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Sustainability

At Cal State Monterey Bay, we strive to support our natural environment and all of those who live within it.

Monte Rey laying on the lawn

Sustainability for Today, Tomorrow and Everyone

At Cal State Monterey Bay, sustainability isn’t a distant goal, it’s part of everyday life.

You can see it, try it and be part of it: refill your shampoo at a Wonderfil station, charge your phone at a solar bench, enjoy plant-based meals in the Dining Commons, pick up free supplies at Second Wave Supplies or create something new in the Makerspace.

Our walkable campus and proximity to the Monterey Bay encourage connection with each other and with the environment. Across campus, sustainability is built into how we live, learn and work.

With 80% of academic departments integrating sustainability into their curriculum, students gain the knowledge and skills to make a difference, here and beyond.

There’s no single way to be sustainable at CSUMB. Start where you are, explore what matters to you and be part of a community working toward a more sustainable future.

An environmental science student standing next to a river looking into the water while holding a clipboard

What is Sustainability?

Sustainability can mean different things to different people, but at its core, it’s about balance — supporting people, the planet and long-term prosperity.

A widely used definition describes sustainability as meeting today’s needs without limiting the ability of future generations to meet theirs. At CSUMB, we build on this idea by recognizing the importance of healthy ecosystems, strong communities and equitable opportunities for all.

Campus Tour

Explore Sustainability on Campus

Discover sustainability in action at Cal State Monterey Bay through interactive, self-guided tools. Explore campus spaces and everyday practices that support a more connected, environmentally conscious community, and find outdoor locations designed for well-being, reflection and connection with nature.

Monte rey

Get Involved

Get involved in sustainability at Cal State Monterey Bay by taking everyday actions, joining campus programs and finding opportunities to make a meaningful impact. Staff and faculty can participate in the Green Office Program to reduce waste and build more sustainable workplace practices.

Driving Impact Through Action and Accountability

Sustainability is embedded across campus through academics, operations and community partnerships.

We:

  • Integrate sustainability into teaching, research and hands-on learning
  • Use our campus as a living lab through service learning and applied projects
  • Emphasize systems thinking to address complex environmental and social challenges
  • Advance equity by acknowledging and addressing the disproportionate impacts of environmental issues
  • Pursue operational excellence in sustainable practices across campus
  • Support students, faculty and staff in aligning everyday actions with sustainability goals

Our work is guided by the 2030 Campus Sustainability Plan, helping ensure a resilient, inclusive and forward-looking future for our campus and region.

Cal State Monterey Bay is advancing a more sustainable future through measurable goals that support our campus and region. Guided by the Sustainability Plan, these efforts reflect our commitment to environmental responsibility, community well-being and long-term impact.

Carbon Neutrality by 2030

We are actively reducing greenhouse gas emissions across campus operations with the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030.

Plant 2,030 Trees

Through regular community tree-planting events, we are working toward planting 2,030 trees by 2030 — enhancing our campus landscape and supporting local ecosystems.

90% Waste Diversion

Our campus community is working together to reduce landfill waste by expanding recycling and composting efforts, with a goal of diverting 90% of waste by 2030.

Our sustainability team works across campus to support programs, engage the community and create opportunities for students to lead meaningful change.

  • Derek Martin
    Associate Director of Sustainability
  • Amanda Armstrong
    Waste Engagement and Outreach Coordinator
  • Estephanie Escobar
    Student Assistant
  • Alex Lopez-Vielmas
    Student Assistant
  • Lance Herrera
    Sustainable Business Intern
  • Vincent Hendrickson
    Associated Students Sustainability Senator (2025-26)

Second Wave Supplies

Shop, donate and reduce waste at Second Wave Supplies. Support a circular campus by giving items a second life and making sustainable choices every day.

Learn More About Second Wave Supplies
An interior view of the Tanimura and Antle Library.
Two staff members talk while seated at a conference table with a campus map on the wall. One is mid-conversation while the other smiles and listens.

Contact Us

Questions about our work? Get in contact!

Sustainability Starts Here

The Sustainability office is here to support your ideas, answer questions and help you get involved.

Contact

Sustainability

Derek Martin

Associate Director for Safety, Risk and Sustainability