What an amazing virtual Fall 2020 semester it has been! We can't believe how fast it flew by and we are so grateful for everyone who was able to be part of the SJSU Green Campus family by attending and helping to put together the many events we had this semester. We look forward to continuing this important work with you in January!
Sustainability in Curriculum Development Workshop
Attention SJSU Faculty! Are you interested in learning about ways to incorporate sustainability into your courses and apply for a $500 stipend to create a sustainability module for your class? Then RSVP today for our Sustainability in Curriculum Development Workshop happening on Friday, February 5, 2021 at 12 P.M.!
This workshop will be hosted by: Ellen Metzger (Department of Geology/Science Education Program), Peggy Cabrera (University Library), and Katherine Cushing (Department of Environmental Studies). Topics will include environmental justice, food waste and security, social media, student involvement and sustainable purchasing and supply chain. Sponsored by the Office of Sustainability and the Center for Faculty Development.
Spartan Recreation and Aquatic Center Achieves LEED Gold Certification
“For its energy efficiency and green building sustainability achievements, the Student Union at SJSU Spartan Recreation and Aquatic Center (SRAC) received confirmation of its LEED Gold Certification on October 8.
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)—the world standard for green buildings—is a certified rating system offered through the US Green Building Council. SRAC’s LEED Gold certification marks its superior achievement of numerous sustainable and environmental stewardship measures.”
Congrats to the SRAC for achieving the LEED Gold Certification!
2020 was a year unlike any other. We joined our colleagues and peers across SJSU, the country, and the world in adapting and adjusting to the changes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, while continuing to progress in our sustainability work. This past semester, we had over 30 virtual events related to sustainability hosted and co-hosted by the OOS for students, staff, faculty and community members! Here are some of the highlights:
For the first time ever, we held a virtual Campus Sustainability Month in October to celebrate sustainability in higher education, and to engage and inspire students and other campus stakeholders to become sustainability change agents.
The OOS partnered with CSU campuses system-wide to offer a series of events in October for Campus Sustainability Month focused on Climate Justice = Social Justice to explore the intersections of people, planet, and power.
GreenTalk Speaker Series, presented by the SJSU Charles W. Davidson College of Engineering, which featured practicing engineers, scientists, and technical experts to deliver up-to-date briefings on how engineers deal with environmental issues.
The Silicon Valley Youth Climate Activist Panel in October was a huge local success and proved that we are stronger together when fighting climate change.
A first-ever Campus Sustainability Month Visual Art and Design Competition in collaboration with the Department of Art and Art History, the Department of Design, and Department of Environmental Studies as a means for our student artists to understand their individual impact on the environment.
The Waste Workshop Series where students, staff and faculty came to learn about how SJSU reduced and diverted its waste, and what they could do at home to lead a more sustainable lifestyle.
A first-ever virtual Trashion Fashion Competition in collaboration with the Environmental Resource Center, and made possible by NorCal Crossroads, to encourage students to reduce their fashion environmental impact.
SJSU Green Graduation Pledge
Congratulations to the SJSU Class of Fall 2020!
Make the pledge to be a Green Grad! Continue your commitment to sustainability after you leave campus and join thousands of graduates from all over the world who are making environmentally and socially responsible career decisions and lifestyle choices in life beyond SJSU! To inspire, motivate and most importantly, honor the Class of 2020, we are starting a Green Graduate series where you will have the opportunity to be featured on our social media.
"I pledge, as a graduate of San José State University, to take action to improve the sustainability of my future communities and to lead a socially and environmentally conscious life."
"In accordance with CSU Executive order 987, Facilities Development & Operations (FD&O) is providing the campus community notice regarding the Winter Break Energy Use Reduction Plan for its main and south campuses properties. The goal is to conserve energy at a time when university business and operational activities are generally reduced.
For those faculty with approved, ongoing RSCA efforts which require presence on campus, please contact FD&O at saveenergy@sjsu.edu to make necessary arrangements to properly support your needs on the days and times you will be on campus."
Members of the campus community can assist with this effort by following this Winter Break Shutdown Checklist before leaving for the break. Thank you for your understanding and support as we work to reduce University operating costs during this time. Happy Holidays!
Sustainable Gift Giving
Did you know that Americans throw away 25% more trash during the time from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day than any other time of the year? The extra waste amounts to 25 million tons of garbage or about 1 million extra tons per week!
4 Tips to Sustainable Gift-giving:
Give an experience: This holiday season, consider gifting an experience! Cooking a nice meal for your loved one, gifting a massage or a dinner/movie date, or an outdoor adventure like a day of kayaking are great examples of ways to show you care without a material item.
Wrap (or don't wrap) with care: Wrapping paper is used once and then thrown away immediately after. Consider re-using newspaper, old maps, or magazine pages as an alternative for gift-wrapping.
Purchase high-quality or useful products: We've been there before...when we receive a gift that we know won't have that much use for us but we don't have to throw it away so we keep it in that one drawer. Try to not be that person and ensure each gift you are giving has a purpose. Examples: a refillable thermos bottle, a canvas tote, a portable battery for cell phone, anything made from reusable products, a plant, etc.
Give to charity: Look out for programs or organizations where you also can donate and support gifts to help those in need!
OOS Spring 2021 Programming Survey
Have a sustainability idea to share with us? Submit the details using the link below!
