Hepner Hall

Water

Water is a precious resource, especially in drought prone San Diego. SDSU has made strides to reduce campus water consumption.

 

The largest identified water users on campus are the cooling towers. These devices improve energy efficiency by evaporating as part of the cooling process. They support the power plant and chilled water plants that provide electricity, steam, and chilled water to campus.

Housing usage is the next highest contributor.  A large portion of usage is not directly measured, most likely from domestic usage in campus buildings. 

Water Use Breakdown

drought tolerant plants

 

 

 

Campus has been moving towards more responsible landscapes. Several locations, including the Mediterranean Garden, Student Union, Alumni Center, and Centennial Mall, feature drought tolerant plants.

 

 

 

PSFA landscape

 

 

SDSU received a Campus as a Living Lab grant from the Chancellor’s Office. In collaboration with Professor Diana Richardson’s Geography of Recreational Land Use class, we have refreshed the lawn space near PSFA. The class recommended prioritizing shading and seating. The site will feature trees, boulder seats, and native plants.

 

 Centennial Walkway

 

 

 

 In 2016, campus removed a significant amount of turfgrass at Centennial Mall, replacing it with shaded seating and drought tolerant plants.

 

 

hydration station

 

 

 

 

SDSU has installed hydration stations all over campus, including housing, buildings, and outdoors.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

hydroponic towers

 

 

Campus Grown has constructed several hydroponic towers to grow herbs and vegetables for campus eateries. These towers save around 80% of water compared to traditional irrigation.