Sustainability on College Campuses
Through a variety of initiatives and changes, universities are making positive steps towards running operations in a more eco-friendly and environmentally conscious manner.
By Justina Thompson — April 5, 2023
Ever wondered what you can do to grow sustainability cultures on your campus? Environmental conservation efforts have gained momentum recently, and organizations, governments, and individuals are recognizing their responsibility to protect the Earth's resources. College campuses, in particular, have adopted a number of strategies to reduce their environmental footprints and work towards a more sustainable futures. Through a variety of initiatives and changes, universities are making positive steps towards running operations in a more eco-friendly and environmentally conscious manner.
Energy Efficiency
One of the primary ways that college campuses are contributing to environmental conservation is through energy efficiency and emissions reduction. Colleges in the United States, for example, are expanding the range of renewable energy sources they use, such as solar, wind, geothermal, and hydropower. Solar panels have become increasingly commonplace on college campuses and are helping to reduce electricity costs while powering buildings with clean, renewable energy. In some cases, universities have even gone as far as to invest in public-private partnerships and secure government grants to fund the installation of on-campus solar arrays.
Universities are also taking strides to support alternative energy sources through research. Research centers have promoted the investment in wind turbines, solar panels, and other forms of renewable energy generation, while investing in projects and innovation that can develop and scale up clean energy solutions. This strategic use of such technology not only offsets carbon emissions, but also reduces a dependence on fossil fuels.
Eco-Friendly Transportation
Universities can also reduce their carbon footprints by emphasizing eco-friendly transportation options for students and faculty, such as bike sharing programs, car share programs, and even electric vehicle charging stations. For example, in many college towns, bike lanes and bike racks encourage students to use more sustainable transportation. Additionally, universities are actively promoting carpooling services, public transit, and electric vehicles to decrease the amount of carbon emissions produced on campus.
Composting Initiatives and Healthy Eating
Campuses are also making efforts to reduce their amount of waste by increasing recycling and composting initiatives. Zero-waste campaigns have become increasingly popular in university dining halls and cafeterias, with reusable and compostable utensils and panes and food waste separated for composting. Reducing solid waste on campus also encourages more recycling and composting. By providing more designated bins for compost and recyclables, universities demonstrate efficient in their waste disposal strategies and diverting waste away from landfills and other sites of environmental pollution.
Many universities have also implemented clothing drives, furniture and appliance donation centers, and yard sales to reduce the number of items sent to landfills. Additionally, campuses have adopted single-stream recycling plans, which combine all recyclables into one container to make it easier for students to recycle. If your school does not have these programs, check in with the environmental or student services departments to begin conversations about implementing such policies.
There is also an increased desire among universities to prioritize sustainable food options. Many campuses are launching sustainability initiatives to support local and organic agriculture while also promoting healthy eating habits. To achieve this, universities are offering more dietary options on campus and implementing food waste reduction techniques. This helps ensure that the food provided is healthy and culturally appropriate, while also reducing environmental impact from food production.
Community Engagement
Furthermore, universities are trying to increase their engagement with the local community to promote environmental conservation. Community engagement may include collaborating with local organizations on environmental projects, implementing campus gardens that provide fresh produce to local food pantries and shelters, and developing campus wildlife sanctuaries. Students have also advocated for the incorporation of sustainability education into their curriculums, with classes focusing on environmental issues, food production, and natural systems.
Moreover, campuses and student outreach programs have becoming more aware of their environmental impact and encouraging a culture of environmental stewardship. Stewardship centers lectures and other educational presentations to their students on climate change and offering more courses focused on environmental science and conservation. By inspiring corporate responsibility, universities further promote the importance of responsible waste disposal, energy conservation and emissions reduction.
Greener Buildings
Universities often prioritize constructing or renovating buildings to adhere to green building standards, such as the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification criteria established by the U.S. Green Building Council. Buildings certified under LEED require materials that are sustainably sourced, have efficient energy and water systems, supply fresh air and natural light, and often contain photovoltaic solar systems as well. Green building standards often also include landscape designs with native vegetation planted, rainwater collection systems, and efficient irrigation management. These standards have a significant impact on reducing a building's environmental impact and promoting a broader environmental conservation agenda for campuses.
In addition to green building initiatives, universities are also taking further steps to reduce their environmental footprint. Colleges are placing greater emphasis on implementing integrated pest management systems, reducing their use of hazardous chemicals, and promoting zero-emission transportation vehicles. Some universities are even investing in green infrastructure, such as green roofs, vegetated 'living walls', and rainwater harvesting systems, to provide more natural solutions for managing stormwater and reducing the environmental impact of campus operations.
Sustainability: What's Next?
College campuses are making important steps towards a more sustainable future and with the help of students, faculty, staff, and local organizations the hope is to continue making progress toward more impactful and immediate environmental conservation. By investing in renewable energy sources, promoting eco-friendly transportation options, reducing waste, and increasing engagement with the local community, universities can set an example for others and continue to make strides towards sustainability. As these efforts continue to expand and gain momentum, we can turn toward the future with optimism—hoping that universities will continue to make progress in sustainability and environmental conservation.
Justina Thompson
Justina "Farmer J" Thompson is the Farm Education and Volunteer Manager at Urban Creators, Philadelphia, PA. Justina intentionally attended school in Philadelphia so she could “connect her passion and experience to the ongoing environmental justice work in the area.” As a speaker, educational curriculum designer, program leader, and community organizer, Justina possesses extensive knowledge on urban farming inspired to work in the field of environmental justice from a young age.
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