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Sustainability

We lead the way to reduce our environmental impact at Illinois State.

What is Sustainability?

Sustainability is a practice in which we consider the implications of our individual and collective actions; the interconnectivity among people and ecosystems coexisting within communities and across the globe; and a vision for an equitable and thriving planet for generations to come.

At Illinois State, putting sustainability into practice means:

  • fostering a culture of sustainability through leadership, commitments, engagement, and traditions
  • finding solutions through diverse, interdisciplinary collaboration, teaching, research, and innovation
  • integrating accessible environmental stewardship into campus operations
View the Illinois State University Sustainability Strategic Plan

Explore Sustainability at Illinois State

There are a lot of people working hard to make our campus green. Learn about our initiatives and how you can participate.

  • Recycling

    We're reducing waste by recycling, composting, and reusing.

  • Shop

    Shop sustainability with one of our reusable, environmentally-friendly made products.

  • Food and Events

    Sustainability has a strong presence in our dining centers and at campus events.


See all sustainability initiatives

Play an Active Role

From joining a group to changing behavior, there are lots of ways you can make sustainability part of your daily routine.


View all engagement opportunities

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Fully Committed

We don't just talk about sustainability at Illinois State. We make it part of our lives and the campus culture.

See how we're ensuring a stable future

University Sustainability Designations

  • Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System. STARS a program of AASHE. Bronze logo.

  • Tree Campus Higher Education Logo. An Arbor Day Foundation Program.

  • United States Green Building Council Logo.

Campus Green Map

Find sustainability resources across campus.

View the map

Sustainability News

drop of water into a pool of water
Faculty from across campus who share an interest in water-related scholarship and creative activities gather on the first Wednesday of every month for informal sharing and conversations around the common theme of water. 
A rental bike sits in a bike rack.

Support Sustainability

Donations made to the Office of Sustainability supports and advances environmental stewardship and
sustainability programs across our campus.

Giving to Sustainability