University of San Diego
PAE-1: Sustainability Coordination

A Sustainability Task Force was charged to study the status of sustainability at USD, research best practices at other universities, and develop a strategic plan by March 2008. \The result was their “Outline of Sustainability Initiatives,” which encompassed academics; outreach and community relations; auxiliaries; facilities operations; campus life; and executive decisions. The task force distilled this extensive outline into a proposed two-year action plan that highlighted the initiatives in each category that task force members considered to be most timely, important, or feasible. The task force specifically noted that implementing the action plan would require the guidance of a full-time director with sufficient authority and resources to take action. The university joined AASHE (Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education), participated in both Focus the Nation and Earth Week, launched a newsletter, and began audits of energy and water use. Since 2010, the Sustainability Task Force meets regularly to provide input on the activities and goals of the Office of Sustainability.

Michael Catanzaro, Director of Sustainability Paula Morreale, Administrative Assistant, Office of Sustainability Scott Anders, Administrative Director, Energy Policy Initiatives Center Dawn Anderson, Director, Procurement Services Moises Baron, Assistant VP Student Affairs, Student Wellness Michel Boudrias, Chair, Marine Science and Environmental Studies Doug Burke, Director, Network Information Technology Services Sandra Ciallella, Assistant Vice President of Development Esteban Del Rio, Interim Director, Center for Inclusion and Diversity Colin Fisher, Director, Sustainability Living Learning Community Pamela Gray, Assistant VP, Public Affairs Elizabeth Harman, Director of News Bureau Dayanne Izmirian, Assistant Dean, Residential Life Barry Ligman, Parking Services Manager Michael Lovette-Coyler, Director of University Ministry Andre Mallie, Executive Director, Auxiliary Services Lynne Morris, Facilities Management Office Manager Patricia Marquez, Director, Changemaker Hub Chris Nayve, Director, Community Service Learning Mark Norita, Assistant Vice President, Facilities Management Coreen Petti, Associate VP, Marketing and Strategic Partnership Michael Plakosh, Energy Manager, Office of Sustainability Juan Carlos Rivas, Assistant Director, Changemaker Hub Krystn Shrieve, Director of Brand Marketing Communications Jodi Waterhouse, Director, Corporate and Professional Programs, Continuing Ed. Greg Zackowski, Director, Outdoor Adventures and Sustainability Programs Brianna Tracy, Graduate Assistant, Office of Sustainability James Wykowski, Associated Students, Director of Sustainability and Wellness Shannon Schumacher, Office of Sustainability Intern

The Office of Sustainability was formed in Fall 2009, stemming from the first cycle of Strategic Initiatives proposed by President Mary Lyons to make our campus more green and eco-friendly. The Sustainability Task Force first met in November 2007, charged to “inventory educational, research operations, facilities initiatives, and service learning experiences currently in place at USD that support sustainability and/or climate change programs; survey best practices at other universities; and develop a strategic plan by March 2008 that will encompass the elements of education, research, service, and operations.” The Office of Sustainability currently has three full time staff members: Director, Energy Manager, and Sustainability Coordinator. This staff is designated to plan and implement sustainable practices across campus as well as apply innovative applications to improve sustainability. This office also helps the Be Blue Go Green Team on campus. This student group educates the USD and local community regarding various ways to be sustainable in your everyday life. They also run the compost and garden area behind Missions Crossroads, complete office and home energy assessments, and create awareness around being eco-friendly. The Office also employs three Graduate Assistants and a number of undergraduate interns.

The Director of Sustainability is responsible for engaging in the university’s sustainability program to include the elements of education, research, service and operations including, but not limited to: day-to-day oversight of the Office of Sustainability’s twenty employees, operation of the Electronic Waste Recycling Center, and engagement with both external and internal partners.