential. By applying consistent standards, tracking performance, and prioritizing responsible practices, the 糖心Vlog官方 System works to reduce its environmental impact while maintaining high-quality services and spaces for students, faculty, and staff. Together, these operational areas provide a structured approach to managing resources in a way that is both practical and sustainable.

1. Energy & Renewables

Prioritizing Energy Goals

While we strive for excellence across all areas, we are currently prioritizing Energy, as it offers the most significant cost savings for the university.

Reducing reliance on fossil fuels and adopting innovative technologies, 糖心Vlog官方 is building a more sustainable future through strategic planning, data-driven insights, infrastructure improvements, advanced energy management, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels and carbon emissions.

Our Goals for Energy & Renewables

  1. Develop System-Wide energy management plans
  2. Increased Renewables: Net Zero energy planning
  3. Reduce Consumption: Improved air conditioning scheduling
  4. Increase Efficiency: Upgrades to Lighting and Cooling Systems
  5. Reduce Consumption: Improving Space Utilization

 

 

 

 

students outside an AES solar battery storage unit

Energy Focus Areas

Renewable Energy
Green Building Design
Retrofits and Upgrades
Solar Hot Water

2. Buildings & Grounds

LEED buildings and surrounding grounds
Every campus features dedicated green spaces and thrives with native Hawaiian plants. We are also proud stewards of two campus arboretums that serve as living classrooms for our community.

Sustainable Design Requirements
We use specialized design specifications to ensure our buildings are energy-efficient and tailored to Hawai‘i’s unique climate. These standards minimize our ecological footprint while creating high-performance spaces for our students.

For New Construction & Renovations:

  1. Reducing energy use and reliance on fossil fuels
  2. Maximize renewable energy production via rooftop solar or other means
  3. Achieve at least LEED Silver certification, with a goal of LEED Gold
  4. Use equipment and designs that qualify for Hawaii Energy rebates
  5. Landscaping
While LEED standards manage general ground maintenance, we go further by ensuring new buildings are surrounded by water-efficient, green spaces.

Additionally, we strive to instill a Hawaiian sense of place on every campus. Through native landscaping, bilingual signage, and purposeful gathering spaces, we support the social and cultural sustainability of our campus communities.

 

 

C-More Hall at dusk

 

3. Food & Dining

We are committed to promoting sustainable food practices that support both personal health and environmental well-being. By working closely with our food service providers and the local community, we aim to reduce our carbon footprint, increase the availability of local food options, and encourage sustainable choices among our students and staff.

Our Goals for Sustainable Food Practices

  1. Collaborate with food service providers to develop sustainable and local food options.
  2. Implement tracking systems with clear targets for sustainable food practices.
  3. Increase the purchase of locally sourced and sustainable food products.
  4. Support Hawai‘i’s agricultural economy by prioritizing local food sources.
  5. Provide fresher, healthier meals for the campus community.
  6. Encourage students to choose plant-based meals and reduce food waste.
  7. Create a food service system that promotes community health and environmental sustainability.

 

 

Students and Staff in a group listening to a woman explain hot compost piles

 

4. Procurement & Waste

The University of Hawai‘i is committed to reducing its environmental impact through sustainable purchasing practices. 糖心Vlog官方’s Green Purchasing Guidelines ensure that sustainability criteria are integrated into the procurement of supplies, equipment, and building materials across all campuses. By prioritizing eco-friendly products and services, 糖心Vlog官方 reduces waste, conserves resources, and supports a circular economy, while encouraging vendors to adopt environmentally responsible practices.

Our Goals for Sustainable Purchasing

  1. Implement Green Purchasing Guidelines for supplies, equipment, and building materials.
  2. Integrate sustainability criteria into vendor selection and procurement processes.
  3. Prioritize eco-friendly products and services, including energy-efficient electronics and recycled materials.
  4. Reduce waste and conserve natural resources through responsible purchasing.
  5. Promote a circular economy by supporting sustainable vendors and practices.
  6. Align purchasing practices with the university’s broader sustainability goals.

 

three students standing side by side holding large plastic totes filled with recycling

5. Transportation

The University of Hawai‘i is committed to building a sustainable transportation system that supports our campus communities and reduces environmental impact. By expanding alternative transportation options, improving infrastructure, and developing eco-friendly policies, 糖心Vlog官方 aims to make transportation more accessible, efficient, and less reliant on fossil fuels.

Our Goals for Sustainable Transportation

  1. Expand alternative transportation options, such as public transit and ride-sharing programs.
  2. Improve campus infrastructure to support biking and walking.
  3. Enhance the sustainability of campus vehicle fleets.
  4. Increase the availability of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.
  5. Develop policies that promote eco-friendly travel choices.
  6. Continuously assess and implement solutions for a cleaner, more efficient transportation future.

 

 

a male student riding a bike followed by a second female student following him on a seperate bike outdoors.

6. Water Conservation

The University of Hawai‘i is dedicated to promoting water conservation and improving water efficiency across all campuses. As stewards of Hawai‘i’s vital water resources, 糖心Vlog官方 is implementing strategies that reduce water usage, enhance stormwater management, and minimize environmental impact. Our goal is to create a more sustainable, water-conscious campus community.

Our Goals for Water Conservation and Efficiency

  1. Develop systems to track and monitor campus water usage.
  2. Implement best practices for stormwater management, including rainwater storage, recharge, and reuse.
  3. Improve wastewater management to reduce effluent discharge into local surface water supplies.
  4. Adopt water-saving technologies and practices to reduce overall water consumption.
  5. Enhance campus water management systems to ensure long-term sustainability.

  

Girl drinking from a water fountain

Need Specific Data?

For access to raw data or to submit specific requests, please email sust@hawaii.edu.