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 was a living example of USD’s commitment to social entrepreneurship. The Center diverted 4+ million pounds of electronic waste from landfills and served 25,000+ customers during its 7 year operation. 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.

Recent Spotlights

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In the News

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@usdsustain on Instagram

Mexico City has joined the movement to eliminate single-use plastics. They just passed a ban on plastic bags, utensils, straws, balloons, and other single-use items, which will take effect in January 2021. Read more on our FB and Twitter. #usdsustain #sustainability #zerowaste #saynotoplastic #banplastic
Did you know that you can lower your environmental impact by changing your diet? Use the food calculator on our FB and Twitter and find out the environmental impact of your favorite foods. #usdsustain #sustainability #climatechange
The Office of Sustainability is hiring an Education and Events Graduate Assistant and a Marketing and Communications Graduate Assistant for the upcoming school year. View the full job descriptions on our website and apply now via Handshake!
Did you know that properly maintaining your vehicle can improve your gas mileage? Follow these tips to save money and help the environment at the same time. â½ï¸ð
In accordance with our monthly theme, here are a few ways you can learn about sustainable transportation! #usdsustain #usdofficeofsustainability #sustainability #transportation
Interested in trying out carpooling to/from school or work? Read on our FB or Twitter about how Waze can connect you with someone else who is going the same route and how this can help reduce the amount of cars on the road. #usdsustain #waze #wazecarpool
May 16th is Bike to Work Day! Join the rest of San Diego in substituting your drive to work or school with an environmentally friendly, cost-saving commute choice like a bike ride. Make sure to stop by our pit stop from 6-9 am for a t-shirt and snacks. Learn more on our FB and Twitter. #biketoworkday #usdsustain #icommutesd #sandag
Everyone knows electric cars are cleaner than gasoline vehiclesâbut just how much cleaner? The YouTube video âElectric Cars & Global Warming Emissionsâ explores the environmental impact of electric vehicles on a lifecycle basis, from the manufacturing of their batteries to their ultimate disposal or reuse. Visit the links on our Facebook to watch and learn more!ð
We want to celebrate Toreros who participate in sustainable behaviors at work and in their personal lives to better the environment. Read about these Sustainability Heroes and how they have made a positive impact on their community from our website under recognition. Congratulations to our top three Sustainable Toreros: Geneva Lee, Katherine Stolin, and Taylor Ulrich! #USDsustain #USDofficeofsustainability
Look out for collection bins around campus to donate your gently used items before move-out! The donated items will benefit Disabled American Veterans. Bins will be available in residential areas, the UC Foyer, and the West Parking Structure tram stop until May 31st. #usdsustain #sustainability