Sustainability

Commitment to Care For Our Common Home

Sustainability is a way of life at University of San Diego (USD). Student-led initiatives provide sustainable solutions to current issues. Faculty incorporate sustainability in curriculum. Collaborative research projects and grants between faculty and students pay immediate dividends for the USD community and beyond, including a $5 million grant by the National Science Foundation to educate community leaders about the impacts of climate change.

In 2016, USD adopted a Climate Action Plan with aggressive targets aimed at reducing the university's environmental impact. USD has already reduced its energy consumption by more than 20% since 2010 and water consumption by 38% since 2006. Additionally, 5,000+ photovoltaic panels generate 7% of the university’s energy needs, making the system one of the largest solar energy producers among private colleges nationwide.

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USD Sustainability Map
Begin quote The University of San Diego prepares students to be enlightened, engaged and ecological citizens. – James T. Harris III, President, University of San Diego

The first of its kind on a college campus, the University of San Diego Electronics Recycling Center is a living example of USD’s commitment to social entrepreneurship. The center has diverted 3+ million pounds of electronic waste from landfills and served 25,000+ customers, providing an important resource for USD and the region. The university's fair trade and bike-friendly designations also help to bolster its sustainable campus reputation.

From messaging on campus, to policies affecting how we do business, to facilitating engagement from our staff, students, faculty and administrators, to creating and supporting curricular efforts at all levels, we must take immediate action in concrete ways at all levels of the university to create a truly shared and lived vision of Care for Our Common Home.

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If you need a study break and want to learn more about social equity, check out these recommendations. Links to watch the "Crude" trailer and listen to the podcast are on our Facebook!
Before you go home for the holidays, make sure to turn off all lights and unplug any electronics and appliances you may have. This is an easy task that will save a lot of energy while you are away!ð #USDsustain #energyatUSD #energyefficiency
"On the twelfth day of Christmas, sustainability gave to me..." a holiday door decorating contest, put on by Human Resources! We are participating with all up-cycled materials on our door, and would appreciate it if you voted for our decoration at: bit.ly/USDdoorvote. Voting ends Friday 12/14 at 5 pm. Happy Holidays!âð
This Thursday at Colachis Plaza, join us and Be Blue Go Green to exchange clothes and make eco-friendly holiday crafts. Come for a little de-stress during finals by planting succulents and making your own body scrub as well.ðâ»
The facts on ocean pollution speak for themselves. There is 6x more plastic than plankton in the ocean. By 2050, it is estimated that there will be more plastic than fish in the sea. It is time for action to be taken. In reducing the use of single-use plastic, not only will ocean wildlife benefit, but it will create a healthier environment for everyone. Please do your part in keeping our oceans clean, and our future bright. #SaveOurOceans #USDsustain #sustainability
Here are some recommendations that you can read, watch, and listen to in relation to this month's theme of social equity. Watch "Landfill Harmonic" trailer and listen to "A Crude Injustice" on our Facebook! #USDsustain #sustainability #socialequity
This holiday season, opt for LED string lights rather than regular incandescent ones as decorations because they use much less electricity, don't burn out or break, last longer, and save you money. Also, remember to unplug the extension cords when they aren't in use to save energy. Learn more about sustainable alternatives to holiday decorations on our Facebook!ð#USDsustain #sustainability #energyefficiency
Not everyone has an abundance of food this holiday season. USD provides food pantries around campus that are accessible to any community member experiencing food insecurity. These pantries are located in: SLP 403, Monday-Sunday, 7:30am-10:00pm Barcelona Hall 301, Monday-Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm SOLES Student Lounge, Monday-Sunday, 7:30am-10:00pm Donations of non-perishable goods can be placed in SLP 403 or UC 232 and also in food drive boxes around campus. #USDsustain #sustainability #foodinsecurity
Until December 21st, donation bins are available in all residential areas (Maher, the Valley, Camino/Founders, the Vistas, Manchester, University Terrace Apartments, and Presidio Terrace Apartments) as well as in the UC foyer and the West parking structure. Donate some of your gently used items to be given to the Disabled American Veterans before going home for the holidays.ð¦ #USDsustain #sustainability
With the start of December, we are introducing a new theme for the month: social equity! We want to highlight how environmental changes can impact communities, and address how we can help fix these issues. There is a social cost to the use of nonrenewable resources in addition to environmental costs, which is what we intend to focus on. #socialequity #peopleoverprofit #USDsustain #sustainability