Built on a foundation of sustainability
UC Merced has been guided by a long-range vision of sustainable planning and design. From energy-efficient buildings to waste-reduction strategies, UC Merced’s leadership has received state, national and international recognition.
The 2020 Project builds on that foundation and is committed to expanding access to the University while minimizing environmental impacts, encouraging compact land development and providing long-term environmental benefits to the campus and surrounding community.
Strategic Building Design
In addition to meeting targets established by the University of California's Policy on Sustainable Practices, the Project’s siting strategy responds to climate, topography, hydrology and ecological systems.
Building massing and window arrangements consider sun and wind direction to reduce environmental impact while supporting programmatic needs. Sun-shading strategies help control direct sunlight, while passive solar design and district-level systems maximize daylight and reduce heat gain.
Given the warm climate of the San Joaquin Valley, cooling demand is a primary concern. Buildings are designed to minimize southwest and west-facing façades, and adjacent structures provide shading to reduce heat exposure.
To improve pedestrian comfort, pathways are shaded by buildings, arcades and trees. Light-colored or shaded paving helps reduce the urban heat island effect.
LEED Gold Minimum
Buildings are designed to prioritize daylight access, reducing lighting energy use and cooling loads while improving occupant comfort. Energy performance exceeds Title 24 baseline requirements by at least 20 percent, and all buildings achieve a minimum LEED Gold certification.
LED lighting and efficient plumbing fixtures further reduce energy and water use, achieving at least 40 percent domestic water savings compared to baseline standards.
The Central Plant
UC Merced's Central Plant is a key component of the campus energy system. Buildings are connected to a 30,000-ton-hour Thermal Energy Storage tank, which shifts cooling demand to off-peak hours and reduces carbon emissions.
Low-Water Landscape
The landscape uses native and adaptive plants with drought-tolerant species and subsurface drip irrigation systems, reducing irrigation demand by at least 50 percent. Recycled water infrastructure supports future non-potable water use.
Stormwater Management Strategy
The site plan maintains a compact campus while preserving the historic Cottonwood Creek corridor. Stormwater is collected and routed to the Cottonwood Meadow, where it is retained and allowed to evaporate or infiltrate naturally.
Long-Term Sustainability
A key feature of the Project is its focus on long-term operations and maintenance. Partners are responsible for maintaining major building systems to ensure efficient performance throughout the buildings’ lifecycle.
