SDSU received a silver rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education.
From the recycling programs in the residence halls to the solar panels at the Aquaplex and atop parking structures, efforts promoting sustainability run throughout San Diego State’s Campus.
Those efforts were awarded with a Silver rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education.
“The rating demonstrates that sustainability is a core value on the SDSU campus,” said Mariah Hudson, SDSU’s sustainability coordinator. “It’s something that SDSU students, faculty, staff and alumni can be proud of.”
LEEDing the way
In 2009, SDSU became one of the 37 charter participants to undergo the rigorous self-audit and reporting process throughthe sustainability organization's rating and tracking system.
SDSU’s Center for Regional Sustainability, in collaboration with the Senate Sustainability Committee, worked with staff and faculty across campus for nearly three years to complete a sustainability assessment.
Information about SDSU's many green programs, projects and initiatives, such as diversity programs, tray-less dining, and book rental programs were reviewed to create a comprehensive portrait of SDSU’s sustainability efforts.
“As a benchmark for our efforts, the report can be used to inform decisions as we move forward and strive for Gold rating for the next assessment in three years,” Hudson said.
Notable SDSU sustainability efforts:
- More than 250 sustainability focused or related courses across the curriculum, including the creation of a sustainability major.
- More than 57 percent of students graduate from programs that have sustainability student learning outcomes.
- SDSU is a leader in waste reduction with a comprehensive single stream recycling program, food and green waste composting, and one-to-one ratio of recycling to garbage bins.
- In the last three years student-led initiatives have resulted in the implementation of a bike plan and bike lanes, the SDSU Farmer’s Market, Meatless Monday, and three small organic gardens.
- SDSU earned two innovation credits for two groundbreaking programs that have significantly contributed to campus sustainability: the Compact Scholars Program, which creates a pathway and support system for local students; the Associated Students initiative to LEED certify AS facilities and involve students in the process.
SDSU’s sustainability profile, is available for viewing.
The Sierra Club's Green Colleges
SDSU also made the Sierra Club’s Cool Schools green colleges and universities 2012 list, ranking 49 out of the top 96.