Creating a Sustainable Campus
Sustainability focuses on meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. At Oakton, we recognize how important this mindset is and understand the value of being environmentally and socially responsible.
We are proud to have been named the Silver Winner of the 2019 Midwest Region Sustainability Award by the Institute for Supply Management-Chicago (ISM-Chicago), the Gold Winner of the 2018 Environmental Sustainability Award from the Village of Glenview, and the Illinois Green Economy Network (IGEN) College Leadership and Sustainability Award in 2017.
For you, our efforts mean that you'll get to learn and work in a truly green environment—literally in the case of our Des Plaines campus, which sits among 100 acres of natural areas (see more below). Maybe you'll take science or nursing classes at the energy-efficient Margaret Burke Lee Science and Health Careers Center, certified LEED Gold by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for its use of recycled building materials and renewable energy. Or perhaps you’ll earn general education credits while completing our environmental studies concentration. We encourage you to refill water bottles at our hydration stations, take part in near-zero waste events, charge your electric vehicles, and more.
Our efforts extend to our community as well. Each year, we grow hundreds of pounds of organic produce in the community garden at the Des Plaines campus and donate the harvest to local food pantries and community partners. We hold annual Earth Week and Campus Sustainability Month events where we invite participants to raise their awareness of environmental and social justice issues, take part in ecological restoration on campus, and participate in other conservation efforts. We also understand the importance of our purchasing power, so Oakton prioritizes the purchase of environmentally-sound products and sustainable services, sourced from locally owned and/or disadvantaged businesses, whenever possible.
Sustainability Guidelines
These guidelines were finalized in May of 2016 by the Sustainability Center & Green Committee. They continue to guide us today in our efforts to promote and create a sustainable campus.
"At Oakton College, we understand we are part of a diverse landscape and ecosystem. Sustainable use of resources is important not just for the college's operations, but for the communities to which we are connected. We believe sustainable leadership through action, academic practices and social experiences on campus are integral to helping our students become mindful global citizens. With this understanding, we commit to:
- Providing opportunities for student learning and engagement through sustainability-related course content, curriculum and extra-curricular involvement.
- Making climate action a priority for the college by tracking energy usage and improving efficiency, promoting the use of renewable resources, following green building guidelines and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- As a commuter college, recognizing the impact of transportation costs on our local and global environment and promoting sustainable transportation opportunities for students, employees and visitors.
- Reducing our use of resources, increasing diversion efforts and managing waste in an efficient and sustainable manner.
- Developing and maintaining a sustainable purchasing plan which includes all materials, systems and services secured for campus operations including, but not limited to office materials, food services and recycled products.
- Maintaining, managing and restoring natural areas on our campuses and protecting the wildlife habitats and ecosystem functions therein and serving our community through our gardens."
