Lewis University
AC-8: Campus as a Living Laboratory

This past year we have an operational 1.2 Megawatt solar array that will provide students with opportunities to conduct research and learn the operations of the system. Lewis University is provided a live dashboard that will provide students with an immersed experience as we continue to expand our renewable technologies on campus.

We have nature trails, bioswales, a prairie plot and a apiary which are incorporated into research.

Through our peace studies courses and sustainability club that has been many projects that have involved the public. Through our community garden project in Fairmont to cleaning up our local communities. By conducting these projects it has helped to increase food security in our neighborhoods and helped beautify these areas. Students getting involved in advocacy around sustainability issues and how getting involved in local issues can be impactful.

In Fall,  will be starting an indoor herb/vegetable garden to donate to local groups. We hosted our 2nd Log Splitting Event which uses dead trees from campus and converts into logs used to heat homes in the underserved community of Hopkins Park. 

Environmental Science students conduct tree assessments throughout campus doing calculations to figure out the benefits of trees. They use a carbon calculator to configure emission reductions. Currently, students are measuring the polution from Route 53 and the effects on campus.

Within our science building we have an interactive dashboard where students are able to see how our lighting system is performing. Additionally, within this building we utilize a daylight harvesting system that dims or turns off lights when appropriate. Lastly, we have a green roof on the science building that provides students with an additional learning experience.

Many of our buildings on campus are LEED certified and through various incentive programs we are able to reduce our overall consumption. There have been energy audit projects that have involved student workers collecting data pertaining to energy efficiency in buildings.

Yes, we host events and activities in relation to our dining facilities. We host weigh the waste events that help to educate students/faculty about proper disposal. We employ Sodexo Food Service who instituted a comprehensive food compositing program. Sodexo uses all recyclable utensils and plates. They do not use plastics or Styrofoam containers. Our students process used cooking oil to make biodiesel fuel. Sodexo has partnered with Kiwibots. By using this service, student receive their food delivery with zero carbon emissions.

Through conservation biology courses they have been expanding the prairie plot and creating bioswales around campus to reduce runoff. We host a yearly tree planting event. Our students produce biodiesel fuel used to power smaller grounds equipment. We have a greenhouse where we cultivate plants/flowers from seeds.

Our purchasing department eliminated personal office printers. Our campus multifunction devices. One device per building. Purchasing encourages the purchase of recycled supplies. They also maintain an office supply 

Currently, students are looking into a biodiesel project that would involve the production of biodiesel on campus that would be utilized on campus. They collected data based on the fleet we have on campus as well as our food scrap program to fuel the project.

We are also installing 6 more charging stations and slowly purchasing EVs. 

Yes, students participate in weigh the waste events through the semester in which they utilize that data to understand consumer behavior in regards to food waste.

We hosted a Campus Race to Zero Waste contest promoting recycling and providing information to residents.

We collect personal products, candy wrappers, used markers, plastic bags and distribute statics regarding waste diverted from landfills.

Through the Facilities department under the direction of the Manager of Sustainability water usage data is collected and managed to understand how we can reduce on campus. Our Manager of Sustainability works on our water reduction strategies by monitoring trends, installing sub-metering on units where needed and ensuring the services provided are most cost-effective for the university. We also use grass mixes that require less water. 

Yes, currently we are working on a plastic bag collection. This involves a lot of coordination among other students, faculty and external organizations to plan out in terms of sorting, collecting, logistics and fundraising. Sustainability Club students have collected over 400 lbs and raised funds to obtain a recycled picnic table. This table symbolizes the efforts and demonstrates a way to re-purpose. Through the Student Sustainability Club during the semester there is a lot of coordination among student organizations to plan events involved in increasing the opportunities for advancing sustainability on campus - herb planing, upcycling events, documentaries, reusable bag decorating.

There has been recent capstone projects that involve census data and research local communities in regards to accessibility, affording and inclusion. Understanding building data and zoning codes to understand the overall impact on our local communities.

Currently, we have a sustainability fund in plans that acts as a funding mechanism for high impact sustainability projects on campus. Students submit their proposals and administration initially vets the project to determine feasibility. Afterwards, finance and investment strategies are conducted.

The occupational therapy department has conducted research to analysis people's working environment and how their work surface can impact their productivity.