Illinois State University

Campus Category

Four year and graduate institutions over 15,000 student FTE

Contact Information

Enid Cardinal
Sustainability Coordinator
Facilities

Education and Research

There are faculty members and departments across the University that are incorporating sustainability into their curriculum. The University’s Green Team works closes with several classes for applied projects at the university and oversees interns each semester. Waste audits of campus facilities are conducted each semester by an Environmental Health Science class. Sustainability campaigns are designed by Environmental Communications students each year for use at the University.

Most recently a new Renewable energy major was introduced that addresses the social, economic, and technical issues that graduates will encounter in the emerging field of renewable energy. In addition to the new major, the University launched the Center for Renewable Energy designed to meet the growing need for education, outreach and research in the field of renewable. The Center has three major functional areas: supporting the renewable energy major at ISU; serving the Illinois renewable energy community by providing information to the public; and encouraging applied research on renewable energy at ISU and through collaborations with other universities.

The Stevenson Center for Community and Economic Development combines coursework and professional practice dedicated to public service and global understanding. Faculty and students serve communities around the world. The Center supports three graduate programs: the Peace Corps Fellows/USA Program, the Applied Community & Economic Development Fellows Program (ACED), and the Peace Corps Master’s International Program.

The University is also an active member of the American Democracy Project and has made civic engagement one of its five core values. Civic engagement projects have been incorporated into required classes such as COM 110. A new Service Learning minor is in the planning stages that will provide students with training in civic engagement and social leadership. FOCUS (Faculty Opportunities for Creating Civic & Community Understanding Among Students) is a faculty development program designed to emphasize the value of civic and community engagement at Illinois State University.

In addition to course work and research there are many other sustainability related education opportunities for members of the Illinois State community. In February the University participated in the Nationwide Teach-in and held panel discussions with faculty members from multiple disciplines to discuss energy and climate policy. In the spring, the College of Applied Science and Technology’s annual Science and Technology week was a sustainability theme. Guest speakers lectured about new urbanism, agriculture’s role in sustainability, environmentally friendly fashions and “no child left inside”.

Campus Operations

Illinois State University is working hard to integrate sustainability into all aspects of campus operations, some highlights are below.

Grounds
Illinois State University Ground’s department has made sustainability a central focus of their operations. The campus has been using integrated pest management for more than 20 years. Increasing attention has been given to stormwater management. The University was the first in the state to install a permeable parking lot; the opportunity was used to train area contractors. Since then, two other lots have been installed and more will be installed as resurfacing becomes necessary on other existing lots. Two bioswales have also been installed adjacent to two other lots. Most recently Illinois State earned the Arbor Day Foundation’s new designation of Tree Campus USA, one of 29 inaugural campuses.

Transportation
Through a universal pass, Illinois State’s faculty, staff and students can enjoy free access to the community’s public transit system. A free shuttle runs throughout campus from 7am to 7:30pm daily. The University community also has access to an electronic rideshare board to help identify carpooling opportunities. Reggie Ride is our free bicycle rental program available to members of the Illinois State community. 

Dining
In the last two years, Campus Dining Services has converted their dining centers from largely eat-out operations to dine-in service using washable ware. During this transition, one of the three dining centers went trayless. A first-ever Local Foods Dinner was held last year in conjunction with a screening of the documentary The Future of Food and a panel discussion. Due to its success, not only is it becoming an annual event, Campus Dining is looking at other ways to incorporate local food items into their operations. Sustainable seafood purchasing is also a priority. Just last month Campus Dining Services purchased an electric delivery van for catering operations.

Energy & Climate
Energy Conservation has been a priority for the University for many years. Initiatives have included relamping all campus buildings, steam trap replacements and boiler economizers. Two new Chiller plants were opened this year and a third is under construction. When complete the campus will have shifted from individual building air conditioning systems and to a more efficient campus-wide chilled water loop. The University is currently in the selection process for an energy services company with whom we will enter into a performance contract. Also in this last year, two photovoltaic arrays were unveiled with the launch Illinois State’s new Center for Renewable Energy. A greenhouse gas inventory is currently underway as part our commitment to the ACUPCC.

Waste
The University recycles 23 different commodities. ISU’s landscaping and food waste is composted at the University Farm along with yard waste collected from the Town of Normal. Additionally the Town and Illinois State have a partnership to mulch wood debris for use in area planting beds. The University, in partnership with several other area entities launched a drug disposal program that accepts all medications including controlled substances through the involvement of local law enforcement.

Administration and Finance

Illinois State University’s administration is a very important part of the sustainability efforts on campus. There are three full time staff positions with dedicated sustainability responsibilities (Director of Energy, Sustainability Coordinator and Recycling Coordinator) as well as a graduate assistant in charge of sustainability program development. The University’s Green Team, a Presidential advisory committee, has representation from each Vice President’s office and numerous other stakeholder groups.

Last year, the Association of Residence Halls established a sustainability fee and created a Student Sustainability Coordinator to oversee the allocation of funding from the fee. Additionally, each hall has a representative that reports to the Student Sustainability Coordinator. The Student Government Association just added a Sustainability Chair to their executive board, a paid position that will oversee a student sustainability committee.

Illinois State University is a signatory to the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment, the United Nations’ Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) initiative and the Illinois Sustainable University Compact. The University is also an active member of the American Democracy Project.

In April, the University held its first ever joint Celebration of Service and Global Youth Service Day event. The event showcased service projects occurring at the University, in schools throughout the areas districts, within area organizations and connect individuals with future service projects. It was an incredible opportunity that brought together people from all walks of life in the community. In honor of Arbor Day, attendees were even given tree saplings to plant as a personal service project.