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, Silver-Certified Eco-Resident, received reusable stainless steel straws!
Eileen Rhatigan, Silver-Certified Eco-Resident, received bamboo toothbrushes!
Registration
Highlights
95 students certified since December 2017
- electricity conservation
- refusal of single-use plastics
- carpooling and/or using public transportation
- water consumption
- energy usage
- reusing and recycling