| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 57.04 |
| Liaison | Larry Cook |
| Submission Date | Feb. 29, 2016 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
University of South Carolina
PA-1: Sustainability Coordination
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.00 / 1.00 |
Namita
Koppa Assistant Director for Program Management Office of Sustainability |
Does the institution have at least one sustainability committee, office, and/or officer that focuses on sustainability broadly and covers the entire institution?:
A brief description of the activities and substantive accomplishments of the committee(s), office(s), and/or officer(s) during the previous three years:
In the last three years, USC has supported a President's Sustainability Council, an Office of Sustainability, and 1-4 full-time staff members dedicated to campus sustainability.
Key activities and accomplishments include:
1. Creation and expansion of Sustainable Carolina Leadership Program
2. Creation and expansion of Carolina Community Farm & Garden
3. Publication of first data-driven campus sustainability report
4. Creation of campus sustainability action plan
5. Growth of Office of Sustainablity from 1 full time staff member to 4 full time staff members and 3 graduate assistants
Does the institution have at least one sustainability committee?:
The charter or mission statement of the committee(s) or a brief description of each committee's purview and activities:
The President's Sustainability Council was established by the President in 1999 and a campus policy passed in 2000. In 2008 the PSC added sustainability to its focus and the PSC now serves as the main committee to advise the President on environmental and sustainability issues as well as lead the campus.
USC Environmental Policy Statement
Adopted: October 19, 2000
The University of South Carolina represents an intellectual community committed to the advancement of theoretical and practical knowledge. Recognizing our role as a positive force in the state’s economic and social advancement, we believe it is incumbent upon us to lead the way toward a more sustainable future through our teaching, learning, research, community service and facilities management. Our goals emphasize the University's impacts as both an educator (of faculty and staff as well as students) and as an operational facility.
GOALS
Members of the University community (faculty, staff and students) will have a basic understanding of their impact on the environment.
Incorporate environmental and sustainability issues into the University curriculum
Increase opportunities for informal learning about environmental issues for students, faculty, staff and public
Encourage research that aids in understanding of issues and solutions to environmental problems
Increase service activities by faculty, staff and students that enhance environmental awareness within the institution and foster sustainable thinking within the larger community
The University community will promote environmental sustainability by example.
Conserve resources through waste reduction, recycling, energy and water use minimization
Minimize negative impacts of the University on the
environment
Think globally and act locally by promoting and using
recycled or remanufactured goods, locally-generated
products and native species in natural landscapes where possible
Make a commitment to compliance with environmental, health and safety regulations to ensure the protection of the environment and the people living within it.
The University will evaluate and monitor progress toward these goals on a continuing basis.
Implement an Environmental Management System for auditing inputs and outputs and quantifying savings from sustainable practices
Produce an annual “Environmental State of USC” report under the leadership of the Environmental Advisory Committee
Members of each committee, including affiliations and role (e.g. staff, student, or faculty):
Seats on Council for representatives from following offices, colleges, programs, and departments:
Honors College
Provost
Research
HRSM
Arts & Sciences
USC Connect
Healthy Carolina
Law
Facilities & VMPS
Housing
Dining
Business Affairs
Law Enforcement & Safety
HR
Student Life
Diversity/HR
CoSW
Global Carolina
University Communications
Student Government
The website URL where information about the sustainability committee(s) is available:
Does the institution have at least one sustainability office that includes more than 1 full-time equivalent (FTE) employee?:
A brief description of each sustainability office:
The Office of Sustainability is led by a Director and includes two assistant directors and a Garden Manager. Additoinally, the Office coordinates and assists with the direction of other sustainability positions on campus including the environmental sustainability coordinator for Housing and the Green Quad faculty and staff. The Office of Sustainability manages Sustainable Carolina, a student program of 64 students.
Full-time equivalent (FTE) of people employed in the sustainability office(s):
The website URL where information about the sustainability office(s) is available:
Does the institution have at least one sustainability officer?:
Name and title of each sustainability officer:
A brief description of each sustainability officer position:
The Director reports dually to the AVP of Student Affairs. The Director oversees the office that is responsible for coordinating and implementing all sustainability programs on campus ranging from conservation to curriculum to outreach. The Office is not limited in its scope for activities and engagement. Additionally, the Director serves as the campus expert on the built environment and the primary point person for community engagement and outreach.
The Office of Sustainability seeks to educate and transform the campus, community and individuals by promoting collaborative relationships among students, faculty, staff, and community members for exploring and implementing the changes required to create a sustainable campus and society. The student branch of the office is known as Sustainable Carolina, which empowers students to address campus and global issues through intensive experiential learning and leadership opportunities.
The website URL where information about the sustainability officer(s) is available:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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.