University of South Carolina

The University of South Carolina is on the cutting edge of the green campus revolution. Their plan will cut vehicle emissions by 90 percent within five years. The "Genesis 2015 Initiative" relies on biodiesel and other alternative fuels to power 400 campus vehicles.

Michael Koman, the university's director of sustainability, said Genesis 2015 will reduce the university's carbon-dioxide emissions by more than 2,000 tons.

"The use of biodiesel in our campus shuttles and trucks not only allows us to address air quality and climate change issues easily, but cost effectively," said Koman. "Additionally, it provides us the opportunity to involve our students in biofuel-related research and support the local economy by purchasing our fuel from local and regional manufacturers."

The Genesis 2015 Initiative is one part of the University of South Carolina's overall sustainability program. The university was recognized in 2009 by the Princeton Review as one of the top green colleges, scoring 95 out of a possible 99 points. Koman credits not unly university leadership, but student leadership as well.

March 2010