2019 Highlights
Audits Green Office 13 Certifications GOLD: 8 SILVER: 2 BRONZE: 3
Snapshot of 2019 President Harris signed The Presidents’ Climate Leadership Commitment
38
Eco-Resident Certifications PLATINUM: GOLD: SILVER: BRONZE:
4 8 16 10
The Eco-Resident Program consists of an Office of Sustainability Student Assistant speaking with on-campus residents one-on-one regarding their sustainable practices. These sessions cover a range of sustainability-related topics; including energy consumption, water usage, waste generation, etc. Afterwards, the Office provides students with customized tips for living more sustainably.
“The Climate Commitment integrates carbon neutrality with climate resilience and provides a systems approach to mitigating and adapting to a changing climate.”
Appointment of Director for Care For Our Common Home Pathway Michel A. Boudrias, PhD, a faculty member since 1996 and a professor of Environmental and Ocean Sciences.
President Harris committed USD to reaching carbon neutrality by 2035 This will “mobilize more resources for action-oriented climate change research and skills creation; and increase delivery of environmental and sustainability education”.
Creation of the End Food Waste Alliance A collaborative enterprise of students, faculty, and staff/ administrators leading efforts to combat food waste on campus, in support of the university’s strategic goals.
Campus Awareness
Digital Platforms
Sustainability by the Numbers
Website: Unique page views increased by 34% Users increased by 59%
Facebook: Followers increased by 7% ’Impressions’ increased by 28%
Instagram: Followers increased by 23% ’Likes’ increased by 9%
5.40% decrease in water consumption 2 EnergiPlants installed on campus: at
Manchester field and behind Guadalupe Hall
5 undergraduate courses formally using the
Twitter: Followers increased by 6% ’Engagements’ increased by 11%
47
2.73% decrease in energy consumption
Sustainability Presentations
These presentations aim to inform Toreros of sustainability initiatives at the University of San Diego, as well as to engage them in sustainability efforts on and off campus.
campus as a living laboratory
9 donation collection bins placed on campus,
in partnership with Disabled American Veterans
23 Toreros were acknowledged as part of the Sustainability Heroes Program
34 exterior trash bins converted to recycle bins, placed beside existing trash bins
35 faculty and staff members reached through the New Employee Welcome Program
102 mascara wands collected from Toreros for Wands for Wildlife program, to aid orphaned, injured, and rescued wild animals
44,100 pounds of items donated by the USD Community to Disabled American Veterans
499 Vampire Energy Audits The Office of Sustainability audited 499 offices in 14 USD buildings for vampire energy usage. Vampire energy is a term used to describe the power used by electronic devices when they are plugged into an outlet, but not being used. 616 instances were identified:
EXCELLENT: GOOD: MODERATE: BAD: REALLY BAD:
129 339 132 13 3
2020: The Year Ahead In 2020, the University of San Diego is rolling out a new master plan for campus energy consumption. This plan will inform the updated Climate Action Plan, also coming in 2020. Additionally, USD is committed to updating the EV charging stations on campus to incentivize more sustainable commuting. The Office of Sustainability and its programs are primarily funded by California utility customers under the auspices of the California Public Utilities Commission.