A study recently found that the campus’ 200,000 trees reduce carbon dioxide emissions ‘mdash; produced by UCSD’s cogeneration plant, which supplies electricity campuswide ‘mdash; by nearly 10,000 tons per year, and cut energy costs by $2.2 million.
The trees decrease the university’s energy use by 12,886 megawatts by consuming solar energy and blocking winds.
The study, conducted for the university’s facilities management department by urban ecologist Kelaine Vargas, is part of the university’s sustainability and climate- change research initiatives.
‘Trees, as the most dominant green element in any landscape, not only provide spatial definition, but also enhance quality of life by removing air pollutants, reducing energy consumption, facilitating erosion control, fostering community pride and increasing property value,’ UCSD forester Samuel Oludunfe said in a statement.
The campus was named a ‘Tree Campus USA’ last year by the Arbor Day Foundation, and added 100 trees to its forest in memoriam, including sugar gums, magnolias and Torrey pines.
UCSD was also one of nine campuses in the country honored by the foundation for promoting healthy urban forest management.
This year on Arbor Day, April 24, students and staff will plant sycamores, Torrey pines and Canary pines campuswide.
‘Our urban forest encourages a safer and more sociable ambience, acts as a buffer against noise, supports a myriad of stress-reduction programs and serves as an educational experience for students, faculty and staff ‘mdash; a living laboratory,’ Oludunfe said.