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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@usdsustain on Instagram

COMPETITION ALERT! We are looking for a new graphic element for the Office of Sustainability, and giving YOU the opportunity to design it! It should be submitted by October 18th through email, and you can contact us with any questions you may have. ð #USDsustain #sustainability #USDofficeofsustainability
In honor of September being Zero Waste Month, here are a few easy tips all students/staff can participate in to practice mindful consumption and make USD a zero waste campus!!â»ï¸ #USDsustain #sustainability #USDofficeofsustainability
VOICE YOUR IMPACT! The Climate Cost Project is looking for environmentally and community-oriented filmmakers to participate in the Witnessing Change Video Competition and make short videos documenting the impacts of climate change already happening in their communities. The winner will receive a $1,000 prize, and two runner ups will each receive $250! The submission deadline is November 15, 2018. Read more about it on our Facebook and Twitter!!ð
Did you know that if you use a reusable cup for coffee or tea instead of a disposable one, youâd prevent 23 lbs of waste production per person each year? Be a part of this difference and avoid single-use coffee cups to receive a $0.25 discount at most dining locations on campus!âï¸â»ï¸ #USDsustain #sustainability #USDofficeofsustainability
Happy Monday, Toreros! Here are some helpful tips for getting to and from campus by organizing a ride-share that can help the environment, save you money, and is easier on your daily commute: ð choosing to carpool with a friend or through uberPOOL/Waze Carpool ð utilizing public transportation through the student discount passes the Metropolitan Transit System offers ð² substituting a car ride for a bike ride every once in a while! Plus, USD has carpool parking spots for students/staff that are closer to areas on campus, making your travels much more convenient! More resources for ride-sharing will be posted on our Facebook, especially to prepare for Rideshare Week coming up in October!ð #USDsustain #sustainability #USDofficeofsustainability
Want to read about all of the sustainable efforts and opportunities USD offers on campus? You can now take a virtual tour on the website! Under Maps & Directions, on the Tours tab, youâll see the Sustainability Tour! (The link will also be in our Instagram bio) Check it out and utilize all of the thirteen areas on campus you can practice sustainability!ð¡ #USDsustain #sustainability #USDofficeofsustainability
Calling all Toreros! The International Compost Awareness Week Committee invites YOU to get involved in their sustainable initiatives by entering a contest for the best compost poster to fit the theme: âCool the Climate - Compost!â ð¿ The winner will receive a $500 prize and have their poster distributed to thousands worldwide! Contest ends November 5th, 2018. This is YOUR opportunity to display your creative talent and show your belief in composting and in the benefits of using compost. ð More information, contest rules, and place to enter will appear on the Office of Sustainability website, Facebook, and Twitter. GOOD LUCK! #USDsustain #sustainability #USDofficeofsustainability
Check out the FREE Chula Vista HarborFest at Bayside Park- August 18!
Bike to Work & School Day is THIS THURSDAY!!! Be sure to stop by our booth at the main campus entrance for a t-shirt and snacks! Happy riding ðð´ð¼ââï¸
Don't forget to bring your bikes to Plaza Mayor tomorrow between 12-2pm if you need a little tune-up! A Cal Coast Bicycles mechanic will be there to help you out and get you up and running smoothly, for free! The San Diego Bicycle Coalition will also be joining us giving out bike safety and riding information. Hope to see you there!