The transformation of former Fort Ord into CSUMB evokes sayings like “turning swords into plowshares” or “bayonets into baccalaureates.” Now the campus is embarking on another about-face: the conversion of a polluted military base into a model for sustainability.

In an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, all new buildings on campus, starting with the new library, will meet the US Green Building Council’s LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) silver standard or higher. That will result in natural lighting, energy-efficient heating and air-conditioning systems, and waterless urinals in future facilities.

The campus also encourages its students and staff to use public transportation by offering a shuttle from student apartments to the main campus. CSUMB ID cardholders will soon be able to ride the Monterey-Salinas Transit buses off campus for free.

These are two of the actions that CSUMB has taken since President Dianne Harrison signed the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment. “We have a responsibility as an institution to contribute to those efforts to reduce carbon emissions,” Harrison says. “Wouldn’t it be nice if everyone who graduated from here took an increased awareness and knowledge about how we can take better care of our natural resources out into the world?”

The commitment, also signed by Monterey Institute of International Studies, obligates schools to fight global warming and teach sustainability.

Both campuses have set up committees that will take an inventory of greenhouse gas emissions from electricity, heating, commuting and air travel, and create a plan to reduce these emissions to zero. For CSUMB, Harrison says, reaching carbon neutrality is more difficult because many campus buildings are old Army structures.

Bob Brown, chairman of CSUMB’s climate committee and director of facilities, services and operations, says the university created 9,479 metric tons of carbon dioxide in 2006. To decrease this number, Brown says, CSUMB is looking into expanding its use of renewable energy. The campus already gets 17 percent of its energy from solar, hydroelectric and wind power.

One potential source is the 150-acre landfill located northeast of campus. Brown says the university has hired consultants to study the feasibility of turning methane and other gases from the Army’s former dump into power.

CSUMB is also building a central heating plant that will consolidate 22 boilers into two.

These eco-friendly efforts will build on the sustainable initiatives already underway at Monterey County schools. Chartwell School in Seaside is the first school in the country to achieve LEED platinum certification. MIIS’s Samson Student Center is another green building with energy-efficient lighting and recycled carpet.

Under the Climate Commitment, new campus construction at MIIS will meet LEED’s silver rating or higher, says Jason Scorse, chairman of the institute’s climate committee and an assistant professor. All of MIIS’s new appliances, from its computers to coffee machines, will be energy efficient and certified by the U.S. government’s ENERGY STAR program.  

Campus events have also become more sustainable, Scorse says, through a recommendation to use at least half plant-based and, ideally, local and organic foods. To reduce plastic use, the committee has recommended banning bottled water from university functions. Another goal, Scorse says, is to hire students to conduct a waste and energy audit to improve campus recycling and energy use.