Sustainability @ CSUSM

Sustainability @ Cal
State San Marcos

CSUSM has defined sustainability as meeting our present needs without
compromising the needs of future generations, by creating a vibrant community that

is socially just, economically strong and fostering a healthy, natural environment.

Sustainability begins with everybody. Every decision you make does not just
impact your own life, but impacts the world in which we live. At Cal State San
Marcos, we value sustainability and its principles. We encourage students,
faculty, and staff to consider their everyday actions and work towards aligning
them with our sustainability principles.

CSUSM has maintained a recycling
rate of approximately 75%. While we
currently meet the Assembly Bill 341,
we are continually looking for
opportunities to reduce our impact on
local landfills
GOAL: A Zero Waste campus by 2025.

Energy consumption is the second largest contributor of greenhouses gases following vehicle
emissions and is the largest utility expense for the university. The university strives to minimize the
amount of energy consumed while increasing renewable energy production with the goal of one
day producing as much renewable energy as the campus consume. CSUSM has reduced utility
cost and consumption by 40% since 2008 while increasing the number of academic buildings on
campus to meet the growing student population. GOAL: 80% Reduction in Energy Usage by 2040.

Small changes = Big Impact
 Turn off the lights
 Open your blinds and use natural lighting whenever possible
 Using a fan is more energy efficient than using an AC system
 Unplug chargers, chords, etc that are not in use
 Turn off your computer, TV, speakers, and any other item(s) that
are not in use
 Use a smart strip to be more energy efficient

GOAL: Meet or Exceed State Water Mandates Due to the Drought.

CSUSM has decreased water usage by 50.7% of water usage in 5 years. We have
achieved this by making changes all across campus.

 Dual flush toilets
o Pushing the handle up uses less water; down is more water.

 Faucets in bathrooms are low flow
 We have a well on campus

o Non-potable water used for irrigation
 Hydration stations

o 26 stations across campus; diverted over 1 million water bottles by
using refillable ones

 Aquacents on Kellogg, USU, and Palm Canyon Drive grass
o Environmental friendly gel injected into the grass roots, helps retain
water, and roots go deeper accessing more water
o Reduces 50-70% less water

 Landscaping demonstrating improved drought tolerant and native tolerant

Cal State San Marcos encourages the use of alternative modes of transportation.
Alternative modes of transportation such as (Bicycling, walking, carpooling, van pooling,
Zip Car, & public transportation) are environmentally friendly and are financially good for

your wallet. GOAL: By 2020, 15% of transportation to and from campus is from alternative modes.

Get involved with sustainability. Voice your ideas through the sustainability club, the environmental
studies club, through the Sustainability Advisory Committee and with the RA Sustainability
Committee. Small Changes = big impact. We need you to help us reach our goal.

@csusmsustainablecougars
@csusmsustainablecougars

@csusmsustainablecougars

Questions, Comments, or Concerns?
Contact Juliana Goodlaw-Morris, Sustainability manager

[email protected], Craven 4700.