USC earns a B for its green initiatives

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The rating of U.S. universities and colleges issued annually by the Sustainable Endowments Institute reflects successful climate and energy efforts, a firm institutional commitment to sustainability and greater student involvement. (pictured is the school’s Green Quad dormitory)

Staff Report
Published Oct. 20, 2009

The University of South Carolina earned a B on the College Sustainability Report Card 2010, a rating that puts USC among the greenest universities in the Southeast.

The rating of U.S. universities and colleges issued annually by the Sustainable Endowments Institute reflects successful climate and energy efforts, a firm institutional commitment to sustainability and greater student involvement, USC Sustainability Director Michael Koman said.

“We improved our scores in seven of nine ranking areas, which is an extremely significant accomplishment for just one year,” Koman said. “I’m especially proud of the huge jump from a C to an A grade in student involvement. This not only shows the concern of our students but also gives them the credit for all their work over the past year. ... Groups such as SAGE, Net Impact, Student Government and the Residence Hall Association have taken the lead on sustainability issues and are setting an example for many campuses across the country.”

Koman said USC President Harris Pastides and his wife, Patricia Moore-Pastides, are leading by example with the greening of the president’s house, including the creation of gardens that provide food for many social functions. Students have launched Sustainability Week, Earth Week, the Healthy Carolina Farmers Market, National Teach In, Powershift, Recyclemania and organic gardening and composting at Green (West) Quad (pictured).

The Honors Residence Hall, which opened in August, was designed and built at LEED Gold standards. Dining facilities use bio-boxes for to-go items and reward students for using ecologically sound tableware.

The university recently completed its greenhouse gas emission inventory for the past five years and has increased renewable energy on campus. Sustainability is being incorporated into many courses, and the Darla Moore School of Business has established sustainable enterprise and development as a major initiative for the school, Koman said.

At its second annual Earth Summit on Oct. 23, the university will set goals to earn an A ranking in the College Sustainability Report Card in the next few years.