Sustainability
Elon University is committed to sustainability and to serving as a positive example through sustainable operations and education. One of the key guiding objectives is to establish a carbon neutral university by 2037. The Office of Sustainability’s mission is to advance sustainability at Elon by helping to streamline and improve university operations and developing and fostering educational programs. The Office, located on the second floor of the Powell Building, works toward this mission by collaborating across the campus and overseeing and coordinating sustainability programs and initiatives. Professional and student staff from the Office are available by appointment to provide outreach services on sustainability to student groups and classes.
Students are encouraged to get involved in Elon’s sustainability efforts and to contribute toward a more sustainable Elon. There are a number of opportunities including, but not limited to, being a part of the sustainability peer education group (Eco-Reps), interning in the Office of Sustainability, taking classes on sustainability topics, participating in a sustainability-related student organization, attending sustainability events and taking personal actions that have a positive impact. To learn more about these opportunities and Elon’s sustainability efforts, visit the Sustainability web site or call 336-278-5201.
Waste Reduction
Waste reduction is very important at Elon! While reducing and reusing materials should come first, it is essential to recycle and compost to reduce materials put in landfills. Recycling provides materials to be made into other products, such as carpet, copy paper, drywall, cardboard and insulation. Composting turns organic materials, such as food waste and compostable disposable products, into a rich soil amendment.
Students are an important part of Elon’s waste reduction efforts and must do their part. There are recycling and composting containers located throughout campus. Recycling containers can be identified by the color blue, either the lid or bin itself. Composting containers have orange lids and bags. For on campus students, each residential building has a designated trash and recycling area. Just like garbage, residents are responsible for transporting their recyclables to these locations. Composting containers are provided in the trash and recycling areas in the Colonnades, Danieley, East, Global, Historic and Oaks Neighborhoods.
Most recyclables go in the same bin: paper (all types), plastics (bottles, containers, jugs, rigid plastic items), glass (all types) and metal (aluminum, steel, tin) cans. Liquid and food contents should be emptied from containers before placing them in the bin. All types of paper, including sticky notes and envelopes with cellophane windows, are OK. Thin plastics, such as plastic bags (e.g., grocery or sandwich), and small plastic items (smaller than 2 inches square, such as silverware) are not accepted.
Cardboard can be recycled on campus by breaking it down flat and putting it next to recycling bins indoors or in the designated containers behind the dining halls.
The following items should be placed in compost bins: all food scraps (e.g., fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grinds, meat, bones, dairy, etc.) and serviceware labeled as compostable (e.g., dining hall to-go containers and many other items provided by Elon Dining Services).
There are also collection bins on campus for recycling household batteries, printer cartridges and small electronics. One location with all of these collection bins is the Moseley Center, near the mail room. See the Waste Reduction web site for additional bin locations and more waste reduction information. If you have any questions or need further assistance to secure a recycling pick-up, please feel free to contact the Physical Plant at 336-278-5500.
Energy
Elon’s Energy Conservation Policy indicates that every member of the campus community (students, faculty and staff) should get involved by taking actions to conserve energy and reduce energy waste. For tips on conserving energy, visit the Green Tips page. Those with ideas on energy conservation or who would like to report energy waste should inform Physical Plant through the FIXit web site or call 336-278-5500 or contact the Office of Sustainability via email (sustainability@elon.edu) or phone (336-278-5201).
Students can view, compare and monitor the electricity consumption of over 65 buildings on campus. To view the consumption of many residence halls, academic buildings and other buildings, go to the Building Dashboard.
Find out more about sustainability and Elon Transportation Services