Elon University has been included in the National Wildlife Federation’s Campus Ecology 2010 campus sustainability case studies, the only database of its kind in the United States to highlight campus climate and sustainability efforts ranging from recycling and energy efficiency to alternative transportation systems and green jobs training programs.
Elon is featured for its Eco-Reps sustainability peer education programs. Through sustainable living lessons, student Eco-Reps educate their peers about environmental issues such as population growth, energy consumption and waste generation. Eco-Reps also work with Residence Life and Greek Life staff to provide programs and activities.
In the first year of the program, the Eco-Reps made 22 presentations to first-year classes, reaching more than 300 students. In addition, a number of sustainability-related programs and activities were held in residential areas.
Published each year since 1989, the federation’s Campus Ecology sustainability case study database is the only resource of its kind in the United States. The case study database is searchable by topic, year, state, and school, and can be found at campusecology.org.
Case studies include information on campuses’ project goals, successes and challenges, funding strategies, and contact information for the project leader and the campus. The database features more than 500 college and university campuses.
“The Campus Ecology online case study database is a great resource for learning about successful programs at institutions across the country,” said Elaine Durr, Elon’s sustainability coordinator.
The National Wildlife Federation’s Campus Ecology program currently works with several hundred campuses nationwide on projects that confront global warming and protect and restore wildlife and habitat. Campus Ecology provides support through online resources, webinars, its Chill Out national competition and awards program, regional climate summits, campus-based fellowships and internships for graduates.