3rd Annual Sustainability Summit 2025: Q&A (Responses)

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1	Timestamp	Which session are you responding to?	What question do you have for the speaker(s)?	Is your question for a specific speaker or the whole panel? Please clarify and insert speaker name.	Answer:

2	4/16/2025 9:32:53	Session 1: President's Sustainability Advisory Committee	Any plans for rooftop gardens for cooling buildings?	Any	Associated Students is investigating a possible site. No further details at this time.
3	4/16/2025 9:41:48	Session 1: President's Sustainability Advisory Committee	How will the President’s sustainability advisory committee ensure that costs of living—and going to school in general—are lowered for students so that students may have the financial flexibility to make more sustainable choices? Speaking as a student, many of us are in debt and do not have the funds to act more sustainably.	Whole panel/anyone who would like to answer from the panel	The Office of Energy & Sustainability and our campus partners are focusing on reducing costs by way of energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Also Procure to Pay and other partners are finding ways to reduce what we are buying to reduce costs. The President's Sustainability Advisory Committee is open to any suggestions. This is a tough and complex question. We all are wanting to find ways to save where we can and will work on any suggestions.
4	4/16/2025 9:50:26	Session 1: President's Sustainability Advisory Committee	As a student, I have noticed that many of our divided waste bins end up all going in the trash anyway. My peers and I have seen this specifically at University Towers Kitchen, where the waste appears to have dividers, but underneath the waste goes into one bag, including materials that could be composted or recycled. How will the president’s sustainability advisory committee ensure that the individual choices students make are worthwhile?	The whole panel/anyone who would like to answer	Aztec Shops is a member of the President's Sustainability Advisory Committee and we all will discuss ways to address.
5	4/16/2025 9:52:38	Session 1: President's Sustainability Advisory Committee	Josh	Could we post the edco recycling rules at waste bins because I think people would follow them if they could see them when throwing out trash. Thanks	Recycling signs are posted on a number of waste bins across the university. The Office of Energy & Sustainability will work on addressing this item.
6	4/16/2025 10:10:27	Session 1: President's Sustainability Advisory Committee	SDSU offers the semester pass for MTS. Has SDSU considered a program that would provide free transportation for students? The Youth Opportunity Pass allows for people under the age of 18 to get free passes. Would/could we team up with organizations to uplift these programs? If free transit is available students may be more likely to bus or trolley AND it’s great for sustainability. Parking is expensive owning a car is expensive. Public transit is an equalizer. How does SDSU support the use of public transportation?	N/A	Associated Students is working with Parking and Transportation Services to explore a universal transit pass (U-PASS) that would be negotiated with MTS. The concept is to have a mandatory student fee that enables bulk rate pricing from MTS, similar to UCSD's program. If you are interested in joining the working group, please email jweidman@sdsu.edu. If you wish to voice further comments, you can submit via AS' Your Voice Matters: https://as.sdsu.edu/govt/voice/
7	4/16/2025 10:11:42	Session 1: President's Sustainability Advisory Committee	For Rylie - how can a student or staff person get 1x1 support with planning a zero waste event?	Rylie	Green Love is a great resource, and they created a Zero Waste event guide: https://as.sdsu.edu/greenlove/zerowaste
8	4/16/2025 10:12:22	Session 1: President's Sustainability Advisory Committee	Where can we access funding resources after the event	Devrim	At sustainable.sdsu.edu - https://sustainable.sdsu.edu/highlights/news/sustainability-articles/2025summitrecap
9	4/16/2025 10:12:58	Session 1: President's Sustainability Advisory Committee	Where can I shop for shed furniture on campus?	Josh	Logistical services has a surplus store for on-campus use or their is a student run app - Uni Exchange. There are also other apps - Offer up, Facebook Marketplace, etc.
10	4/16/2025 10:13:27	Session 1: President's Sustainability Advisory Committee	I noticed more EV stations are being installed. How many new EV stations are being installed and how many more will be planned?	OED	About 75 at the end of this fiscal year. We are installing at Lots 3, 12 and 14 currently.
