Go Green at Roosevelt University #RUEARTHWEEK2015

CHICAGO–(ENEWSPF)–April 21, 2015. It’s easy being green at Roosevelt. This Earth Week, we’re celebrating with 10 examples of the many ways Roosevelt loves the planet (complete with ways you can get involved, too!).

Award-winning green buildings – Roosevelt’s 32-story Wabash Building is more than just a tall blue skyscraper; it’s a leader in sustainable architecture. The vertical campus features 30 percent energy savings over standard Chicago building codes, automated recycling chutes, conversion of 80 percent of food waste and recycled packaging to compost reused in the community garden in the Schaumburg campus, “visual noise” glass to protect migrating birds, on-site rooftop farming and more.
Sustainability Studies bachelor’s degree – The first of its kind in the Chicago area, the Sustainability Studies bachelor’s degree program empowers Roosevelt students to rethink and renew our planet’s limited resources. They graduate ready to tackle the sustainability problems of the 21^st century with scientific solutions. Learn more.
Sustainability Studies blog – The SUST @ RU blog is a go-to resource for getting involved in upcoming sustainability events, helping out with on-campus green initiatives, and staying in the loop with what’s happening in the sustainability program. You can also read essays and commentaries by Roosevelt Sustainability Studies faculty members and students about important environmental topics.
Prairie restoration at the Schaumburg Campus – Roosevelt transformed 10 acres of turf in the heart of urban Schaumburg into a tall grass prairie to support biodiversity and clean water. To help the prairie grasses flourish, students and faculty members conducted a prescribed burn at Spring Valley in April 2015. Sustainability studies senior Melanie Blume shares her experience on the SUST @ RU blog.
Discounted student DIVVY memberships – Roosevelt now partners with DIVVY, Chicago’s bike share system, so students can make affordable, eco-friendly trips around town. Learn how to get a discounted student membership here.
Energy savings at the Auditorium Building – Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel lauded the Auditorium Building in July 2014 for its state-of-the-art heating and cooling systems that are reducing Roosevelt’s energy consumption and costs by nearly half. The visit was part of the city’s Retrofit Chicago initiative, which encourages building owners to reduce energy consumption by 20 percent over the next five years. Read more.
Campus-wide strategic sustainability plan – For the last four years, Roosevelt has implemented many green initiatives that support its mission of social justice. This year, Roosevelt is drafting a campus-wide strategic sustainability plan that will expand its efforts and continue to reduce emissions and protect the environment. Learn more.
Rooftop and community gardens – Sustainability studies major Mary Beth Radeck and May 2014 accounting graduate Kevin Markowski harvested more than 100 pounds of produce at the Wabash rooftop garden and Schaumburg Campus community garden for use in meals prepared in Roosevelt’s dining centers. Radeck also helped develop a long-term sustainability plan for the University, and Markowski managed the installation of a new drip-irrigation system that saves water at the Schaumburg Campus. Read more.
Social communities – The Sustainability Studies Program and Green Campus initiatives have gone social. Follow them on Facebook (Sustainability Studies and Green Campus) and Twitter (Green Campus) to stay in the loop and join the conversation.
Sustainability awards – Industry leaders and national standards organizations have recognized Roosevelt for its sustainability efforts over the past year. Roosevelt is proud to continue working to preserve the planet’s precious resources. Learn more.