Sustainability

Loyola University Chicago continually strengthens our sustainability efforts. In partnership with our residents, vendors, and other campus offices, the Department of Residence Life participates in several sustainability efforts.

Have an idea about how we can be more eco-friendly?

Contact us at res-life@luc.edu.

Sustainable Efforts & Programs
Low Flow Showerheads	Installed in all of our facilities, low flow showerheads save water and energy. While a conventional showerhead uses 18 to 27 liters per minute, low flow showerheads use 9 to 11 liters per minute, with some models using even less.
Dual Flush Toilets	As we renovate our existing halls and design our new facilities, dual flush toilets are being installed. On average a 3.5 gpf toilet uses around 27,300 gallons of water per year. By comparison the 1.6 gpf toilet uses just 12,500 gallons per year.
San Francisco Hall	This is an environmentally conscious residence hall with many sustainable features, some of which are incorporated in a way that allows students to actively learn about their impact on the environment. Residence Life worked closely with students, neighbors, departments, faculty, and staff during the design and construction process. We continue these partnerships to set and achieve sustainability goals every year.
Water Bottle Filling Stations	Water bottle filling stations provide convenient access to thirst quenching fresh water while reducing our dependency on and disposal of single-use plastic bottles.
Think Green & Give	Think Green & Give is a charitable collection event in which gently-used clothing and household items, and nonperishable unopened food/toiletries are collected at the end of the academic year when students move out. Collection stations are placed around campus and within our residence halls.
Dining Services
Trayless Dining	Reduces food waste by 25%-30% Saves 1/3 to 1/2 gallon of water per tray - that's almost 500 gallons per person per year! Saves energy and reduces our dependence on fossil fuels Reduces use of cleaning agents, which pollute our waterways
Eco-Friendly Products	EarthPlus napkins, made of 100% post-consumer materials Discarded fryer oil is donated to support the Biodiesel Lab Cardboard, aluminum, and paper recycling program Organic produce, meat, and seafood are on the menu Energy efficient dishwashers Green Cleaning Products
Think Globally. Eat Locally.	Loyola Dining Services supports local farms and vendors. The average food product travels thousands of miles to get to your plate. Industrial Food production accounts for over half of agricultural carbon emissions. Livestock accounts for 1/3 of methane gas emissions in the United States. Food processing and packaging uses 14 billion gallons of gasoline every year. By thinking globally and eating locally, Loyola students significantly reduce our impact on the environment.

Sustainability & You

Small steps, big impact.

You play an important role in our sustainability efforts.

Here are some simple ways you can be eco-friendly:

Take shorter showers
Turn off the water when you're brushing your teeth
Buy eco-friendly laundry detergent, dish soap, body wash, shampoo/conditioner
Turn off the lights when you leave a room
Leave your car at home and take public transit
Only take as much food as you'll eat (Still hungry? Get a second helping.)
Support local retailers
Use notebooks made of recycled paper or take notes on a computer
Power down and unplug your electronics when not in use
Share your own sustainable ideas with others

Campus Partners