11	4/16/2025 10:13:34	Session 1: President's Sustainability Advisory Committee	Plastic waste has been a big topic during this panel, what are direct actions sdsu administration will take to remove this plastic from places like the Aztec market and how can students hold administration to this standard?	Administration	Actions are underway on the water side. Aluminum only water bottles are in Aztec Shops. Also, we have over 100+ hydration stations at SDSU locations. Consumers can also chose to not purchase any plastic options and utilize purchasing power to make change.
12	4/16/2025 10:14:02	Session 1: President's Sustainability Advisory Committee	Will more solar be installed on campus?	OES	Yes, we currently have a RFP out to install solar on Parking Structures 3, 4 and 6.
13	4/16/2025 10:15:01	Session 1: President's Sustainability Advisory Committee	Can you tell us more about how classes earn sustainability designations?	Jessica	The Senate Sustainability committee is using AASHE STARS definitions.
14	4/16/2025 10:16:41	Session 1: President's Sustainability Advisory Committee	It what ways will the new housing and parking projects be made sustainable? How can will pollution and waste be prevented during the construction process?	Any	They will be at minimum LEED Silver projects and will adhere to those waste standards.
15	4/16/2025 10:17:18	Session 1: President's Sustainability Advisory Committee	How can I get involved in PSAC?	Iana	Please reach out to klarson@sdsu.edu or iana.castro@sdsu.edu.
16	4/16/2025 10:18:05	Session 1: President's Sustainability Advisory Committee	What are some new installments to the 2025 Climate Action Plan and what did we accomplish from last year?	Kristin Larson	The Office of Energy & Sustainability provided a draft of the plan at the summit for review and it going through final reviews and copyediting. We are also working on creating a tracking dashboard on the Sustainable SDSU webpage.
17	4/16/2025 10:18:20	Session 1: President's Sustainability Advisory Committee	Do we know how many days SDSU has been carbon-free this academic year?	Whole panel	We have not achieved this feat yet.
18	4/16/2025 10:18:37	Session 1: President's Sustainability Advisory Committee	How can students get involved with BrightSide produce and what is that initiative about?	Iana	Please see this webpage for more information: https://brightsideproduce.org/
19	4/16/2025 10:19:18	Session 1: President's Sustainability Advisory Committee	What sustainability efforts are being taken at Evolve?	oES	The projects will be at minimum LEED Silver and having students on campus vs commuting saves significant greenhouse gas emissions.
20	4/16/2025 10:21:17	Session 1: President's Sustainability Advisory Committee	Could you share a little bit more of what Green Love is and what you guys do?	Rylie	Visit the Green Love webpage: https://as.sdsu.edu/greenlove/
21	4/16/2025 10:21:38	Session 1: President's Sustainability Advisory Committee	Can my department request an in-person training on how to plan a zero waste event and how to shop more sustainably?	Rylie and Josh	Green Love is a great resource, and they created a Zero Waste event guide: https://as.sdsu.edu/greenlove/zerowaste and host Swap Shop events.
22	4/16/2025 10:22:10	Session 1: President's Sustainability Advisory Committee	Can we bring back the supply swap (for state bought supplies)? for unused items that normally go to surplus. Last event was over 20 years ago	Josh (maybe)	The President's Sustainability Advisory team will investigate. There is still the Supply Store. https://logistical.sdsu.edu/property-management/surplus-store
23	4/16/2025 10:22:40	Session 1: President's Sustainability Advisory Committee	I noticed the cans in the rotunda. Is that how many cans we recycled ? How heavy is it?	OES	Yes, it is a bale of cans that will be recycled by EDCO. It was a visual for the summit. It contained 3000 cans and weighed
24	4/16/2025 10:25:17	Session 1: President's Sustainability Advisory Committee	For the hydration station. Is it filtered water & are they routinely & thoroughly cleaned?	No	Yes, filtered water. Please contact facilities services and AS for maintenance schedules.
