Sustainability in the Residence Halls

Northwestern is committed to promoting sustainability in the residence halls (you can read Northwestern University's Commitment to Environmental Sustainability).  There are several options for students to live green at NU.

Recycling

Students are encouraged to recycle everything that can be recycled.  Facilities Management has provided a list of items that can be recycled. For students living on campus, each residence hall has at least one recycling station.  You can see a list of all residence hall recycling station locations. University Services recycles electronic equipment (computers, cell phones, printers, etc.).  For a list of locations and requirements, please visit the Student eCycling website.

Green Cup

Every winter quarter several departments and student groups collaborate on Green Cup, a six-week competition to see which residence hall can conserve the most energy and water.  There are typically speakers, concerts, fire sides, and other such events in conjunction with the competition. Visit Green Cup's website for more details.

Eating Green @ NU

All students living in undergraduate housing are required to have a meal plan. We are fortunate that nuCuisine has made sustainability a priority. Award-winning vegetarian and vegan options, natural napkins, and tray-free dining are just some of the existing initiatives found in the dining halls, and more are introduced regularly as nuCuisine continues to build a more sustainable program. Visit nuCuisine's website to learn more about their sustainable practices.

Facilities Concerns

If you encounter a window that won't close, a leaky faucet, or other concern affecting energy usage, contact your CA.  Your CA will notify the appropriate staff member so that the issue can be fixed.

Green House

Green House is one of the many housing options for students living on campus.  Green Housing is the Group Residence for Environmental Engagement at Northwestern. Students living in Green House are among the co-planners of Green Cup.  You can learn more about Green House and its amenities.

Hall Governments

Many of the hall governments have an executive board position dedicated to sustainability.  Contact your hall government to see what programs or activities your specific hall government is planning.

Campus-wide Efforts

Visit Northwestern Sustainability for more information on campus-wide initiatives on sustainability, from academic courses to student groups and services trips.