University Sustainability
The Center for Urban Environmental Research and Policy is advancing Loyola University Chicago's efforts to create a more sustainable university community. Through Loyola's commitment to educate responsible young adults, the University is taking steps to enhance the university environment where students, faculty and staff can carry sustainable behaviors of resource conservation into their day-to-day lifestyles on and off campus.
Demonstrating the Loyola University Chicago Commitment
University sustainability director
In January 2009 Loyola University Chicago appointed Dr. James Marshall Eames as the University’s new Sustainability Director, a position that is housed within Loyola’s Center for Urban Environmental Research and Policy (CUERP). Dr. Eames, currently an instructor in the University’s Department of Natural Science, will be responsible for directing Loyola’s sustainability initiatives on both lakeside campuses and working to incorporate sustainability into the curriculum.
In 2007, Dr. Eames conducted a rigorous sustainability assessment sponsored by CUERP. Several systems were analyzed to establish a baseline against which progress can be measured. The assessment focused on energy, water, food, purchasing, the built environment, transportation, and environmental awareness. The assessment's results will provide the necessary information/tools to develop and implement a plan to transform LUC into a sustainable university.
Dining halls - Trayfree and More
Aramark, Loyola's dining service consultant is committed to building the "green thread" of sustainability as part of creating a more just society. In November 2008, Loyola's Simpson Dining Hall piloted a "trayfree" program. With an overwhelming support from students, the pilot gave way to a permanent trayfree program in Simpson. And more recently, the Lake Shore Dining Hall went trayfree in March 2009.
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Tray removal will reduce food waste by 25% - 30% per person.
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Each tray needs 1/3 to 1/2 gallon of heated water to clean. Anticipated to save almost 500 gallons of water annually.
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Saves cleaning agents which can pollute our water supply.
Sustainable Infrastructure and Buildings
Loyola University Chicago's Facilities Management Department is leading the way in terms of the built environment with the implementation of sustainable infrastructure and buildings. Several projects currently underway include:
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Green roofs for all new construction (Mundelein Center, Information Commons, Quinlan Life Sciences Building, and Baumhart Hall).
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Semi-permeable paving material for all campus roads and pedestrian walks and use of semi-permeable artificial turf to reduce storm water runoff to city sewer system.
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Compact fluorescent, energy saving bulbs installed in all student residences and available to students free of charge.
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Solar powered flashing light stop signs.
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Battery powered service vehicles on campus.
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Implement in 2008 a reduction in the use of spray irrigation for lawns and plant materials by converting to a drip system along with plantings of drought resistant plant materials.
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Plans for a 2008 installation of solar water heating for the Halas Sports Center pool and domestic hot water, and Santa Clara residence hall for domestic hot water.
Visit Sustainable Projects for a complete listing of current and future projects at Loyola University Chicago.
Understanding the role of high-performance green buildings to reduce carbon emissions, Loyola is demonstrating commitment to sustainability with its current construction project, the Information Commons. The Commons integrates stunning architecture and engineering systems in a cutting-edge manner that will achieve 50 percent plus energy efficiency and is expected to achieve LEED Silver certification.
Sustainability in the Curriculum and the Higher Education Community
As a member of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), Loyola joins a community that is inclusive of all sectors within higher education which is committed to advancing sustainability by pursuing human and ecological health, social justice, to help secure livelihoods, and provide a better world for all generations. Collaborating with other institutions is necessary to develop partnerships and share meaningful strategies for lasting infrastructural and behavioral changes.
Cooperating on a regional level with the Illinois Green Government Coordinating Council, Loyola pledges to accomplish 10 of the 12 environmental goals outlined in the Illinois Sustainable University Compact by 2010.
Solutions to Environmental Problems (STEP)
STEP, developed by CUERP, is a seried of interdisciplinary, experiential learning and leadership courses. The course topic changes periodically based on student interest. The goal is always to inform students about a pressing environmental issue and provide them with a way to address those issues on campus and/or in the surrounding community. Through STEP, students and faculty work together and across disciplines to advance environmental sustainability at Loyola and beyond.
In spring 2009, STEP began focusing on food systems. The course explores the ecological, social, historical, political and economic contexts of our nation's food systems. 
The students are examining the environmental and social issues that result from the current food system and working to address some of these issues as they relate to the LUC campus and local food systems.
Projects include:
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Development of a business plan for honey production at Loyola
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Compost research
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Campus garden and document growing procedures
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Preliminary research to bring a farmer's market to Loyola
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Examine food access issues for local refugee populations
STEP's first course was designed around the conversion of waste vegetable oil (WVO) from Loyola food services into low-emissions biodiesel. 
For three semesters in 2007-2008, STEP: Biodiesel students learned from over twenty LUC faculty, staff, and community members about environmental, social, political, and economic issues related to energy use and production while examining the potential for biofuels to abate these issues. The class addressed local fuel use and emission issues directly through class-wide and small group campus-and-community based projects.
Photo: Loyola's Biodiesel Lab, Lake Shore Campus.
Environmental Course Collaboration
At Loyola, a multitude of courses in various disciplines are offered each semester that discuss a common theme, the environment. CUERP brings the faculty and students from the courses together for an interdisciplinary collaboration to share perspectives and enhance the educational experience. Developing collaborative activities in topics of sustainability and social responsibility are vital to expand knowledge to achieve solutions for the environmental challenges of the 21st Century.
Waste Reduction and Improved Recycling
The Consumption Reduction and Recycling Advisory Committee serves as a resource to Loyola's Facilities Management Department to help promote and publicize best waste reduction and recycling practices on both campuses. The committee consists of faculty, staff, and students who meet monthly to develop and implement strategies to promote best practices . Conducting educational outreach is one of the main strategies the advisory committee is engaged in to encourage every-day behaviors that reduce, reuse and recycle.
Focus The Nation - Unplug It!
Loyola is a participant of Focus the Nation, a campaign taking place on campuses across the country to raise awareness about climate change.
At Loyola, CUERP and students are collaborating to educate the campus on climate issues. Recently CUERP and the Student Environmental Alliance (SEA) conducted outreach and asked students to UnPlug It -- to reduce carbon emissions. By unplugging electronics such as computers, DVDs, and printers at night and when out of town, there is a reduction in energy usage and carbon emissions. Each student that pledged to UnPlug It, received a Clif Mojo Energy Bar and a sticker that acted as a gentle reminder to unplug electronics. The sticker also included information on how many pounds of carbon emissions are reduced per year per person when unplugging the devices.
Take the Pledge - UnPlug It!
Clif Mojo Energy Bars donated by Clif Bar Inc.
Photo: Lauryn Burkhalter, SEA Secretary conducting outreach for the UnPlug It campaign.
Stay tuned for future Focus the Nation campaigns.