What to Know About Big Shift
What is Big Shift?
Big Shift is an ambitious project to replace UC Davis’ steam-powered heating system with hot water generated by electricity, a renewable resource. The project began in spring of 2020 and focused on districts, converting one area of campus at a time. For the 25-26 school year, one of those districts will be near you and involve digging trenches, installing new hot water pipes, insulating those pipes and then restoring the surface that was dug up.
What Construction Will be Happening?
Fall 2025: Construction will be happening by Cruess, Cowell, Indio, Campo and Regan Main.
Winter 2026: Construction will be happening by Segundo, specifically Miller, Malcom, Bixby, Gilmore, Segundo Market and Parking Lot 25.
More information to come. Dates are subject to change.
FAQs
Q: What email can I reach out to with questions?
Q: How often will we send out emails with updates?
A: They were sent out biweekly for the first few months of the project, and then they were moved to monthly during the summer. They will return to biweekly once there are more updates.
Q: What does Primero Grove's lease say about construction?
A: Lease Agreement, Section 34. CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION: Construction and/or remodeling or repair of academic and residential buildings on the UC Davis campus in the vicinity of the apartment can occur at any time. Construction is expected to occur during normal daytime working hours, and it may result in disturbances and disruptions, including, but not limited to, increased noise and dust in the area surrounding the buildings and planned and unplanned utility shutdowns. By signing this Lease Agreement, the LESSEE agrees they have been advised of said scheduled construction and acknowledges there may be disturbances and disruptions resulting from such construction.
Q: Who can I contact about accessible pathways?
A: If community members need individual assistance, please contact the Student Disability Center via My SDC Online, via email sdc@ucdavis.edu, or by phone at 530.752.3184.
Q: What code and regulations does the construction team follow?
A: Due to its educational mission as stated in the California Constitution, UC Davis is not subject to local regulations, including the City of Davis noise standards. The University of California, Davis land use development is guided by the 2018 Long Range Development Plan (LRDP) and the 2018 LRDP Environmental Impact Report (EIR). These documents serve as the primary planning and regulatory framework for future development at UC Davis, setting forth requirements for project planning, construction and operation across campus. The 2018 LRDP EIR establishes the campus construction noise reduction measures, specifically LRDP EIR Mitigation Measure 3.12-1: Reduce Construction Noise. This mitigation measure imposes a series of noise reduction measures to reduce construction noise to the fullest extent practical. The Segundo Infill Project is committed to implementing these noise reduction measures.
You can explore these regulations and documents here:
Noise Chapter - 2018 LRDP EIR
Segundo Infill Housing EIR Addendum – Please refer to pages 5-8 to review the specific measures of LRDP EIR Mitigation Measure 3.12-1.