The C·CHANGE project is UCSB’s initiative to reduce remaining Scope 1 emissions (direct emissions from on-site fossil fuel combustion). They will be eliminated as we electrify campus heating and hot water systems. Making this change will allow us to build a campus energy system that is both fully decarbonized and more climate-resilient.
C·CHANGE aims to design and construct an all-electric Central Utility Plant, equipped with high efficiency heat pumps powered by renewable electricity and supported by thermal energy storage. The result will be heating and cooling of campus buildings through a piping network that distributes hot and chilled water. By replacing the natural gas boilers currently used in individual buildings, the University will eliminate nearly all direct carbon emissions, significantly enhance the resilience of campus operations, and benefit from long-term cost savings associated with campus energy and maintenance expenses. To align with our ambitious Campus Decarbonization Policy, all new construction projects and major renovations on the main campus will be fully electric by design.
Reduced Emissions
See how we have already reduced our emissions and where we will be when the C·CHANGE project is fully implemented.
The C·CHANGE project will extend our chilled water lines (blue) and hot water lines (red) and remove natural gas boilers from individual campus buildings in the process.
Emission Reduction by Phase
Phase 0 (funded)
- New Student Housing Plants
Phase 1
- Central Utility Plan
- Thermal energy storage
- Heating equipment
- Cooling equipment
- Phase 1 buildings
- Main distribution line
Phase 2
- Heating equipment
- Cooling equipment
- Phase 2 buildings
- Main distribution lines
