San Diego State University

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Table of Contents

Tours

1. SDSU Sustainability

   Welcome to the campus sustainability tour for SDSU!

   Stops

   1. Sustainability Starts Here

      Welcome to the campus sustainability tour for SDSU! You can use this to check out sustainability features in person or virtually. Campus sustainability encompasses efforts to reduce our impact on natural resources through projects, engagement, and academics. Learn more about Sustainable SDSU at sustainable.sdsu.edu.

   2. Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union

      The Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union is the pride of the SDSU green building efforts.Opened in 2014, the Student Union received LEED Platinum certification from the US Green Building Council – the highest possible level – for its sustainable design  and construction. After a couple years of occupancy, the Student Union also received LEED Platinum certification through the Existing Building: Operations and Maintenance program. Although a building can be built with the best green intentions, the operation of the building after opening makes a tremendous impact. Sustainable features of the Student Union include a solar array, green roof, three 50,000 gallon rainwater tanks, radiant heating and cooling, and operable windows.
      

   3. Hydration Stations

      Hydration stations provide the campus community with clean, filtered, and cold water. There are over 100 hydration stations located across campus, with dozens in the residence halls. Additional hydration stations have been added recently from a collaboration between Associated Students and Facilities Services. Hydration stations discourage students from drinking bottled water, which results in wasted resources, pollution, and higher water usage. Find a favorite bottle and bring it to campus to fill up again and again.
      
      Hydration Stations

   4. SDSU Transit Center

      The SDSU Transit Center opened in 2005 and provides a trolley stop along with access to several buses. Students, faculty, and staff commute to campus every day on the trolley or the bus. People can also take the trolley downtown or to the football game without worrying about parking. Sustainable transportation options like public transit reduce carbon emissions and help with congested roadways. In 2023, about 30% of campus greenhouse gas emissions were due to commuting to campus. Finding responsible ways to get to campus, like public transit, carpooling, biking, or skateboarding, will help SDSU meet our carbon neutrality targets.
      
      SDSU Transportation Initiative

   5. South Campus Plaza

      South Campus Plaza is a mixed-use development with retail and restaurants on the first floor and student housing above. The development is a green building, certified LEED Silver by the US Green Building Council. South Campus Plaza was designated as a pedestrian-, transit-, and bicycle-friendly development. Its location adjacent to the SDSU Transit Center will facilitate transit ridership and create less reliance on automobiles, thereby reducing pollution and traffic congestion. Because students living on campus generate significantly less traffic than those living off campus, providing additional student housing will help the University continue to reduce student dependence on their cars.
      

   6. Bicycle Maintenance Station

      There are bicycle pump and fix stations in several areas on campus, including at Cuicacalli, Chapultapec, University Towers, and the Aztec Recreation Center. These can be used to fill up your tires or take care of some basic maintenance. Hang your bike from the rack to adjust your brakes, raise your seat, or anything else you can do with the provided tools. Keep your bike maintained to allow you to bike around and enjoy our wonderful weather.
      
      Bike Maintenance Stations

   7. Aeroponic Towers

      On the patio of The Garden Restaurant, twenty aeroponic towers grow food for Aztec Shops restaurants. Aeroponics can grow food quicker with upwards of 90% water savings. You can catch a glimpse of the towers from the Cuicacalli walkway, but you'll get a better view if you stop at The Garden for a meal. There's a good chance your greens and herbs had been growing steps away from your table.
      
      SDSU Food Initiative

   8. College Area Community Garden

      The College Area Community Garden provides community members with the opportunity to rent a plot and grow their own food. Aztec Shops has twenty plots in the Community Garden that serves several campus restaurants. Students can get involved in the community garden through the Green Love student group or by renting their own plot! There is also a small composting system that takes food from the Children’s Center and zero waste events; the finished compost is provided to the gardeners.
      
      SDSU Food Initiative

   9. Food Waste Compactor

      The food waste compactor is the repository for all pre-consumer food waste on campus. Pre-consumer food waste is generated in kitchens before food reaches the customer, such as carrot tops and orange peels. The food waste is then sent to the food waste compactor where it is picked up by our waste hauler. The materials are then transported to the Miramar Greenery where they are composted. The final product is then sold by the City of San Diego. Landscape waste is also collected and sent to the Miramar Greenery. Composting enriches the soil and encourages plant growth without relying on synthetic fertilizers. It also results in reducing methane emissions, which is a more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide. Also, SDSU is working on a program for post-consumer composting.
      
      SDSU Zero Waste Initiative

   10. EV Charging Stations

       SDSU has over 30 electric car charging ports with more coming soon. EV spots can only be used by electric vehicles that are plugged in; a standard parking permit is also required. Electric cars dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions. As the electrical grid gets cleaner, electric cars will become an even greener form of transportation.
       
       SDSU Transportation Initiative

   11. Solar Panels

       Take a look to the east and you can see the solar panels on Parking 1, which has the largest solar PV arrays on campus at 375 kW. Total solar capacity on campus is more than 1 MW – enough to supply campus with 3.5% of its annual electricity needs. Solar power is a clean source of renewable energy that will be crucial to our energy future. Campus will need to tap into solar power on campus or elsewhere to meet our climate neutrality goals. Other solar installations include Storm-Nasatir, Student Union, ARC, Aquaplex, Children's Center, Music, Physics, and Extended Studies.
       
