Take Action
While it is critical that we are aware of global and local environmental issues, it is even more important that we take action. By acting locally, we can have a global impact.
As a university:
Loyola is committed to making our campus carbon neutral for directly controlled emissions by 2025. Learn more about Loyola’s Climate Action Plan.
As Students
Internships and Jobs
The School of Environmental Sustainability provides hands-on internship opportunities for students to get deeply involved in our environmental initiatives. SES Internships use a common application. You may apply for multiple internships but will need to complete the application separately, once for each position. Check back each semester to see what is available.
Student Organizations
Join students on campus to explore new experiences to make your time at Loyola all the more impactful. Meeting your peers and engaging others promotes change on campus, locally, and globally. Read more about several student groups at Loyola that have an environmental focus.
Volunteer Opportunities
Community Service & Action
The Office of Community Service and Action connects students with opportunities to volunteer in the community. Learn more and get involved.
Think Green and Give
Colleges and universities nationwide generate up to 100 tons of trash every year during spring move-out. Think Green and Give is a charitable collection drive that makes it easy for students to reduce waste by donating unwanted, reusable items. Volunteers work with the Office of Sustainability to collect clean, gently used clothing and household items and nonperishable, unopened food and toiletries when students move out of the residence halls in the spring. In 2018, Loyola donated almost 8,000 pounds of clothing, shoes, food, and household goods through this event. Donations go to Catholic Charities, A Just Harvest, and other local charities. Think Green and Give is organized by Loyola’s Office of Sustainability, Residence Life, and Facilities Management Departments.
To learn more or volunteer, contact the Office of Sustainability at sustainability@LUC.edu.
Green Living on Campus
Composting
In 2012, composting services were introduced to collect food scraps from preparation and plate-waste in Simpson Dining Hall. That year over 62 tons of food scraps were sent to a commercial compost facility. In 2013, the program expanded to De Nobili Dining Hall and Engrained Café in the School of Environmental Sustainability. Loyola continues to identify areas to expand the Campus Compost Initiative.
Energy Conservation
Take a look around your room or apartment. TV in stand-by mode? Other electronic equipment on but not being used? How about lights left on in rooms yet the room is empty? To reduce the energy load and save energy plus save money, small changes can add up to a big difference.
Food and Dining
Students have created programs and shaped food policies at Loyola, based on their concerns regarding how conventional growing practices and eating behaviors impact society and contribute to environmental degradation. From growing vegetables on campus to launching a farmers market, students are making positive changes.
To ensure the Loyola food movement inspires and flourishes for a long-lasting impact, get your hands dirty or have your voice heard by collaborating with others. Learn more about our urban agriculture initiative to experience the local food movement on campus and help make change.
Recycling
Through our programs and education, Loyola is making great strides to conserve resources and reduce the university’s impact on the environment.
Use our event checklists for tips to "green" your small gathering on campus:
Transportation
Loyola University Chicago is an urban campus located in a densely populated area with heavy vehicle traffic. Consider this for a moment.
Mobility comes in many options. Check out the variety of ways to get around the neighborhood and the City of Chicago. We encourage you to get around by using other modes of transportation other than driving a car. We are a campus dedicated to safe, environmentally friendly, alternative modes of transport.
Read More about our transit options.
As Faculty and Staff
Greening Your Work
Resources are available to green your office, your commute, event or laboratory. Professional development that adds sustainability into your field of expertise is actively supported here at Loyola.
- Green Leader Trainings
- Professional Development Grants
With teaching and research, finding time to make your office space or departmental events more environmentally sustainable is possible. We have prepared some guides for you to use to increase conservation and efficiency.
Green Office: In addition to common-known ways to save energy, you can make your office or workspace more green by understanding Loyola's recycling program, composting program, and working with our ITS Green Team.
Green Events: These checklists provide guidance on how to green your events.
- Small Event Sustainability Checklist
- Large Event Sustainability Checklist
- Sample Food & Beverage Vendor Language to use
Green Labs: These posters and checklists can help make your laboratory "greener."
Health & Benefits Actions
Human Resources and Academic Affairs have programs that encourage healthy living and sustainable life/work arrangements.
Integrating Sustainability into your Teaching & Research
The Office of Sustainability supports faculty and student research efforts that address issues of sustainability where possible. One of our most important roles is to track and share information on the University’s sustainability performance and opportunities to reduce our environmental footprint. Click on our Metrics and Monitoring page for examples of data and analyses that we’ve conducted on campus. We are always seeking research partnerships to improve our management of the Universities’ infrastructure, operation, policies and practices. We have listed some specific needs that could be incorporated into faculty or student research projects. Please contact us for more details.
Lake Shore Campus Energy Use
Further research is needed related to:
- Energy use at the building level,
- Energy savings through behavior change and improved scheduling,
- Renewable energy production capacity (especially solar thermal and photovoltaics),
- Renewable power purchase agreements.
Lake Shore and Water Tower Water Use
- How to reduce water use in residence halls?
Alternative Transportation Options
Additional information is needed that:
- Encourages more students biking, car sharing and car pooling for all campuses, and shuttle options at the Health Sciences Campus.
Greenhouse Gas Inventory
Deeper analysis is needed in these areas:
- International Travel
- Commuting Choices
- Paper Procurement
- Carbon Offsets
Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System submittals
Analysis is needed related to:
- Integrated Pest Management
- Sustainability in the Curriculum
- Indoor Air Quality
- Green Procurement Policies
- Waste Reduction
- Sustainable Investing
In your research, grants are available to support sustainability around campus. Consider using our campuses, our facilities, or partnering with the Centers of Excellence to advance sustainability in your work. Even if it may not be your core interest, your commitment to sustainability will be recognized and supported by the University.
Consider teaching a summer course at the Loyola University Chicago Retreat & Ecology Campus in McHenry County, Illinois.
Consider leading a sustainability-focused Alternative Break Immersion through Campus Ministries.
Serve on a Sustainability Committee
Participating in the Sustainability Initiative directly is another way your actions can help advance sustainability at Loyola. You can choose from:
- Serving on one of the Sustainability Strategic Planning Committees
- Delivering a guest lecture during our monthly Sustainability Speaker Series
- Joining the Office of Sustainability for one of our weekly guest blogging events
In addition, the Solutions to Environmental Problems (STEP) course thrives based on giving students a multi-disciplinary experience with a topic of environmental concern. Contact the STEP Course Coordinator to find an aspect of the current topic that you could contribute to this exciting class.
Community Action
Whether you are an alumnus, neighbor, or a local community organization, plenty of opportunities await you to meet new collaborators, support student learning, and be part of programs where the results are tangible.
Visit the sustainability calendar or sign up for the e-newsletter to find out about activities taking place at Loyola.
As a university:
Loyola is committed to making our campus carbon neutral for directly controlled emissions by 2025. Learn more about Loyola’s Climate Action Plan.
Whether you are an alumnus, neighbor, or a local community organization, plenty of opportunities await you to meet new collaborators, support student learning, and be part of programs where the results are tangible.
Visit the sustainability calendar or sign up for the e-newsletter to find out about activities taking place at Loyola.