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School of the Earth, Ocean and Environment

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Sustainability Initiatives

The SEOE has been a campus leader in the integration of sustainability concepts into campus culture. Today, sustainability initiatives are becoming familiar components of curriculum, research, and campus living, and there is considerable momentum to enhance sustainability as a major university priority. We're also involved in statewide and national sustainability efforts.

Sustainability and the University

The university administration has shown its support of sustainability efforts through establishment of an Office of Sustainability and promotion of CarolinaGreen, which embraces the full range of sustainability activities.    A recent development has been coordination of the Green Quad, with its Learning Center for Sustainable Futures, the Office of Sustainability, and a range of student organizations to form Sustainable Carolina, which mounts a range of events and activities for campus communities and the public. The SEOE plays a central role in academic initiatives within the sustainability framework through its degree programs, and frequently collaborates with the Green Quad, Sustainable Carolina and other groups.

 

Sustainable Universities Initiative

Founded by USC, Clemson University, and the Medical University of South Carolina, the Sustainable Universities Initiative was a statewide network of faculty, staff, and students who share an interest in integrating environmental considerations into their work. It was most active between 1998 and 2005, and counted 18 South Carolina colleges and schools as members. Activities and documents produced by SUI continue to be useful for newer sustainability initiatives, and the possibility remains to reinvigorate the SUI at some point in the future.

 

Environmental Management Systems (EMS)

The EMS is an environmental management tool used to improve regulatory compliance, waste reduction, employee environmental awareness, and overall business operations, and is the foundation of sustainable development planning.  Faculty and students in the Environment and Sustainability Program have worked with multinational organizations, small business enterprises, and state and federal agencies in EMS development, implementation, and auditing.

 

International Sustainability Network

The International Sustainability Network is working to advance sustainability concepts at the global level through building international research and education linkages with students, faculty, and others working on global sustainable development. Faculty initiatives range from interdisciplinary research and training in the Rule of Law Collaborative to advancing the adoption of strong environmentally sensitive practices by industry and government through the International Sustainability Management Education (ISME) network.

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