Take the Pledge for Clean Air
SDSU students, faculty and staff are pledging to reduce emissions in coordination with Clean Air Day and in alignment with the university's sustainability priorities.
Clean Air Day, to be held Wednesday, Oct. 4, coincides with San Diego State University’s efforts to bolster community action around steps to help improve air quality.
Transportation is the major contributor to pollution in the state, accounting for about 50% of the state’s greenhouse gas emissions, nearly 80% of nitrogen oxide pollution and 90% of diesel particulate matter pollution.
“Clean Air Day is a great way to collectively celebrate the value of cleaning the air that we all need for our wellbeing. We encourage all of our affiliates and guests to utilize transit, carpooling, active transportation and other sustainable modes of transportation whenever possible,” said JD Weidman, SDSU’s transportation director.
To coincide with Clean Air Day activities, SDSU transportation analyst Silvia Croft, will be tabling on Wednesday, Oct. 4, on the upper level of the SDSU transit station from 8 to 10:30 a.m. Faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to participate in the call to action, the regional Clean Air Pledge, which can be as minimal as making one small change.
Transitioning the transportation sector to low-carbon fuels and zero and near-zero emission technologies is critical to achieving climate change goals and clean air standards. As part of Free Ride Day on October 4, transit will be provided for free on any fixed route service. This includes transit services such as MTS Trolley, MTS buses and the NCTD Coaster train.
At SDSU, the university has committed to operational carbon neutrality by 2040 and full carbon neutrality by 2050 as part of its Climate Action Plan. For those regularly commuting to campus, rethinking your ride can help to reduce such an impact, Weidman said. Choosing to walk or bike, even for only a few trips, can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of an average household.
More information about alternate transportation options is on the SDSU Parking & Transportation website.
Also, later in the month, the SDSU Sustainability Hub will open. Faculty, staff and students are invited to celebrate the creation of the hub during an event to be held from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20, in the courtyard at the Arts and Letters building. The event will include a dedication, a vine-cutting ceremony, and the opportunity to tour the new Office of Energy & Sustainability space (AL 538-544).
Ronnee Schreiber, interim dean of the College of Arts and Letters, and campus sustainability staff, faculty, students, alumni, and local partners will join the event. Representatives from the A.S. Green Love Commission, BrightSide Produce, the Center for Regional Sustainability, Sustainability major/minor, and the Center for Better Food Futures will be present.
In March 2023, the Office of Energy & Sustainability moved to the Arts and Letters building. The Sustainability Hub houses operations, education and community research projects that promote collaboration and support sustainable efforts for the entire university.
