The award recognized USC’s Sumter Street streetscape project, which beautified a major gateway into the campus and enhanced pedestrian accessibility with the use of decorative crosswalks and automobile traffic calming measures. A center median and fence were added with plantings of flowering shrubs and palmetto trees. Additionally, ornamental brick walls and columns brought the site into the same architectural style as surrounding areas of campus

The University also was recognized in the education category for its LeConte Gibbes Garden, the setting for an outdoor laboratory used by Rudy Mancke, distinguished lecturer in the School of the Environment. Students in University 101 participate in community service at the garden which has been certified as a Backyard Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation.

USC also received the award for Special Achievement for the West Quad living and learning community. This award is given to an organization or project that has made a significant contribution to the environment and quality of life in Columbia. West Quad incorporates sustainable site design techniques that almost completely eliminate sediment and pollutant filled storm water run-off, minimize domestic and irrigation water usage, and maximize energy efficiency. The facility was also constructed with significant recycled content in both the building itself and the interior furnishings.

Columbia College and DiPrato’s Delicatessen on Pickens Street were also recognized by the Columbia Tree and Appearance Commission for their landscaping efforts.

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