Sustainability at Edgewood College

“Sustainability is the possibility that humans and other life will flourish on Earth forever.”

 – John R. Ehrenfeld

From our organic farm stand to the Lake Wingra boardwalk, visit the Edgewood College campus any time of year and you’ll find evidence of our commitment to becoming the most eco-friendly and sustainable higher education institution in Wisconsin.

View this student video and read on for just a few examples of how we work toward that vision

• In the undergraduate COR general education curriculum, students explore topics through community and civic engagement related to creating a just and compassionate world. Many COR courses include environmental sustainability.
• Undergraduate students take at least one “E tag” course, covering environmental perspectives on the world. Course offerings range from “Eco-fiction” to “Spirituality & the Environment”.
• An Environmental Studies Minor allows students to pursue a broad, interdisciplinary view of environmental issues.
• The Sustainability Leadership Graduate Program prepares working professionals to drive transformational change for more resilient organizations and communities.

• In 2006, Edgewood College became the first college or university in Wisconsin to be Green Tier Certified by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for its exemplary environmental performance. Read our annual Green Tier Report here.
• Dominican Hall, completed in 2008, is the first LEED-Silver certified residence hall in Wisconsin.
• In 2009, Phil’s Cafeteria became the first campus dining facility to earn Green Restaurant Certification, providing locally sourced foods, supplemented by a kitchen garden and hoop house.
• In 2011, along with 30 other institutions including Harvard University, Stanford University, and Middlebury College, we became founding members of the Billion Dollar Green Challenge. We’ve committed a portion of the College’s endowment to a revolving green fund to help finance energy efficiency upgrades.
• Our Visual and Theater Arts Center is scheduled to open September 2012 with a goal of achieving LEED-Gold certification. The site was very carefully chosen to preserve campus natural habitats, a beautiful 150 year-old oak tree, and an American Indian bird effigy mound. The building features extensive natural lighting, a geothermal heating/cooling system, high-efficiency lighting fixtures, and rain gardens.

• An active Campus Sustainability Coordinating Team, comprised of faculty, staff, and student representatives, works collaboratively to advance sustainability initiatives.
• Faculty, staff, and students take part in creating and living into a robust Inclusion Plan to create a diverse and welcoming environment for all.
• From yoga classes to use of the fitness center, employees at Edgewood take advantage of many healthy lifestyle opportunities.  Employee benefits also include Socially Responsible Retirement Plan Options.
• Faculty, staff, and students ride a free shuttle, use free Madison Metro Bus passes, and bicycle or walk to campus. Participants in the Alternative Transportation Program earn gym discounts, personal time off, and free meals on campus.