Santa Clara University

sustainability at scu

Get Involved | Students

Learn how to get involved in sustainability at SCU, from learning which courses are related to sustainability, to joining a student organization, and more!

 

Make a Difference on Campus and in the Community

  • slurpStudent Clubs and Organizations

    Learn more about student groups working on sustainability-related issues. From the GREEN Club, and from Net Impact to SCCAP, there are numerous ways for you to find peers with similar interests.

  • MS_3color_logo 140lcSustainability Grants

    The Office of Sustainability is happy to offer a limited amount of financial assistance to students who are members of registered on-campus organizations who wish to partner with one or more other such organizations. The funds will be available to those who have planned events or other initiatives which they can attest will promote a culture of sustainability at Santa Clara University.

  • sustainabilitydecathlonSustainability Decathlon

    SCU undergraduates mentor local high school teams as they enhance (or start) sustainability programs at their schools.

  • kopfCampus Profiles

    Learn more about the individuals in our campus community leading the way to a more sustainable SCU!
 

Sustainable Living at SCU

  • Living-Green-for-webLiving Green in the Neighborhood | Sustainability Certification

    The Office of Sustainability, in partnership with Associated Student Government, offers a sustainable house certification program for student houses or apartments that demonstrate sustainable habits or features. Participating houses will earn titles "Going Green," "Beyond Green," or "Certified Sustainable" based on how many points they achieve on the sustainability scorecard.

  • beyondgreenBeyond Green - Sustainability Pledge

    Learn more about joining Beyond Green, a commitment to do at least one new action in each category (conservation, economic equality, and civic engagement).

  • residenceResidence Life

    Information and resources about living more sustainability as a student at SCU. Learn about CyPhi, the Residential Learning Community integrating sustainability and the arts, and our peer-to-peer education program.

  • recyclesRecycling and Waste Diversion in Residence Halls

    During 2009, SCU disposed 2,954,877 pounds (1,477 tons) of waste (including recycled and composted materials). Learn how you can properly sort your compostables and recyclables, leaving hardly anything left for the landfill as trash!
 

Annual Events

  • RMlogo_websmRecycleMania! (Winter Quarter)

    RecycleMania is a ten-week competition between colleges and universities throughout the US and Canada. Which schools can reduce their waste and recycle the most material?

  • energy challenge roundResidence Energy Challenge (Winter Quarter)

    Rather than rivaling against one another, residents in our Residential Learning Communities attempt to reduce their building's electricity consumption in comparison to data from previous years. Students are able to keep track of their residence hall's electricity use by visiting this site and viewing their buildings' consumption in real-time through SCU's Electricity Graphing System.

  • Eco-Fashion ShowEco-Fashion Show (Winter Quarter)

    The Eco-Fashion Show and its related events seek to educate about the influence and impact of the fashion industry. Students, staff, and faculty members are encouraged to design and create creative outfits made out of recyclable or waste materials as an educational tool. Audience members have fun, and learn about items and products they frequently use, and are invited to think about alternative uses and reuses of those items, instead of sending all of those products straight to landfill.

  • Student shopping for new clothes at SCU's Swap for GoodSwap for Good (Spring Quarter)

    The Office of Sustainability and Santa Clara Community Action Program (SCCAP) are working together to bring this clothing exchange for students, staff, and faculty of SCU. With this, we seek to serve the needs of local community organizations, such as the women and children of the local Home Safe shelters in Santa Clara and San Jose who would benefit from the collection of women and children’s clothing.

  • grad pledgeGraduation Pledge (Spring Quarter)

    Seniors: join your classmates in a pledge to consider the social and environmental consequences of your careers. By taking the Graduation Pledge, you define for yourself what it means to be socially and environmentally responsible. There is not obligation to turn down jobs... the graduation pledge is simply a way for you to ensure that your job represents more than a paycheck.

  • moveoutWaste Diversion During Move-Out (Spring Quarter)

    During a stressful and hectic finals week, it's tempting to simply dump all your items into the nearest trash bin. However, SCU has implemented programs to provide options for responsible recycling and donations. In the last four years, students have diverted over 10 tons of material during the move-out process.
 

Learn More About Sustainability
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