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Three monarch butterflies on purple flowers.

Sustainability

Who we are

Facilities & 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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3 LEED Gold & 16 LEED Silver buildings on campus

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25.06% diversion rate

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Over 600 signed sustainability pledge

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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.

Sweeping Our Way to Sustainable Snow Removal

We have all seen them. Thin, blue and orange “sticks” of plastic laying in the snow along the edge of campus sidewalks. These “sticks” are bristles from snow removal sweepers used by Facilities and Services, Residential Life, and Athletics.

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.