Battle of the Green Campuses

USC has made significant efforts to help the environment. But so are other colleges. 

Alternet.org recently ranked the top ten colleges in terms of environmental friendliness:

1. Oberlin College
2. Harvard College
3. Warren Wilson College
4. The University of California system
5. Duke University
6. Middlebury College
7. Berea College
8. Penn State University
9. Tufts University
10. Carnegie Mellon University

Yes, that's right. UCLA is on the list, and USC isn't. But that's because the UC system has specific plans for implementing renewable energy and offsetting waste in the next few years. Oberlin gets half of its energy from green sources, and uses locally produced food in dining halls. Berea has a residence area called Ecovillage, with uses solar fixtures, efficient appliances and rainwater collection. 

Several other organizations have ranked American universities on sustainability, and the rankings very. But USC is not on any list I've seen. 

To read about what USC has done so far, visit http://uscgreenaction.blogspot.com/2008/10/usc-makes-efforts-to-be-environmentally.html

Grading universities

The Endowment Institute publishes a college sustainability report card each year.  USC most recently received an average grade of a C+.  Specific grades were:

• Administration: B
• Climate Change and Energy: C
• Food and Recycling: B
• Green Building: B
• Student Involvement: D
• Transportation: B
• Investment priorities: A

Clearly, there is more work to be done. What is surprising is the low student involvement grade, given the array of environmentally-focused groups on campus. UCLA received a B- on their most recent report card. 

What USC could do better

USC is improving, but there are still some aspects that need work. For one, DPS drives gas-guzzling SUVs around campus nearly 24 hours a day. Lights and computers are often left on in classrooms when no one is there. Recycling bins are available on campus and in dorms, but many say there aren't enough. And the recycling programs in off-campus housing are 

seriously lacking. 

If USC hopes to one day be among the elite green universities, it will have to do more. That's not to detract from what it has already done, but student involvement must increase, as well as an awareness of what students can do to contribute. 

For more information on rankings, visit:

http://www.alternet.org/environment/67015?page=1

http://www.grist.org/news/maindish/2007/08/10/colleges/

http://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/200809/coolschools/ten

USC Makes Efforts to be Environmentally Friendly

USC is making efforts to help the environment through energy and water conservation, waste diversion and transportation changes. The university has several committees and student groups committed to and working towards more positive changes.

Following the trend

"Going green" has gained popularity over the last several years. Increased awareness of the environment and the impact society has on it is producing several movements to help reduce that impact. USC is no exception. Over the past several years, students have become more and more involved, according to Environmental Health and Safety Director Ed Becker.

"This is the first time we're really seeing a lot of student involvement and support for environmental changes on campus," Becker says. 

Several groups have formed, dedicated to raising awareness and reducing USC's environmental footprint. Groups include:

• The USC Operations Sustainability Committee
• Green Trojans
• Environment 1st
• Students for a Sustainable SC

Little changes, big impact

Some of the most significant changes USC has made are actually small actions that make a big difference. 

Water: 

• A water cooling system under Cromwell field that collects and cools water at night
• Low-flow showerheads and toilets in dorms
• An irrigation and watering system that measures moisture in campus plants and adjusts watering accordingly

Transportation:

• Campus buses and trams run on biodiesel
• Campus cruiser uses some hybrid cars
• Zipcars allow for students to share cars and use them only when necessary
• USC provides public transportation passes to students

Buildings:

• 3 new campus buildings will meet LEED standards
• Lighting in buildings is more energy efficient
• Waste from construction plans to be diverted to recycling centers

Future plans:

As one of the largest employers in the Los Angeles area, USC recognizes it needs to set an example. Becker notes that one of the most important things is allowing students to give ideas. He mentions USC's curriculum as including several classes on sustainability, and says USC gives students a chance to try out their ideas. 

In the future, USC's plans include offsetting nearly 100% of produced waste, and the continuation of green standards for buildings. Energy efficiency will take place in the form of lighting and the watering systems already in place. 

While Becker praises the strides USC has been able to make, there is still much more it could do. He stresses the importance of student involvement and continued awareness in making USC a "green" campus.  

To read about what other schools are doing, visit http://uscgreenaction.blogspot.com/2008/10/battle-of-green-campuses.html

Video:

Ed Becker, Executive Director of Environmental Health and Safety, talks about some of the changes USC is making to help the environment. 

Video:

USC Students give their thoughts on why it's important for USC to be environmentally friendly.