CSUCI has completed or has in progress various sustainability best practices that are outlined below.
- Reduce campus irrigation by 25%.
- Convert irrigation to reclaimed water as reclaimed water supply becomes available.
- Waterless urinals only in men's restrooms, saving up to 40,000 gallons of water, per urinal, annually.
- Replaced faucets and toilet valves with low-flow units throughout the campus.
- Campus computers will be programmed to automatically go into sleep mode.
- The use of space heaters and small refrigerators will be either eliminated or limited.
- Energy-efficient light bulbs, occupancy sensors and day-light sensors will be installed in existing buildings, as well as efficient exterior lighting and street fixtures.
- Upgrades to Aliso Hall HVAC system will reduce energy consumption.
- Several lighting equipment upgrade projects underway to reduce energy usage.
- Electric chillers in drinking fountains have been turned off.
- Installed electric hand dryers in restrooms and conducted survey (evaluated data.)

- Landscaping along Santa Barbara Avenue, Ventura Avenue, and in the North Quad, South Quad and Central Mall will be irrigated with reclaimed water.
- Reduced lawn areas and planted drought tolerant plants in several areas.
- Installed mulching decks on mowers.
- Aquacide non-chemical weed control

- Design standards developed for new buildings incorporate sustainable strategies using recycled materials and rapidly renewable resources, and energy efficient heating, cooling and lighting systems.
- Achieved more than 65% waste diversion from landfills.
- Use of "green-seal certified" cleaning products.
- Diverted paint sludge from sewer by using evaporators.

- Reuse paint and lacquer thinners.
- Recycle all toner cartridges and used batteries.
- Divert construction wastes from landfills by recycling metals,cardboard, asphalt and concrete.

CSUCI actively promotes to faculty, staff, and students alternatives to driving including carpooling, vanpooling, taking local transit, bicycling, and walking. Each of these alternatives offers wonderful benefits to the user, as well as to the University community and environment.