USC

The University of South Carolina's efforts increase campus sustainability range from academics to operations. The University is building a biogasification plant that will allow the retirement of older fossil-fuel power plants. The University has contracted Johnson Controls to implement energy and water savings technologies projected to save over 5 million dollars. In 2003, USC received National Wildlife Federation's Campus Ecology, Green Campus Recognition. Campus shuttle routes are served by biodiesel buses and electric cars and mini-trucks serve of the campus maintenance and grounds staff. Several areas on campus recognized as "Backyard Wildlife Habitats" capable of providing food, shelter, water, and nesting areas for local species.

The President's Environmental Advisory Committee, made up of representatives from academic, operations, residence life, and business parts of the University, meets monthly to address environmental issues on campus.

Sustainable Universities Initiative

The University of South Carolina is a founding member of the Sustainable Universities Initiative (SUI). The SUI aims to "change our product" — to help students understand how to meet fundamental human needs without destroying the planet's ability to support us. SUI works with faculty to expand their teaching and research and with administrators and operations managers to ensure that our institutions are practicing what faculty preach. SUI serves as a catalyst for sustainability activities at South Carolina's three research universities, other educational institutions, and ultimately, the state.

Green Building Commitment

In 2005 President Sorensen committed the University of South Carolina to pursue green building across the campus. Achieving the US Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification is an important part of the planning process for all new projects. All new projects are intended for LEED certification.

In order to put these words to action, USC developed and follows its own Sustainable Design Guidelines [PDF]. The Guidelines are a written summary of USC's commitment to demonstrate the economic, health and environmental benefits of green building. The Guidelines are a living document and will be updated to reflect new technologies and experiences from new projects. The Sustainable Design Guidelines explain the University's approach to building, including:

  • Process: describing the steps USC takes to apply LEED standards throughout design, construction, and final commissioning phases
  • Technical Goals: summarizes the specific goals and credits to be addressed in each building
  • Resources: provides a list of organizations, contacts and appendices of use in the design and building process

      • USC has committed to following its Sustainable Design Guidelines on all of its new projects.


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