2011 USD Fact Book

Sustainability The University of San Diego is one of the greenest college campuses in the country, with ambitious plans to continue its efforts as a nationwide leader in social, environmental and economic sustainability. Recent projects include the installation of 5,000 photovoltaic panels on 11 buildings across campus, which are expected to generate 1.23 megawatts of renewable energy. This establishes USD as the second- largest solar energy producer among all private U.S. colleges and the 10th-largest solar facility on a university campus in the nation. Water and energy conservation efforts dealing with heating, air conditioning, lighting and plumbing upgrades have been undertaken in nearly every building on campus; these projects are expected to reduce total energy use by 20 percent and water consumption by 33 percent. A partnership with San Diego Gas and Electric encourages renewable energy education and outreach through the work of USD students in the local community. Additionally, the Student Life Pavilion’s market, Tu Mercado, is one of the nation’s first on-campus, all-natural and organic food markets, and has received a national award for incorporating sustainability into a campus convenience store.

Teaching Green USD’s faculty have

played a major role in making the campus greener. The School of Business Administration is ranked fourth in the nation for incorporating sustainability into its classes and programs. Faculty members have served on the USD Sustainability Task Force, collaborated on research projects with other faculty and students, and secured financial support through research grants. All of these efforts are in keeping with the university’s mission, which is built on core values that include a devotion to the common good as well as development of a deeper connection to

the earth and the world around us.

www.sandiego.edu

17