October 2017: Sustainability Office Carbon Fund Profile

Carbon Fund Student Team Members:

Talia Gnessin and Natalie Hazrati

What is the Carbon Fund and where do the funds come from?

The Carbon Fund is a granting body that funds projects by students, staff, and community members that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conduct relevant research, or carry out educational programs. The funds come from Measure 44, which taxes every undergraduate and graduate student a $3 fee per quarter. The Carbon Fund supports UCSC goal to become carbon neutral by 2025 and has about $150,000 to allocate to sustainability projects that will help reach this goal.

Who decides what projects will receive funding?

The Carbon Fund is comprised of a committee with 8 members, both staff and students, who vote on which projects are allocated funds.

Who can apply for a Carbon Fund Grant? Some examples?

College 9 and 10 garden!

Students, staff, or community members can apply for a Carbon Fund.  Some examples of projects that have been funded are the 9 and 10 garden, which had funds allocated to purchase trees and plants. Also, the Carbon Fund gave a grant for a solar power upgrade, which will provide a long-term solar power solution for research and teaching activities at UC’s Año Nuevo Natural Reserve

How do projects incorporate sustainable practices into their projects?

The projects funded by the Carbon Fund Grant all incorporate a goal towards an ultimate reduction of carbon emission. The hope is to continue in the strides that UCSC has been making towards a more sustainable environment through carrying out these various projects.

Solar Generator kit that was purchased with a Carbon Fund grant - UC’s Año Nuevo Natural Reserve

Where can you find out more information about past Carbon Fund projects?

Visit the Carbon Fund Website to learn more about past Carbon Fund Projects!

How do you apply for a Carbon Fund Grant?

You can apply on the Carbon Fund Website. There will also be an Info Session for all prospective applicants who want to learn more about the application process on October 26th from 6-7PM in the Graduate Student Commons Fireside Lounge