University of South Carolina
PA-1: Sustainability Coordination

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

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

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 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.

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.