25	4/16/2025 10:26:45	Session 1: President's Sustainability Advisory Committee	Would it be possible to have the compost caddies in every dorm room in addition to the trash and recycling, and a green receptacle on each floor?	Angela	Currently, compost caddies are delivered to each room upon request. Housing is currently evaluating expansion opportunities.
26	4/16/2025 10:27:23	Session 1: President's Sustainability Advisory Committee	Is there work being done to make a sustainability course requirement?	Panel	Yes, this is being worked on in the Senate Sustainability Committee.
27	4/16/2025 11:02:43	Session 1: President's Sustainability Advisory Committee	Why were treatment plants stopped in the first place?	Natalie	Question for Session 2.
28	4/16/2025 14:40:48	Session 1: President's Sustainability Advisory Committee	Are the opportunities for reducing the commuting footprint shared in new faculty and new employee orientations? Is the program’s usage tracked? How many are using it and what is its impact? On a different note, is there a video that individuals who plan meetings can use to have a sense of what they can do operationally to reduce consumption?	Whole committee	Yes, a short presentation slide deck is shared at orientations about sustainability. We would need to expand information on commuting footprint. We have some videos at Sustainability SDSU's YouTube Channel and will work on developing more.
29	4/16/2025 10:59:15	Session 2: Research and Curriculum	If students are interested in helping with your research where can we go?	Panel	biggslab.sdsu.edu; MW: weingartenlab.org
30	4/16/2025 11:00:21	Session 2: Research and Curriculum	How have the recent federal environmental funding cuts impacted the capital infrastructure investments made in cross border sewage treatment?	Dr. Mladenov
31	4/16/2025 11:05:07	Session 2: Research and Curriculum	Is the water treatment issue and infrastructure issue in Mexico, CA, or both? Are there obstacles you have observed to addressing the issue sustainably?	Natalie and Trent	TB: The main issue is with infrastructure in Mexico, but the US treatment plant also needs upgrading for higher capacity.
32	4/16/2025 11:06:21	Session 2: Research and Curriculum	What do you have to say to those who blame Mexico entirely for the problems with the Tijuana watershed. How is this an equity issue?	Dr. Mladenov
33	4/16/2025 11:07:37	Session 2: Research and Curriculum	Can you please talk about any existing or future partnerships between SDSU and universities in Tijuana and nearby cities? Thank you.	Whole panel.	TB: We collaborate regularly with UABC, CICESE and COLEF...
34	4/16/2025 11:14:36	Session 2: Research and Curriculum	Can't we just "open the spigot" to address our water issues? (just kidding - kind of) How do we counter these narratives that CA has plenty of water in the North that we are just not using?	Matt	MW: More surface water would help remediate the immediate GW issue, but historical precedent teaches us that anytime we increase water supply that pesky water demand ramps up to meet it over time.
35	4/16/2025 11:16:09	Session 2: Research and Curriculum	How has the privatization of lands for almond growth affected the state of groundwater depletion in recent years?	Groundwater	MW: Fruits and nuts dominate the current agricultural water use in the Central Valley and their water demand is higher than other crop types typically grown in the CV
36	4/16/2025 11:26:06	Session 2: Research and Curriculum	How discretion do individual areas have to set their measurable objectives? Are there any state level guidelines to ensure that sustainability objectives are actually sustainable? Why do objectives vary so much across regions?	Matt	MW: There are some state guidelines published by the DWR that plans have to follow. This is part of the reason why many of the plans have been rejected/revised.
37	4/16/2025 11:29:05	Session 2: Research and Curriculum	Based on your farmer research, have you looked into identifying farmers who are fair trade certified or those with other certification like this one? Would you say there is a notable difference between being certified and not certified?	Dr. Biggs	TB: Great question...I'm not aware of any labor certification for farms; let me know if you know of any such certification in the US!
