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, as a model of 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 Audit

Takes no more than 45 minutes
Consists of a questionnaire-guided conversation, with tips and explanations
Grants points based on student responses
Contains some behavior-based questions and others more driven by the physical space
Includes the following categories:
- Energy preservation
- Water conservation
- Waste reduction (including reuse and recycling)
- Other conservation behaviors

Once the audit is complete, students receive email follow-ups with information about office events, ways to stay involved, and tips on maintaining a sustainable lifestyle.

There are also raffle prizes for participants!

Natasha Skrypek receiving her prize of reusable stainless steel straws.

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

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

Eileen Rhatigan, Certified Silver Level Eco-Resident, won 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 be in contact via email shortly after in order to confirm an audit time slot.

Note: If students would like to be audited at the same time as their roommate(s), they will receive bonus points on their audits. One roommate must email sustainability@sandiego.edu with the names and emails of each roommate that wishes to be audited together.

Please contact sustainability@sandiego.edu with any questions.