As you walk across our campuses, it’s easy to see the care and pride that our Grounds, Facilities, Recycling, and Sustainability teams put into maintaining our spaces.
Now, these collective efforts have been recognized at the state level.
UCSF has officially been designated a Clean California Community, becoming only the second University of California campus to receive this recognition, following UC Santa Cruz.
UCSF has earned this badge as a Clean California Designated Community.
Clean California is a statewide initiative launched by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2021 and led by Caltrans to reduce litter, beautify public spaces, create healthier communities, and foster a culture of environmental stewardship.
While the initiative began as a $1.2 billion investment in cleaning and improving California's transportation corridors and public spaces, it has evolved into a broader movement that recognizes organizations and communities committed to long-term sustainability, beautification, and litter prevention.
The Clean California Community Designation recognizes organizations that demonstrate leadership by meeting at least 10 of 15 criteria related to sustainability, waste reduction, education, beautification, community partnerships, and long-term planning.
UCSF exceeded that benchmark by meeting 12 of the 15 criteria, joining as one of the 100 communities and organizations receiving this prestigious award.
"Across California, communities are stepping up to protect the places they call home – creating cleaner neighborhoods, greener public spaces, and a healthier environment for future generations." Governor Gavin Newsom said in a press release.
UCSF joins the network of communities and organizations across California that have taken the pledge. (Photo courtesy of cleanca.com.)
This designation is evidence of UCSF's long-term sustainability governance, community partnerships, waste reduction programs, anti-litter infrastructure, smoke-free campus policies, educational outreach, and ongoing planning efforts that support a cleaner and healthier environment.
As a designated community, UCSF will now receive statewide recognition, membership in Keep California Beautiful, access to educational resources, and advance notice of grant and partnership opportunities. This designation also strengthens UCSF’s position for future Clean California-related funding opportunities
While UCSF continues advancing its Climate Action Plan and sustainability initiatives, the Clean California Community designation serves as both recognition of the work already accomplished and motivation to continue building healthier, cleaner campuses for everyone.
This designation reflects the contributions of many teams across UCSF, including Grounds, Facilities Services, the Recycling and Waste Reduction Program, campus and UCSF Health Sustainability, campus governances and committees, and our community partners.
Together, these collaborative efforts demonstrate UCSF's shared commitment to environmental stewardship and made this recognition possible.