38	4/16/2025 11:33:23	Session 2: Research and Curriculum	How will California’s work towards mitigating worker heat stress help spread awareness and help with heat stress in third world countries, where they work longer hours, have lower wages, and worse conditions?	last one	TB: Hopefully the low-cost app will help them know when it's unsafe to work outside...
39	4/16/2025 11:36:42	Session 2: Research and Curriculum	could farm workers do land prep during the night to avoid summer heat stress? would they even find that desirable from a health and lifestyle perspective?	Trent	TB: Yes, some crops can be harvested at night, but some (dates) can't. Also many workers don't like to work at night since they have kids and it's hard on their bodies to work at night.
40	4/16/2025 11:38:24	Session 2: Research and Curriculum	I see that skin temperatures go up significantly during lunch, I wonder why. Do you think there could be a way to reduce skin temps somehow during that break time?	Trent	TB: Yes, probably more access to A/C and/or shade, better hydration.
41	4/16/2025 11:39:36	Session 2: Research and Curriculum	How can consumers (individuals or businesses) support agriculture that treats their farm workers more ethically? I've heard of regenerative organic certification - does that help?	Trent	TB: Great question...I'm not aware of any labor certification for farms; let me know if you know of any such certification in the US!
42	4/16/2025 11:40:03	Session 2: Research and Curriculum	Will the app be available to the public?	last one	TB: It's already available https://www.aiha.org/public-resources/healthierworkplaces/healthier-community-resources/thermal-heat-stress-resources-oehs-professionals#:~:text=What%20Is%20the%20AIHA%20Heat,for%20two%20specific%20user%20types.
43	4/16/2025 11:41:21	Session 2: Research and Curriculum	All	What one item would each of you propose as the best solution to each of these issues.	TB: Better access to A/C, hydration; more oversight from state or county authorities to ensure compliance; more measurements of heat stress to adjust heat thresholds for rest break stipulations.
44	4/16/2025 13:08:31	Session 3: State and Regional	Is the high speed rail representing a government entity or a private corporation? With countries in Asia and Europe, why is their process so streamlined compared to our timelines and setbacks?	High speed rail
45	4/16/2025 13:12:23	Session 3: State and Regional	What sustainable dense housing plans are being considered in a way that remains environmental natural habitats and ecologically at risk areas?	City planner
46	4/16/2025 13:16:52	Session 3: State and Regional	General question: do you anticipate San Diego to actually meet these climate agendas? Many places have promised climate action, but haven't delivered, many students and residents ask the same.(:	Whole panel
47	4/16/2025 13:17:20	Session 3: State and Regional	1) What steps can residents take to support and speed up the growth of planned high speed rail routes, green city planning, and future projects? 2) How is the city effectively educating the public on the importance of sustainability in city planning?	Whole panel	Anyone can about the project as well as call or write state and local elected officials to voice their support. (https://www.hsr.ca.gov/contact/)
48	4/16/2025 13:21:49	Session 3: State and Regional	Often, community plans have goals, but they are not always met. Once a community plan is confirmed, what are the next steps to complete the process? What’s the process for building and transforming the area?	City Planner
49	4/16/2025 13:22:08	Session 3: State and Regional	Is the California high speed railway looking into using nuclear power?	The first speaker who is with the CA high speed railway (i'm sorry i forgot her name please fill it in for me, thank you!)	Our current focus on renewable power to power the system is via solar and through battery technology. Our stations and facilities will be zero-emission and net-positive energy buildings, generating more power than they consume.
50	4/16/2025 13:39:37	Session 3: State and Regional	Why aren't you planning to move the tracks Eastward as opposed to fixing bluffs that will continue to erode? Thank you	SANDAG	There are several considerations. The further east the tracks go will increase travel times and limit the ability for the service to connect at existing locations. One of the things that makes Amtrak and Coaster unique are its ability to be in the heart of communities to provide easy access. Additionally, moving the route further east will require more tunneling and more impacts to wetlands that the route will have to pass through.
