UCLA Facilities Management is proud to announce that our Grounds team has achieved a historic milestone: becoming the first campus in California to earn the prestigious Green Grounds Certification as part of the Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree Campus Higher Education program. This national recognition highlights UCLA’s leadership in sustainable grounds management and our unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship.
Featured in a recent FacilitiesNet article, this award celebrates UCLA’s innovative approach to campus landscaping. From preserving our urban forest to integrating drought-tolerant native plants, our Grounds team has set a new standard for sustainability in higher education. This achievement reflects years of dedication to practices like integrated pest management, organic fertilization, and water conservation—efforts that align with UCLA’s ambitious Sustainability Master Plan.
“This certification is a testament to the hard work of our Facilities Management team and the collaborative spirit of the UCLA community,” said [Insert Name], [Insert Title, e.g., Director of UCLA Facilities Management]. “It’s not just about maintaining a beautiful campus—it’s about building a resilient, eco-friendly future for our students, staff, and visitors.”
The Green Grounds Certification requires meeting five rigorous standards, including a comprehensive tree care plan, a campus tree program with dedicated funding, and an annual Arbor Day observance that engages our community. By achieving this, UCLA not only enhances its 405-acre campus but also contributes to broader goals, such as reducing potable water use by 36% and achieving 90% waste diversion by 2025.
As the first UC campus—and the first in California—to earn this honor, UCLA Facilities Management is paving the way for sustainable grounds practices across the state and beyond. This recognition from the Arbor Day Foundation underscores our role as a leader in the University of California system and the facilities management industry.
We invite the UCLA community to join us in celebrating this milestone. Whether it’s enjoying the shade of our thriving trees or learning more about our sustainability initiatives, this achievement belongs to all of us.
For more details on this award and UCLA’s sustainable grounds efforts, read the full story in FacilitiesNet’s feature.
