The Association of Educational Facilities Professionals (APPA) presented UCSF Facilities with its 2026 Sustainability Innovation Award in recognition of the Furniture Reuse Program.
"This award recognizes innovative initiatives that advance sustainability in educational facilities management," read the announcement from APPA. "Your submission demonstrates meaningful progress in environmental stewardship and reflects a strong commitment to advancing sustainable practices within your institution and the broader profession."
The program is stewarded by Daniel Chau, assistant director of the Recycling and Waste Reduction Program, who accepted the award on behalf of UCSF at the APPA Annual Conference in Washington, DC, earlier this month.
Daniel Chau poses while holding the Sustainability Innovation Award at the 2026 APPA Conference in Washington, D.C.
Through the Furniture Reuse Program, more than 2,200 pieces of furniture that would have otherwise been disposed of were instead redistributed to the UCSF community and local non-profits. The reused furniture helped offset approximately $970,000 in potential new furniture purchases and diverted more than 173,000 pounds of material from disposal.
"One of the most exciting outcomes is that 70% of the repurposed furniture stayed within UCSF, while the remaining furniture was distributed to more than ten non-profit organizations that we partnered with," Chau elaborated.
Chau is excited that the team captured strong data that highlights the program's overall impact and success.
This was a great example of sustainability, cost avoidance, and community partnership coming together in a meaningful way. I’m really proud of the work and excited to see the team recognized for the impact of this program.
UCSF wins APPA's 2026 Sustainability Innovation Award.