Mission Statement

The Sustainability Employee Resource Group (SERG) serves to create and promote a culture of sustainability at UCOP locations and focuses on UC Sustainable Practices Policy issue areas.

History

The Sustainability Employee Resource Group (SERG), formally known as Sustainability Affinity Group (SAG) was founded in July 2020 virtually since employees worked remote at the time.

Goals/Values

To identify and initiate projects and programs that engage and educate UCOP staff on sustainability best practices and promote systemwide policy goals in recycling, transportation, energy use, waste reduction, and climate protection. SERG serves as a forum to discuss and act on sustainability topics through the lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Events

Programs

SNACK (Sustainable Nook and Clean Kitchen) is an initiative led by the Sustainability Employee Resource Group (SERG) & supported by Building & Administrative Service Center (BASC) to reduce single-use plastics and improve shared kitchen spaces across all UCOP facilities (UC Path, Franklin/Broadway, UCDC & UC Center Sacramento). Participating teams will transform their local kitchens into clean, well-stocked, reusable-focused spaces that support everyday sustainability.

To get started, teams secure approval from their leadership, designate a kitchen lead, gather supplies & submit the following Interest Form. SERG will then provide a SNACK Kit with plastic-free cleaning supplies and signage (while supplies last), along with guidance to help launch and maintain the kitchen. This project is currently being funded through FY2027.

If you’d like your UCOP kitchen to become a SNACK or have questions about this initiative, please contact Sofia.