51	4/16/2025 13:41:02	Session 3: State and Regional	In relation to improving the Blue Line, what options are you considering to speed up travel times? What progress updates can the City or SANDAG give regarding dedicated bus lanes and even traffic light priority?	SANDAG, and The City	SANDAG is looking at a variety of options including signal upgrades, bypass lanes at locations that allow, restructuring the portion of the route between 12th and Imperial and Santa Fe depot (downtown) to allow for larger train sets and faster progression. Dedicated bus lanes are evaluated in every new Rapid project or in cases where it makes sense for local buses. We are working closely with jurisdictions to ensure that the recommendation for bus only lanes fits with a cities plans for their mobility. SANDAG is also evaluating moving all new projects to Adaptive Signal Control (instead of Transit Signal Priority) which allows for better control of the signals and progression along a corridor.
52	4/16/2025 13:42:01	Session 3: State and Regional	Given the new tariffs, is a new border crossing a good idea?	anyone	Yes. The new border crossing meets the objectives of the new administration that include more security, military readiness, more technology and advanced systems to monitor goods movement.
53	4/16/2025 13:42:42	Session 3: State and Regional	Is there a plan for a consistently protected bike route east to west through the city? Beaches to SDSU? It is currently hit and miss and quite dangerous for cyclists.	Sandag city planner?	Yes. There are several new active transportation connections identified in the Regional Plan. The draft will be distributed in July. Please make sure you take a look and add your comments.
54	4/16/2025 13:49:51	Session 3: State and Regional	Are there any specific strategies currently being implemented to make cycling safer and more accessible mode of transportation?	Panel
55	4/16/2025 13:55:13	Session 3: State and Regional	Are there any plans of expansion of the high speed rail to the County of Imperial?	Panel	Not at this time. We are in the process of completing Phase 1, which is from San Francisco to Anaheim. Phase 2 will extend the line north to Sacramento and south to San Diego.
56	4/16/2025 13:56:33	Session 3: State and Regional	Ten years ago SANDAG was planning to convert the Rapid 215 bus into a rail line along El Cajon Boulevard, but it’s no longer in the regional plan. Is there any hope of this project ever happening?	SANDAG
57	4/16/2025 13:56:43	Session 3: State and Regional	Is there any concerns about funding and support from the state given Governor Newsom’s recent statements about the future of High Speed Rail and the Trump administration’s unclear policies about high speed rail	Ladonna	Funding is a consistent concern and we continue to work with our state and federal partners on streams of revenue as well as looking into cost saving measure. As announced in April, the Governor and legislative leaders announced a joint intention to extend the Cap-and-Trade program to 2045. The May Revise proposal includes this extension and specifically calls out that the High-Speed Rail Project will receive at least $1 billion annually to provide the Project stable and a predictable funding stream. This is expected to enable the Authority to plan with greater certainty and deliver the project more efficiently.
58	4/16/2025 13:57:20	Session 3: State and Regional	How are you implementing Smart Cities to prepare for autonomous vehicles? What technologies are you looking at (ie sensing and IIOT)?	All
59	4/16/2025 10:21:28	Session 4: Student Leadership	How many students are part of green love and how old is green love?	green love	There are currently 17 co chairs on the Green Love Commission, and anyone is always welcome to join our meetings on Wednesdays from 11-12pm in the Union!
60	4/16/2025 14:22:34	Session 4: Student Leadership	How do you feel about sustainability now as a senior versus how you felt in your first year? Have you changed your thinking?	Seniors	*answered live
61	4/16/2025 14:28:23	Session 4: Student Leadership	How do the restaurants and food services contribute to the recycling and composting initiatives?	Panel	Aztec shops is working to be more sustainable with the compostable utensils and composting efforts.
62	4/16/2025 14:29:14	Session 4: Student Leadership	Can students suggest sustainable changes they would like to see: for example, planting native plants throughout the school?	Panel	I would love to see more composting efforts campus wide.
