Sustainability

ASI holds a strong commitment to environmentally responsible planning and sustainable projects. ASI-managed facilities and programs have implemented guidelines for sustainable development and goals throughout operations of the organization.

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Powering the Future: ASI's Sustainability Journey

Building a greener campus for current and future Mustangs is at the heart of ASI’s sustainability mission. Want to see how your student fees are powering real change and impact? Explore the timeline and discover the initiatives shaping a more sustainable Cal Poly.

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Timeline of Sustainability Projects

1978–1999

1978–Present

California Title 24, Part 6 Compliance: Energy efficiency compliance for all applicable ASI-managed facility projects.

2000–2010

2003

  • Electric Ford Think Cart: Reduced emissions from short-distance transportation.

2005

  • Drought-Tolerant Landscaping: Reduced irrigation demand through climate-appropriate plantings.
  • Toyota Hybrid SUV: Reduced emissions from short-distance transportation.
  • The University Union installed a white reflective membrane rooftop to reflect solar radiation, reduce heat transfer into the building, and lower energy consumption and emissions. This project also made the University Union roof solar panel ready.

2006–Present

  • CSU Executive Order 987 Compliance: Integration of sustainability principles into ASI-managed facility planning and operations.

2008

  • Converted grass to turf on three fields at the Cal Poly Sports Complex: Reduced irrigation demand.
  • Green Cleaning Products Program: Use of environmentally preferable custodial products.

2009

  • Low-E window installations in the University Union (Building 65) Epicenter, Student Government Office, and Conference Rooms 220, 217, and 212: Improved energy performance.

2010–Present

  • CALGreen Code Compliance: Adherence to California Green Building Standards for energy, water, materials, and indoor environmental quality.

2011–2020

2011

  • University Union Insulated Membrane Roof Installation: Improved thermal performance and reduced heat gain.

2011–Present

  • Hydration Stations installed at the University Union and Cal Poly Recreation Center: Reduced single-use plastic bottles and improved access to drinking water.

2012

  • Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures installed at the Recreation Center: Reduced potable water consumption.
  • Recreation Center Motion-Sensitive Lighting Controls: Reduced lighting energy use through occupancy-based controls.
  • Air Hand Dryers installed at the Recreation Center: Reduced paper waste.
  • The Cal Poly Recreation Center is recipient of the LEED Silver Certification: Recognition of high-performance building design and operations.
  • ASI Poly Escapes Climbing Wall is constructed with 33 recycled climbing panels from the original University Union climbing wall built in 2001.

2015/2016

  • LED Light Installation within Public Spaces of the Recreation Center: Reduced energy usage.

2016

  • Zero Waste Indoor Containers made available at the University Union: Improved waste diversion and sustainability education.

2017

  • Converted Doerr Family Field from grass to turf: Reduced irrigation demand.
  • John Deere Field Gator Carts: Reduced emissions from short-distance transportation.

2018–2020

  • Window Tinting at the University Union and Recreation Center: Reduced solar heat gain and cooling loads.

2019

  • Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures installed at the University Union: Reduced potable water consumption.

2020

  • Big Belly Trash Compactors at the University Union Plaza: Solar-powered waste compaction reducing collection frequency.

2020–Present

  • Flotex Carpet added to University Union Conference Rooms: Low-VOC, durable flooring supporting indoor air quality.

2021–Present

2022

  • LED Light Installation in Office Spaces at the Recreation Center: Reduced energy usage.

2023–Present

  • Centralized WEPA Print Station at the University Union: Reduced electronic waste and lifecycle replacement frequency.

2025

  • Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures Installation at the Orfalea Family & ASI Children’s Center: Reduced potable water consumption.
  • Electric GEM Cart: Reduced emissions from short-distance transportation.
  • Toyota Sienna Hybrid Minivan: Reduced emissions.
  • Recreation Center Pool VFD Installation: Optimized pump operation and reduced energy use.

2025–Present

  • University Union Electrical Infrastructure Upgrade: Improved electrical reliability and future capacity.

Year Not Specified

  • Computer-Controlled HVAC Systems: Optimized HVAC scheduling and energy efficiency.
  • Digital Monitors for Public Messaging: Reduced paper signage and printing waste.

2026

  • Battery Recycling Tube Provision at the University Union: Spent batteries routed to Cal Poly e-waste program.
  • Panel Solar Array Installation on the University Union Rooftop: 520 solar panels added to generate clean, renewable energy onsite. Reduces emissions and aligns facility with resource-conscious operations that support campus climate goals.

Sustainability Key Stats

Awards

The Recreation Center received LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council which is the second-highest certifications awarded through the LEED rating system.

ASI Managed Facility Practices

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General Operations

ASI strives for responsible facility management to ensure proper usage of natural resources and environmental impact reduction.

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Cal Poly Recreation Center

Daily and long-term sustainable facility operations solutions are implemented and continually progressing to reduce the environmental impact of this state-of-the-art recreational space.

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Ways to Get Involved

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Clubs

Sustainability Clubs

Joining a Cal Poly club focused on sustainable topics is a great way to get involved, meet new friends, and make a positive impact on our planet. Visit Cal Poly Clubs & Organizations for even more opportunities to get involved on campus!

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Committee

Join the ASI Sustainability Committee

The ASI Sustainability Committee was created to internally audit operations and procedures, and advocate for sustainable projects. Committee members include ASI Facility Operations staff and ASI Student Government representatives. The committee reviews current practices for sustainable operations including custodial operations, water usage, exercise equipment maintenance, pool operations, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) usage.

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Learn About What Campus Is Doing

Campus Sustainability Efforts

Learn how Cal Poly powers its campus responsibly, using innovative and sustainable practices to manage energy, water, and more.

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