Sustainability

University Housing Sustainability Efforts

• Sustainability is integrated into training across the department including UHFM staff, Community Directors, Assistant Community Directors, Resident Assistants, and Desk Managers.

• RAs facilitate programs in every Housing community in specific areas including Wellness, Interpersonal and Intrapersonal Competence, Civility, Social Justice, Community Service, Civic Engagement

• University Housing utilizes technology to avoid using paper when possible:

• Students are encouraged to use the online Housing application to sign up for housing
• The check-in and check-out process is paperless and completed by staff online, reducing the use of more than 6,600 pieces of paper each year
• UHFM utilizes palm pilots to handle work orders instead of paper work orders, thus reducing the use of more than 32,000 pieces of paper a year

• Evergreen Hall, which opened in fall 2007, was designed and constructed with sustainability in mind. Some specifics include:

• The majority of the products for the building were manufactured within 500 miles of SIUE. All of the structure (block walls, exterior brick, concrete and flooring system) was manufactured within 5 miles of SIUE.
• The residence hall is located on a public transportation route
• Native grasses and flowers were planted to reduce mowing and assist with water run off

• Students Improving Society (SIS): This living learning program is designed for students who want to make a difference by experimenting with “green lifestyles” and group initiatives to promote sustainability at SIUE. SIS is first and foremost about education; residents learn valuable lessons in sustainability through everyday activities and shared experiences. More information about SIS is available here.

• UHFM offers community service opportunities for students that violate Housing policies

• University Housing programs and events often raise thousands of dollars throughout a year for local charitable organizations

• UHFM purchases products and services from local industries and socially responsible vendors when possible

Achievements

• The American College Personnel Association (ACPA) awarded University Housing the 2009 Excellence in Sustainability in Housing and Residential Life Award. This award is presented to an individual, department, or institution that demonstrates outstanding contributions toward sustainability on campus and/or to the housing profession.