| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 72.94 |
| Liaison | John Alejandro |
| Submission Date | Oct. 13, 2017 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
University of San Diego
EN-4: Outreach Materials and Publications
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 2.00 |
Alison
Sanchirico Sustainability Coordinator Sustainability |
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indicates that no data was submitted for this field
Central Sustainability Website
Yes
A brief description of the central sustainability website (optional):
The Office of Sustainability website includes information about all of the University's institutional and student run sustainability initiatives, as well as information to help students and employees to be more sustainable.
The website integrates all efforts by USD and directs students toward new opportunities to be more sustainable and involved with the campus initiatives. To drive more interest among students, there is a specific tab that provides students with various opportunities to volunteer and get involved. The campus initiatives are categorized under areas of investment such as Energy, Water, Zero Waste, Recycling & Waste, E-Waste etc.
The website URL for the central sustainability website:
Sustainability Newsletter
Yes
None
A brief description of the sustainability newsletter:
A monthly newsletter keeps the campus community updated about sustainability related news such as events and initiatives. Recent Updates, Student Highlights, Upcoming Events and Green Tips of the Month keep the campus updated regarding the various projects and success stories of the Office of Sustainability.
None
The website URL for the sustainability newsletter:
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Social Media Platforms
Yes
A brief description of the social media platforms that focus on sustainability:
The Facebook page for Be Blue Go Green keeps the student body informed of the sustainability related events and programs on campus. It also serves as a sustainability marketing tool by posting pictures of events, updates, etc.
The USD Electronics Recycling Center helps advance sustainability in the San Diego community through safe recycling and disposal of electronic waste. The use of social media outlets, including Facebook and Twitter, keeps the community on and off campus updated about their work as well as promotes responsible recycling.
The website URL of the primary social media platform focused on sustainability:
Student Newspaper Coverage
No
A brief description of the regular coverage of sustainability in the main student newspaper:
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The website URL for regular coverage of sustainability in the main student newspaper:
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Student Research Publication
No
A brief description of the vehicle to publish and disseminate student research on sustainability:
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None
The website URL for the vehicle to publish and disseminate student research on sustainability:
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Green Building Signage
Yes
None
A brief description of building signage that highlights green building features :
The Student Life Pavilion, a LEED-NC Gold certified building, has signage that communicates its sustainability features to the campus community.
None
The website URL for building signage that highlights green building features :
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Sustainable Food Systems Information
Yes
A brief description of the signage and/or brochures that include information about sustainable food systems:
The University of San Diego student cafeteria has a food digester system that breaks down pre- and post-consumer food waste. Signs at the tray return encourage users to avoid "scraping their plates" into the trash, and instead let the dining staff use it in the digester. Other signs are present throughout the student cafeteria and other dining areas that highlight the sustainable sourcing and production of food on campus.
None
The website URL for food service area signage and/or brochures that include information about sustainable food systems:
Sustainable Grounds Signage
Yes
A brief description of the signage on the grounds about sustainable groundskeeping and/or landscaping strategies employed:
Along with maintaining the aesthetic nature of landscaping at USD, the Grounds Department has relentlessly tried to keep the students aware of all strategies used and combination of trees and shrubs planted to naturally maintain the balance of beneficial insects in the ecosystem.
As part of the Changemaker Challenge "Water" theme, signage was placed throughout campus to highlight facts about water usage and how USD saves water, specifically in regards to grounds and facilities. These facts included the number of gallons saved by removing grass areas on campus, student water use patterns, and retrofit information.
The website URL for the signage on the grounds about sustainable groundskeeping and/or landscaping strategies employed:
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Sustainable Walking Map or Tour
Yes
None
A brief description of the sustainability walking map or tour:
Individuals who schedule their visit through Undergraduate Admissions are given a tour by an undergraduate student of the campus. The tour includes highlights of the sustainability features of the campus, including the solar panels, energy retrofits, and groundskeeping practices, as well as a mention of the Electronics Recycling Center. The Office of Sustainability provides a script to Undergraduate Admissions each year that they include while updating their tours.
None
The website URL of the sustainability walking map or tour:
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Guide for Commuters
Yes
A brief description of the guide for commuters about how to use more sustainable methods of transportation:
The Office of Sustainability website features a page with information about trams, public transport, car share and other more sustainable modes of transport, how to use them, and links to further information. Additionally, the Parking Services website includes information and links to public transportation websites.
The website URL for the guide for commuters about how to use more sustainable methods of transportation:
Materials for Cyclists and Pedestrians
Yes
None
A brief description of the navigation and educational tools for bicyclists and pedestrians:
Outdoor Adventures has a student run group to help promote biking and help students take responsibility for reducing their carbon footprint. Hard copies of bike routes around campus and major destinations in the cities are provided along with a facility to rent bikes. Bike racks are also provided to encourage sustainable modes of transportation.
None
The website URL for navigation and educational tools for bicyclists and pedestrians:
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Green Living Guide
Yes
None
A brief description of the guide for green living and incorporating sustainability into the residential experience:
Sustainability Living Learning Communities (LLC) at USD provide resident students the opportunity to be inspired by sustainability initiatives on campus, develop a passion for sustainability as part of a community, and develop into more socially mindful and responsible citizens. Their online publication provides information on sustainability related courses, events and other news. Additionally, the Office of Sustainability posts tips for how to have a green move-in that is distributed digitally to incoming students.
None
The website URL for the guide for green living and incorporating sustainability into the residential experience:
Other Outreach Materials
Yes
A brief description of these materials or publications:
A water educational video titled "U R Here" was created to inform students, faculty, and staff about the context of San Diego's water (drought conditions and state management), what USD has done to reduce water usage, and what people can do to actively reduce their own water usage. The video was promoted online through social media, showcased on various TVs throughout campus, and played at sports games. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93GlE3IjBLg
The website URL for these materials or publications:
Optional Fields
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.