The National Wildlife Federation awarded the University its Green Campus Recognition for exemplary work in demonstrating sustainable practices during the 2002–03 academic year and the National Association of College Auxiliary Services presented USC its 2003 Innovative Achievement Award.

Carolina was one of 13 campuses nationwide cited by the Wildlife Federation “for measurable positive achievements and commitment to sustainability,” including its efforts in building design, promotion of environmental literacy, management services, campus transportation, and waste reduction.

Other schools cited by the federation include Duke University, Ohio State University, Washington and Jefferson College, and the University of Maryland.

USC programs highlighted by the federation were the green building aspects of the West Quad residence hall; freshman English students’ work in studying conservation on a literary level and in volunteering for environmental projects around campus; development of more campus bike racks, lanes, and overall bicycling safety; students’ efforts to recycle reusable items normally discarded at year’s end; and the University’s efforts with two neighboring schools to help with waste reduction and recycling.

The National Wildlife Federation’s Campus Ecology Program was established in 1989 to assist colleges and universities in becoming models for ecologically sustainable enterprises. Each year the program works with schools throughout the U.S. and Canada. The federation is the nation’s largest member-supported conservation group, uniting individuals, organizations, businesses and government to protect wildlife, wild places, and the environment, according to its Web site.

The National Association of College Auxiliary Services recognized the University’s Housing Department for “its commitment to begin exploring ways to do business that are environmentally more sensitive while enabling more effective and efficient use of its financial and other resources.

“In these initiatives,” said the association, “USC has demonstrated that green can mean $$$green, and at the same time serve to teach others the value and means of sustainability as an operational principle while serving the good of society in earth-friendly ways.”

The association was established in 1969 and is the largest non-profit organization for support services in higher education, comprised of more than 1,100 colleges and universities across North America and Great Britain, Ireland, Australia, and parts of Asia.

11/03