Sustainability

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

 – John R. Ehrenfeld

Visit Edgewood College any time of year and you’ll find evidence of our commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

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.
• An Environmental Studies Minor allows students to pursue a broad, interdisciplinary view of environmental issues.
• 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.
• Dominican Hall, completed in 2008, is the first LEED-Silver certified residence hall in Wisconsin.
• In 2009, Phil's 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.
• The Stream, the College's home for the visual and theatre arts, achieved LEED-Gold certification in 2014.
• The College was included in the 2017 edition of The Princeton Review  'Guide to 361 Green Colleges,' marking the third consecutive year the College has been so designated. 
• 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, faculty and staff 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 discounted 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.