Culture
Sustainability is at the core of our values at Loyola University Chicago. The Reverend Gregory F. Lucey, S.J., and President of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities has noted that
"Ignatian spirituality seeks to find God in all things, including the natural world. The Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities [LUC is a member institution] recognizes that environmental stewardship is an integral part of both [the] Catholic mission and Jesuit spirituality."
From this foundation of values and beliefs, we strive to set an example for our students, our employees, and our community. Below are some of the many ways in which our actions and behaviours follow our principles and goals.
Faith-driven Activism on Campus
Loyola’s Shareholder Advocacy Committee works to uphold our values through responsible investments. Read more...
Access to Water
Loyola students voted to ban the sale of bottled water on campus, viewing access to water as a fundamental human right. Read more...
Food Access and Donations
Increased access to healthy foods is now made possible at the farmers market and through donations of food grown on campus. Read more...
Biodiesel
It began as a set of undergraduate class projects in 2008 to address wasteful energy practices. The creation of biodiesel fuel from cafeteria fryer waste vegetable oil has become a fully operational business. Read more...
ChainLinks
Students now operate all aspects of this exciting new bike rental and repair business. Read more...
On-Campus Leadership
Many students, faculty and staff joined the Office of Sustainability Strategic Planning process and other groups have organized highly successful sustainability committees. Read more...
Policies
By including sustainability into our practices AND or policies we institutionalize our commitment to reducing our negative impacts. Read more...
Urban Agriculture
The Urban Agriculture Demonstration Gardens Project provides interactive, real-world educational tools for the entire Loyola community. Read more...
Loyola Farmer's Market
The Loyola's Farmer's Market at our Lakeshore campus brings local, sustainable food to the campus community. Read more...
Green Threads: Aramark
Loyola's dining partner, Aramark, summarizes its commitment to environmental sustainability through the Green Threads program. Read more...
Dining Advisory Committee
Anyone in the Loyola community can become involved in discussions of food purchasing policies and sustainable practices. Read more...
Hunger Week
Loyola participates in Hunger Week each year to engage the community by standing in solidarity with those who hunger. Read more...
Annual Sustainable Dinner
Loyola's Gannon Center for Women & Leadership sponsors a sustainable dinner each year, focusing on the ethics of sustainable food that is sourced locally. Read more...
Think Green & Give
During move-out each May, students are encouraged to donate un-needed items to charity through the Think Green & Give event. Read more...
RecycleMania!
Loyola keeps moving up the ranks each year in this nationwide recycling competition. Read more...
Composting
Loyola has multiple composting programs, including aerobic composting in our gardens and plate-waste composting in dinidng halls. Read more...
Migratory Bird Habitat
Loyola students work with facilities managers to make our buildings "bird-safe" during migratory season. Read more...
Environmental Stewardship on Alumni Service Days
Loyola sponsors various service-related events for Alumni to gather and contribute to community, a few of which incorporate environmental stewardship. Read more...
Student Conservation Programs
Loyola student groups are actively promoting conservation through a variety of activities and initiatives. Read more...
Earth Hour
Loyola participates in Earth Hour each year, a program focused on energy conservation. Read more...
Public Transit
Loyola's campuses are conveniently accessible by train and bus, and Loyola programs encourage the use of public transit by students, faculty, and staff. Read more...
Bicycling
Biking is a popular and sustainable choice at Loyola, especially at our two lake front campuses located along multiple bike paths. Read more...
Walking
Loyola's neighborhoods offer plenty of safe, accessible sidewalks for everyone to enjoy. Read more...