University of Dayton
IN-24: Innovation A

The University of Dayton owns over 400 individual houses adjacent to the main footprint of campus for student residences. This "student neighborhood" is part of the unique character of the University community, and is often cited by incoming students as an important component for choosing to attend UD. The neighborhood offers a unique learning opportunity for bringing habits of simple and sustainable living to UD for many students. To reach this audience and introduce new living habits to these students, student leaders developed the Green Neighborhood Initiative. The Green Neighborhood Initiative engages University of Dayton students to use intentional thought to develop a more holistic understanding of the common good as it pertains to lifestyle choices. The program aligns itself with ongoing efforts to create awareness in the local community on sustainability and human rights affairs. A student team of educators meets with individual houses for reflective conversations on environmental and social justice issues and adopting new behaviors that address these issues, ranging from reducing energy and water use, to food choices, and reducing waste. To date, over 150 students (represented by 40 houses) have participated in the Green Neighborhood Initiative. As a result of these conversations, students report increased awareness of recycling and composting efforts on campus, changes in their buying choices, increased awareness of the depth of local Dayton region food insecurity and Superfund sites, and describe actionable steps they expect to take to address these challenges.