In a survey of on-campus students The Daily Gamecock found that over half of those surveyed think energy overconsumption in residence halls is a problem, and that an increasing population could exacerbate that problem. Both the university and individual students must work to create sustainable change on campus, USC's director of sustainability Larry Cook said.
USC chemistry professor Susan Richardson and her research team work to identify harmful contaminants in South Carolina drinking water and study the impacts of human action on drinking water.
Microplastics are everywhere, but their impact can be mitigated by turning to more environmentally friendly versions of everyday products. Disposable products we use every day can be extremely harmful to the environment and human health, but making simple switches can help reduce their impact.
Though he had little experience with computer software, USC alumnus and former finance student Andrew Nye created an AI software that aims to reduce billing paperwork for skilled nursing facilities. Qatalyst Health launched in Nov. 2023 and is on track to work with over 100 skilled nursing facilities by the end of 2025.
USC and global energy company Siemens have completed energy efficiency renovations on five campus buildings, estimated to save the university $8.4 million over 15 years. Some students were unaware of energy efficiency improvements made to campus buildings, but they are expected to improve the comfort and functionality of the buildings, USC's Associate Vice President for Facilities Services Jason Lambert said.
Because of a grant from the Central Midlands Council of Government that focused on creating 'climate conversations,' USC hosted its first Student Sustainability Summit, a student-led conference that covered a wide variety of environmental topics.
Several locations exist for students to drop off their recyclables, which would improve campus recycling processes, but not many are aware of the program. Read more:USC's Director of Sustainability, Waste and Recycling Manager and the Sonoco Columbia Plant Manager weigh in on the current state of USC's recycling processes and how they could be improved. Read more:
On Feb. 2, students gathered to pick up trash at Maxcy Gregg Park with Cocky's Cleanup Crew, an organization dedicated to protecting the environment by eliminating litter. The club also discussed future plans and its impacts on the community.
The four hosts of Equalitree, an environmental justice podcast that covers a variety of topics, discuss how they got started, their goals for the podcast and their plans for the future.The podcast, run by Sustainable Carolina's Environmental Justice team, spreads awareness of environmental issues in hopes of educating students who aren't in environmental fields.
Students took advantage of the light snowfall brought on by Winter Storm Enzo, staying out late to sled and play in the snow. Despite a winter storm warning being issued for the Columbia area, students came together to have fun in the winter weather.