63	4/16/2025 14:30:42	Session 4: Student Leadership	Is it possible to request compost caddies or recycling bins for dorms/on campus apartments? Will they be required in the foreseen future?	any	Yes! You can fill out a request for a compost caddy here: compost caddy request form.
64	4/16/2025 14:37:54	Session 4: Student Leadership	Who administers LEEDs? Is there any risk to its future as the current Presidential administration appears to be rolling back environmentally oriented programs?	Jack	*answered live
65	4/16/2025 14:46:46	Session 4: Student Leadership	Do you have to be on the board to participate in plans/events? If not then how can we be involved other than the board?	Green Fest ( Green love)	*answered live
66	4/16/2025 14:47:42	Session 4: Student Leadership	How does a campus building get access to compost collection?	OES	You sign up with our Office Composting Program (OCP) and then we drop off a compost caddy and clean out your caddy weekly!
67	4/16/2025 14:48:44	Session 4: Student Leadership	How is Uni Exchange helping combat over consumption with clothes? Can you sell anything on there?	Specific to Ava Menendez	*answered live
68	4/16/2025 14:48:53	Session 4: Student Leadership	In the process for gaining LEED certification, are you looking at the worst performing buildings in addition to the ones that are close to gaining certification?	NA	*answered live
69	4/16/2025 14:49:03	Session 4: Student Leadership	For the uni exchange app how do you plan to market the app to get more users? It’s an incredible idea! Is there a team behind this app and job opportunities/internships with you?	For the uni exchange app	*answered live
70	4/16/2025 14:49:39	Session 4: Student Leadership	where do you see the future of sustainability going within SDSU and the state/country overall?	Panel	We are making great efforts here at SDSU through a variety of initiatives, like the OCP, housing sustainability efforts, the 2025 Climate Action Plan, and student organizations.
71	4/16/2025 14:49:46	Session 4: Student Leadership	How can we as students fight over consumption and encourage others to do it?	The Panel	Download the Uni Exchange app to sell items to fellow college students, attend the bi-annual A.S swap shop, swap clothes with your friends, thrift, etc!
72	4/16/2025 14:49:48	Session 4: Student Leadership	How to avoid climate anxiety and maintain hope in a field that sometimes feels very grim?	The panel	Surround yourself with people of the similar mindset and remember to keep an optimistic mindset.
73	4/16/2025 14:50:54	Session 4: Student Leadership	Especially with the recent move out season, there’s going to be a lot of throwing away items that still can be used. How can we combat that?	The panel	Donate your items, sell them online through Uni Exchange or Facebook Marketplace, give them to incoming freshman, and ask your friends if they need anything.
74	4/16/2025 14:53:20	Session 4: Student Leadership	How do you all keep yourselves optimistic and hopeful in our current - and temporary - political environment?	All	I surround myself with people who care and are willing to put in the work to make a more sustainable world.
75	4/16/2025 14:53:58	Session 4: Student Leadership	What has been the most rewarding experience in serving in each of your positions?	Panel	*answered live
76	4/16/2025 14:54:11	Session 4: Student Leadership	I want to compost at the farmers market but never see any green bins? Are there plans to put some out there?	OES	Yes, we just put those out! You can now compost in the green bins at the farmers market.
77	4/16/2025 14:54:43	Session 4: Student Leadership	One of the seniors on the panel didn't get a chance to answer the senior question	Student senior who got cut off	*answered live
78	4/16/2025 14:56:53	Session 4: Student Leadership	Have any of you considered running for public office? Why or why not?	All	*answered live
79	4/16/2025 14:58:54	Session 4: Student Leadership	Towards the end of the year, I've seen so many items being thrown out during move out season. What’s one way we can combat that problem and increase the life of items.	The panel	Donate your items, sell them online through Uni Exchange or Facebook Marketplace, give them to incoming freshman, and ask your friends if they need anything.
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