Accolades
Bicycle Friendly University
USD was named a “Bicycle Friendly University” by the League of American Bicyclists, recognizing USD's commitment to being an active, healthy, and environmentally responsible campus through its support of bicycling. (2018)
The Princeton Review's Guide to Green Colleges
The University of San Diego was ranked #23 in the Princeton Review's annual international "Guide to 399 Green Colleges, 2018", for its exceptional commitment to sustainabilty.
Sustainable Campus Index- Public Engagement
The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education's (AASHE) ranked USD 2nd in Public Engagement in their 2018 Sustainable Campus Index.
Sustainable Campus Index- Campus Engagemen
USD ranked 8th in Campus Engagement in the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education's (AASHE) 2018 Sustainable Campus Index.
Sierra Club's Cool Schools List
Ranked 10th nationally in the 2017 Cool Schools list of the greenest colleges and universities by Sierra Club magazine. In 2014, USD ranked 14th on the list and in 2013, ranked 79th.
Environmental Excellence Award
The University of San Diego Electronics Recycling Center (ERC) received this award in 2015 from the Industrial Environmental Association for its achievements in collecting 1.6+ millions pounds of e-waste and serving than 25,000+ customers in the local community since opening in April 2011.
Best Case Study
Awarded by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) for promoting sustainability in operations, education, administration and community engagement.
iCommute Diamond Award
Honored as an Outstanding Educational Institution for excellence in promoting and participating in alternative transportation choices for the San Diego region.
Innovation in Experiential Education Award
Assistant Professor of Marketing, Justine Rapp, won the Innovation in Experiential Education Award for two experiential learning projects she developed, in which students worked with the USD Electronics Recycling Center to create paid advertising campaigns that are run on Google throughout the semester. (2014)
STARS Gold Rating
Awarded STARS Gold by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE).
Bicycle Friendly University
Named a “Bicycle Friendly University” by the League of American Bicyclists. (2013)
E.A.R.T.H. Award
Recipient of the Environmental Action and Restoration That Helps Award for its work to increase environmental awareness across USD's campus, for its water and energy conservation, carbon footprint reduction, and increased reliance on renewable energy initiatives. (2013 & 2010)
Recyclemania Challenge
First place in the electronics division of the Recyclemania Tournament for collecting more than 80,000 pounds of electronic waste during the eight-week competition. (2013)
Outstanding Sustainable Organization of the Year
Awarded by California Center for Sustainable Energy for being a “leader in sustainable facilities and programs through the integration of green transportation, progressive energy management and community leadership in waste reduction.” (2012)
Excellence in Energy Saving Champion in Higher Education
Awarded by San Diego Gas and Electric in 2011 for commitment to energy efficiency and energy savings.
University of San Diego Sustainability Day
Proclaimed by the Council of the City of San Diego due to the university’s commitment to sustainability, numerous partnerships throughout the community, comprehensive energy and water usage audits as well as significant savings. (April 12, 2011)