Eco-Resident Certification Program

The USD Eco-Resident Certification Program is a joint project between the University of San Diego and San Diego Gas & Electric. The program is designed to help students living on USD’s campus become more sustainable in their daily actions. By participating in this program, students help USD lower its ecological footprint and set a positive example for other students living on campus at USD, by demonstrating leadership, initiative, and sustainable thinking.

Purpose

To connect students to resources for sustainable living
To form sustainability habits that will last a lifetime
To engage in friendly conversation regarding sustainability issues

The Certification Process

Includes a meeting with a student from the Office of Sustainability- takes ~45 minutes
Consists of a questionnaire-guided conversation, with tips and explanations
Contains some behavior-based questions and others more driven by physical space
Includes discussion on the following topics:
- Energy efficiency
- Water conservation
- Waste reduction (including reuse and recycling)
- Other conservation behaviors
Grants points based on responses
Includes a thank you gift for participation

Once the meeting is complete, students receive e-mail follow-ups with information about sustainability-related events, ways to stay involved, and tips on maintaining a sustainable lifestyle.

Natasha Skrypek receiving her prize of reusable stainless steel straws.

Natasha Skrypek, Silver-Certified Eco-Resident, received reusable stainless steel straws!

Eileen Rhatigan, Certified Silver Level Eco-Resident, receiving her prize of bamboo toothbrushes.

Eileen Rhatigan, Silver-Certified Eco-Resident, received bamboo toothbrushes!

Registration

Students interested in becoming a certified Eco-Resident must choose a time slot from this spreadsheet and contact the Office of Sustainability. A representative from the Office of Sustainability will respond to confirm an appointment.

Note: If students would like to be become certified at the same time as their roommate(s), they will receive bonus points on their questionnaire. One roommate must e-mail sustainability@sandiego.edu with the names and e-mails of each roommate that wishes to participate in the certification process.

Please contact sustainability@sandiego.edu with any questions.