Classroom: Georgia Tech prides itself on having top-ranked academics and cutting-edge technological research that incorporates sustainability into student learning. The following are tips so you can expand your knowledge of sustainability and practice it in the classroom.
With the recent addition of the Serve-Learn-Sustain program on campus it is easier than ever to incorporate sustainability into your experience at Tech. The Serve-Learn-Sustain program is part of the Quality Enhancement Plan, QEP, which formally begins in 2016. The main focus of this program is on the theme of creating sustainable communities. To stay updated and learn more visit .
1. Buy or rent used and digital textbooks.
- Digital books are better for your back and less-wasteful because your book is always on the nearest computer.
- Renting textbooks through the GT Bookstore saves you an average 50% when compared to a new, printed textbook.
- The GT Bookstore partners with ONEPLANET, who re-purposes the recycled books to create mixed-grade bales for major companies to create into products such as napkins and tissues. (Source: Curtis Waddell, GT Bookstore)
2. Limit the resources you use throughout the semester.
- Print double-sided! Most of the computers on campus have double-sided as the default option for printing but it is always good to check. This simple choice will reduce your paper consumption by 50%.
- Utilize the Earth Day office supply exchange each year to find gently used and free items.
3. Take a class with sustainability as a focus.
- There are over 250 courses at Tech that relate to sustainability. Incorporate these into your schedule and expand your knowledge. (STARS)
- These courses include but are not limited to: ARCH 3231-Environmental Systems I, CEE 4310- Water Quality, ECE 3072- Electrical Engineering Systems, and LCC 3308- Environment Ecocritic
- See a full list of available courses here.
4. If taking a course isn’t enough, pick a major that has sustainability as a main component.
- Recommended majors include but are not limited to: Architecture, Biology, Civil Engineering: Environmental Track, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Environmental Engineering
5. Get involved with sustainability related research.
- a. Take advantage of the opportunity to work with passionate faculty in on campus labs with state-of-the-art technology.
- Brook Byers Institute for Sustainable Systems
- Strategic Energy Institute