Sustainability at USU

Our Big Goals

USU is committed to carbon neutrality by 2040. In order to make this goal, USU has finalized the Central Energy Plant Decarbonization Plan, which maps out USU's transition to electrification by 2040.

True sustainability is not just emissions reductions. We strive to work with other offices on campus for a widespread and inclusive effort. USU sustainability engages students in events, fights food waste, and works to include  sustainability in relevant ways throughout the curriculum. We work to partner with groups and support the work of other campus entities, such as the Center for Community Engagement; Inclusion Office; Aggies Think, Care, Act; and the Center for Intersectional Gender Studies & Research to build a more sustainable world, together. We have a lot of work to do!

Our Partners

COSAS

Found in the Taggart Student Center, the Christensen Office of Social Action & Sustainability is a hub for student ideas. Students focus their time on building a culture of sustainability through reducing food waste, promoting mindful consumption, organizing educational events, bringing more people into the conversation, and helping students write Sustainability Grants. Other programs include Gleaning, the Student Sustainability Club, True Blue Reuse thrift store, Farmers Market, and more. Community based sustainability efforts live here!

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Facilities

From running recycling and composting, designing sustainable buildings and spaces, to the landscaping and energy management, Facilities is the backbone of sustainability at USU.

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Sustainability Council

The Sustainability Council is a group of faculty, staff, and students who are dedicated to helping Utah State University attain carbon neutrality by 2040 and infuse sustainability in the curriculum. Relying on working groups in Energy, Transportation, Communication, and Academics, the Council works to integrate sustainability throughout the university and complete projects.

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Student Sustainability Committee

The Facilities Assistants and COSAS Leads and representatives of organizations, clubs, and departments on campus form the Student Sustainability Committee. This student leadership group strives to implement new ways to inspire Aggies to live sustainably, plan engaging events, and help USU become more socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable.

What We Do

Student Engagement

Aggies are known for their high levels of engagement on campus and in their community. USU Sustainability is one of many ways on campus to get involved and make a difference. From Earth Day to Race to Zero Waste, Energy Wars to Aggie Sustainability Club, Utah State students can find their niche and become a part of something bigger. Learn more with the Christensen Office of Social Action & Sustainability.

Faculty & Staff Engagement

Faculty and Staff can get engaged with the Sustainability Council, invite a sustainability speaker to their class, and get involved with the Planetary Thinking Workshop. You can also get your office or lab Green Certified, which is a great way to take the next steps in implementing sustainable practices in your work life. 

Campus Programs

From physical programs like recycling and composting, to social and involvement programs like the Sustainability Club and True Blue Reuse and Repair thrift store, USU has many different sustainability programs. There are also many events that engage the campus community.

Programs Events

Academics

Did you know that USU offers courses that focus specifically on sustainability issues? Faculty and staff also have the opportunity to take a Planetary Thinking Workshop to learn how to implement environmental sustainability into their curriculum. At the end of their time at Utah State, graduating Aggies can have the choice to take the Sustainability Pledge to use their education and career for the benefit of society and the environment. 

Emissions Reduction

USU has committed to carbon neutrality by 2040. Primarily through reduction and efficiency techniques, developing renewable energy on campus, increasing alternative transportation options, and working to reduce waste, we will neutralize our institutional contribution to climate change. In order to meet this goal, USU has finalized the Central Energy Plant Decarbonization Plan. If fully implemented, The Plan will reduce USU's emissions by 60%. 

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