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Three monarch butterflies on purple flowers.

Sustainability

Who we are

Facilities and Services - Sustainability is the hub of sustainability efforts at South Dakota State University. Lead by the campus sustainability specialist, it strives to incorporate sustainability in operations, administration, academics and outreach throughout campus.

What is Sustainability?

Sustainability is about doing more good and less harm. With a focus on helping people and the planet, sustainability offers guiding principles for how to provide everyone with basic human needs while living within the means of the natural world. SDSU strives to create a sustainable campus by using the three pillars approach to sustainability: living within the environmental boundaries, caring for people and doing so in a way that maintains a viable economy.

Accomplishments

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STARS Silver Rating

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Bee Campus USA member since 2018

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Tree Campus USA member since 2009

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Three LEED Gold and 16 LEED Silver buildings on campus

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25.06% diversion rate

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Over 600 signed sustainability pledge

Sustainability News

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STARS silver rating

SDSU maintains STARS Silver Rating for sustainability

South Dakota State University has maintained its STARS Silver Rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, in recognition of its sustainability achievements. STARS, the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System, is a benchmarking tool that measures and encourages sustainability in all aspects of higher education.

South Dakota State earns STARS Silver Rating for sustainability

South Dakota State University received a STARS Silver Rating in recognition of its sustainability achievements from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education.