Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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USC stays green with renewable energy PHOTO BY TRISHA SHADWELL/THE GAMECOCK The biodiesel fuel tanks that (JSC’s five new shuttles will use. BY AARYNE ELIAS THE GAMECOCK USC advanced its multilayered environmental plan this summer with biodiesel buses, a tree survey, recycling and the continuing con struction of green dorm West Quad. The plan began five years ago when USC joined forces with Clemson University and the Medical University of South Carolina to form the Sustainable Universities Initiative. They _ pledged to work together towards a more sustainable future through facilities management, communi ty service, research and education. Thirteen other state-supported in stitutions have joined since. West Quad Known as “the green residence hall,” West Quad is slated for com pletion by fall 2004. This 500-bed facility is being constructed at Main and Wheat using environ mentally safe procedures and ma terials. West Quad seeks to qualify for the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification given by the United States Green Building Council. Its design re duces energy consumption by 30 percent reduction in heating, cool ing, water, lighting and mainte nance. “University housing and, I think, many other departments at the university are learning that these sustainability-focused ini tiatives are good business prac tices as they save money and re sources. In these times of tight budgets, this is more important than ever before,” said Gene Luna, USC Housing director. Biodiesel Buses This fall, USC will run five shut tles with biodiesel fuel. The buses run on a formula that consists of 20 percent soybean oil and 80 per cent diesel fuel. The fuel relies less on non-renewable diesel fuel while releasing fewer emissions into the environment. Recycling Currently, USC recycles more than 30 types of items, ranging from worn out computers to empty beer cans. The dining hall purchases re cycled products and composts 100 pounds a day to be used on cam pus grounds. This fall, housing will provide every dorm room with a blue re cycling bin and each residence hall with a collection site. Tree Survey The National Wildlife Federation recently awarded USC for efforts to develop environmental sustainable campus. The school was specifically recognized for its efforts in recy cling and land and ground manage ment programs. This summer the grounds man agement surveyed the trees on campus. A map and database in cluding the trees’ species, condi tion and diameter is being created. Though Coull said the univer sity’s large programs are impor tant, he said individuals should also change their daily life habits. “Stop driving those big SUV’s to campus — take a bus, a bike or car pool,” he said. “Just cut back on the amount of resources that you use.” Preston Green Most of the faculty and staff parking behind Preston College and Woodrow will disappear this September as part the Preston Green project. The parking lots, bound by Preston, Woodrow, Rutledge and Legare, will be replaced with grass to beautify a new walkway from the Russell House to Rutledge. The $1 million project will feature a plaza at the base of the smokestack tower, a landmark left over from the old energy plant. Wes Wolfe contributed to this story Comments on this story? E-mail gamecockudesk@hotmail.com The Gamecock needs writers ■V, Journalism is a tough business, and you need clips if you want to break in. A lot of writers accumulate them by starting at their local college paper. Even better, The Gamecock is recognised in college jounalism for winning yearly awards in writing and design fromthe South Carolina Press Association. If you’re interested, e-mail gamecockeditor@hotmail.com. Welcome Week CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2 Cockapalooza, Hypnomentalist and Magic Show Carolina Productions will spon sor a daylong concert on Davis Field II Tuesday, Aug. 19, begin ning at 10 a.m. CP will also spon sor a hypnomentalist and magic show performed by Mike Anthony and Mike Super on Wednesday, Aug. 20, at 8 p.m. in the Russell House Ballroom. Additionally, CP will play “Bringing Down the House” in the Russell House Theater at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20, Thursday, Aug. 21, Friday, Aug. 22, and Saturday, Aug. 23, at 9 p.m. Carolina Ya’II It will be an evening filled with various carnival-type attractions with prizes and delicious bar beque. It will begin at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 19 on Davis Field I. The event is sponsored by the Residence Hall Association and is intended to “give new freshmen and returning students their first taste of the great time they’ve been expecting at USC,” said Adam Hark, president of RHA. RHA ex pects to give students the oppor tunity to see old friends, make new ones and have a memorable day. Welcome Week, now a tradition at USC, is meant to help students “develop a sense of belonging to the Campus Community and intro duce students to campus traditions that foster a sense of community spirit and pride,” said Carmella Carr, director of the Russell House University Union. Welcome week is intended to introduce students to campus and community re sources as well, she said. For more Welcome Week information visit www.sa.sc.edu/rhuu. Comments on this story?E-mail gamecockmixeditor@hotmail.com PHOTO COURTSEY OF THE UNIVERSITY PRESS President Andrew Sorensen helps students move In Welcome Week 2002. -- WORKING FOR STUDENTS WHO WORK FOR US. DPS DELIVERS EDUCATION "Work Out While You Work" Interested part-time applicants should contact United Parcel Service @ 822-6294 An equal opportunity employer, m/f/h/v S THE BIGGEST BACK TO SCHOOL MISTER SALE j Where: Russell House University Union 2nd Floor Lobby When: Mon, Aug. 25 thru Fri. Aug. 29 Time: I H 9 AM - 5 PM 1 Sponsor: Russell House University Union