No Images? Click here Spring 2019Sustainability Stewardship: EnviroStars ChampionSeattle University has been recognized by EnviroStars, a regional coalition of counties, cities and utilities, for its commitment to conserving resources and protecting the environment. Earning the program’s highest designation of “Champion,” SU is the first institution of higher education in Washington State to be recognized as an EnviroStars green business. Learn more. Campus Engagement: Earth Month HighlightsDuring Earth Month 2019, Seattle University hosted several events and the "Your SUstainability Idea" campaign. President Stephen Sundborg, S.J. opened Earth Month with a call to our campus community to envision and act upon new ways in which we can join together to build a more just and sustainable world.
Climate Action: 2020 Emissions Goal Met!In 2009, Seattle University adopted its Climate Action Plan and committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 12% by 2020 and 51% by 2035. In fiscal year 2018, SU’s greenhouse gas emissions totaled 16,096 metric tons which is a 13.6% reduction since 2009. The reduction can be attributed to investments in new campus infrastructure, less single-occupant vehicle commuting, lower natural gas consumption and reduced air travel by employees and students. Learn more. Student Focus: Sustainability Leadership Award for SSASustainable Student Action (SSA) received a Sustainability Leadership Award from Sustainable Seattle for its contributions to addressing the threats of climate change impacts. SSA was recognized for its “clever organizing, political savviness, and activism,” which was instrumental in the decision by the Seattle University Board of Trustees’ vote last fall to divest the university’s $230 million endowment from fossil fuels. Environmental Justice: Safe Water in ThailandIn September 2019, the Engineers for a Sustainable World student chapter and Professionals Without Borders plan to install three drinking water treatment systems for the Naphopitthayakhom School in Napho, Thailand, which serves approximately 1500 middle school students. By purchasing locally-sourced materials, it is anticipated that the operation and maintenance cost of these systems will be less than $5 per day. Learn more. Student and Faculty Research: Sports & SustainabilityBrian McCullough, Associate Professor in the Sport Business Leadership program, became co-director of the newly founded Sport Ecology Group. Established on Earth Day 2019, the SEG is a research collaborative and public education forum for sport and the natural environment. Learn more here. In addition, Dylan Kartchner, Masters in Sport Business Leadership student, is developing an initial sustainability report for SU Athletics that will highlight its sustainability efforts and provide recommendations for improvement. Community Engagement: World Relief GardenThe Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and CEJS are working together to support the World Relief community garden in Kent, WA. The Hillside Church in Kent has donated space for the garden which serves families from over 20 different countries! These families use their traditional farming methods and grow foods that may otherwise not be available at their local grocery store. The garden also serves as a living laboratory for Mill Creek Middle School. Learn more. |