Carbon Footprint

Environmental Impact Report

In its first inventory of greenhouse gas emissions, the College found that it stacks up well against its peers in the Midwest.

Bicycle Program

Get a Free Bike

The College provides bikes, helmets and locks to students, faculty and staff who pledge not to bring a car to campus.

Meet the Greenjays

Environmentally Friendly

The Greenjays educate the campus about ways to conserve energy and promote sustainability.

Living Green at the College

Elmhurst College is developing a campus culture that supports, enhances and promotes sustainability.  It aims to raise consciousness of green practices among students, faculty and staff.  Elmhurst College has a far-reaching Sustainability Plan, unique initiatives in its buildings and grounds operations and opportunities for its students to contribute their time and energy to “living green at the College.”

Sustainability is hardly a new idea at Elmhurst. From its start in 1966, the Elmhurst Arboretum has grown and flourished so that today, the campus boasts nearly 700 species of trees and shrubs, including many exotic and rare specimens. The Prairie Garden on the western edge of campus includes 75 species of native plant life that flourish in a recently planted prairie restoration. And Elmhurst’s newest residence hall, West Hall, is also its most ecologically innovative building, with 42 rooftop solar panels; energy-saving, motion-sensitive lighting; and a network of cisterns to capture and store rainwater.

The College executes its Sustainability Plan through a committee with student, faculty and staff participation.  The Elmhurst College Sustainability Committee has led campus efforts to improve awareness, identify and obtain implementation of new policies and practices, and gain recognition of the College’s efforts. During the summer of 2011, Elmhurst College joined the Illinois Campus Sustainability Compact and has been active in local and regional committees and programs; chief among them are cooperative recycling programs with the City of Elmhurst.

One of Elmhurst's most innovative initiatives is the bicycle program—one of the few such programs in the nation. The College gives free bicycles to new students and faculty members if they agree to give up parking privileges on campus. Bicycle use reduces energy use and eases traffic and congestion on campus. During the winter months, participants can receive temporary permits while their bikes are in storage.

The students at the College are leaders in the College’s sustainability program.  The Greenjays have been active since 2009 and lead efforts at education and promotion of sustainability. The Living Green Team, started in 2011, educates students about composting and recycling programs in the College cafeteria and the Bluejays' Roost; its role is expanding to include recycling efforts in the residence halls. Each year, The Green Cup is awarded to the residence hall occupants who show the greatest reduction in water and electricity usage and waste during the school year. The resident students in Dinkmeyer Hall are defending their award for 2010-2011.

Join the effort to “live green at the College.” If you have ideas to help the program, please contact the Sustainability Committee. You already are on our web site, please browse through it.