USF gets state grant to ‘green campus’
The University of St. Francis has received a $47,000 Opportunity Returns Grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity's Recycling Grants Program. Funds will be used for "greening" of campus recycling activities and related educational efforts.
"This grant will move the USF community forward in enhancing awareness of the environment by reducing waste, beautifying the campus," said University of St. Francis President Michael Vinciguerra. "This is an initiative embedded in our Franciscan values of respect for the environment and stewardship for resources."
The university’s Greening of Campus Committee—made up of employees and students—worked throughout the year to explore ways in which the university community can participate in greening activities, according to Salim Diab, professor of chemistry and chair of the committee.
The new "green campus recycling program is part of the university’s "holistic approach to penetrating every aspect of the university community from buildings and grounds, food services, residence life, academic curricula, university ministry and community service," said Diab.
As part of its strategic and campus master plans, the University of St. Francis and its Greening of Campus Committee seek to position the university as a model for the community by implementing activities and educational programming that will be lived by university students and employees and set an example of the benefits of environmental awareness to the greater community, according to Diab. Plans include a comprehensive recycling program on campus, educational programming and services regarding environmental awareness for the community and partnerships with area organizations.
USF is expanding its recycling program to divert recyclable materials from Illinois landfills, noted Diab, adding that some 56 percent of the university’s municipal solid waste can potentially be recycled. The recycling program will collect fiber, metal, glass and plastic. In 2004, USF produced some 663 tons of municipal solid waste, which the grant funds will help the university reduce significantly, according to Diab.
Plans made possible by the grant include recycling programs for cell phones, CDs and other items, spearheaded by the student Council for the Environment club. The university is also committed to donating equipment and furniture it no longer uses to other organizations. Computers are donated to the Assistive Technology Exchange Network in Tinley Park where they are refurbished and donated to schools throughout Illinois to be used by children with disabilities.
USF has also joined the Clean Air Counts (CAC) group to assess ways to reduce emissions and conserve energy in areas related to transportation, energy and operations.
Energy efficient mechanical systems will be used in campus buildings that are renovated.
"The grant makes possible a wonderful opportunity that will span generations—school children, college students, area residents, university employees and alumni, neighbors—in creating awareness and respect for the environment as well as an understanding of the need and responsibility for stewardship of resources," noted Diab.
The university’s environmental awareness efforts were also recently noted by the State of Illinois Earth Flag Program, the Will County Land Use Department, Waste Services Division, recognized the students, faculty, administration and staff of the University of St. Francis for a second year of achievements in waste reduction, recycling and environmental education. USF is recognized as a model school in environmental practices within the Will County community.
Additionally, USF is teaching environmental education to students through the "Greening of Campus" philosophy headed by Diab. Students, staff, faculty, administrators and the community will take part in various activities.
The University of St. Francis, at 500 Wilcox St. in Joliet, serves some 4,300 students nationwide with more than 60 areas of undergraduate study and 11 graduate programs. For more information about University of St. Francis programs, visit www.stfrancis.edu.