       SDSU Energy Initiative

   12. Engineering & Interdisciplinary Sciences

       The Engineering and Interdisciplinary Sciences building opened in January 2018 and will position SDSU as a top research institution. Collaborations between different disciplines will develop and strengthen research opportunities. EIS is on track to receive LEED Gold certification through the US Green Building Council, an accomplishment for a heavy lab building. Sustainability features range from exhaust velocities driven by wind conditions to native oak trees and drought-tolerant kurapia ground cover.
       
       Engineering & Interdisciplinary Sciences 

   13. Faculty-Staff Club Garden

       Aztec Shops operates two gardens by the Faculty-Staff center. These plots and their other ones at the Community Garden and The Garden are part of the Aztec Shops Campus Grown program. These plots are all maintained by student gardeners. Local food lowers the energy and carbon emissions associated with transportation. Plus, fresh tastes better.
       
       SDSU Food Initiative

   14. Mediterranean Garden

       The Mediterranean Garden is composed of plants from all five Mediterranean regions across the world. These plants are grown in similar climate conditions as San Diego and require little water. The Garden is home to some unique species, like the sausage tree and rose cactus. Grab a map and walk around to learn about the different regions and trees.
       
       SDSU Water Initiative

   15. Garden at PSFA

       This garden was part of a Recreational Land Use class in Geography, taught by Prof. Diana Richardson. Students studied another area of campus and made recommendations on how to improve on an underutilized patch of grass. These concepts were integrated into this garden which includes native plants, natural boulder seating, and more efficient irrigation. The garden is also the pilot of a soil amendment that may reduce water use by up to 50%. Across from Starbucks, students can fill up their reusable cup, cross the street, and take a rest or study on the boulders. Funding was provided through the Chancellor’s Office’s Campus as a Living Lab program.
       
       SDSU Sustainability 

   16. Arts & Letters

       Arts and Letters underwent an energy efficiency process called Monitoring-Based Commissioning in 2015. This cut energy use in the building by 35% and won an award from the California Higher Education Sustainability Conference. The process optimizes how the building operations and focuses on mechanical system controls and equipment, like air handlers and pumps. In addition to saving energy, MBCx can often improve comfort. Other buildings will undergo the same process, starting with CSL, using the revolving energy fund. Savings from funded projects will go back into the fund to pay for new projects.
       
       

       The College of Arts and Letters is the home for the Sustainability major and minor program. This program provides an opportunity for students to learn about complex issues surrounding sustainability from diverse fields. Graduates of this program have a variety of opportunities to make an impact.

        

       Sustainability Major and Minor

       
       SDSU Energy Initiative 

   17. Storm-Nasatir Complex

       The Storm-Nasatir Complex includes five buildings that provide classroom, office, and dining space. Storm and Nasatir Halls were originally built in 1957 and had a major renovation that was complete in 2014. The other buildings, Storm Hall West, Hostler Hall, and Aztec Shops Terrace are all new facilities. The project saved resources by reutilizing the bones of the old buildings. The group of buildngs is rated LEED Gold by the US Green Building Council for its green design and construction. Two solar arrays provide partial power to the buildings and the envelope, mechanical, and electrical systems improve the buildings energy performance.
       
       SDSU Green Buildings 

   18. Storm-Nasatir Photovoltaic

       An example of building integrated photovoltaics, the canopy above the patio behind the Storm-Nasatir complex provides both shade and energy. The canopy has a total power capacity of 52 kW; a solar PV system above Storm Hall West provides another 62 kW to the group of buildings.
       
       SDSU Energy Initiative 

   19. Bike/Skate Path

       Bicyclists and skateboarders can navigate through campus on bike paths and streets. Racks are available along this route and all buildings are only a short walk away. The bike paths were opened in 2010 thanks to the advocacy of students. Riding your bicycle or skateboard is a healthier way to commute than driving and reduces greenhouse gases, helping SDSU reach our carbon neutrality goal. Make sure to check out campus guidelines for more information on riding safely.
       
       SDSU Transportation Initiative 

   20. Campus Recycling

       SDSU is developing a robust zero-waste operation. Campus has placed hundreds of recycling and landfill bins with improved signage. Custodial operations provide a chain of custody through color coded bags (clear for recycle, black for landfill). SDSU has strong pre-consumer and landscape composting programs, as well as a surplus operation. SDSU is beginning to compost post-consumer material as well.
       
       SDSU Zero Waste Initiative 

   21. Sickles Plaza

       Sickles Plaza, previously known as Centennial Mall, had a makeover in 2016 to create a better recreational area. Grass mounds and benches were removed and replaced with drought-tolerant plants, trees, decomposed granite, and outdoor furniture. The sage and jasmine also create a pleasant, inviting fragrance. The campus community has embraced this space for studying and relaxing.
       
       SDSU Water Initiative