How is Drury going green?

Questions about Drury's commitment to sustainability often arise. Below are answers to a few of the more commonly asked questions.

What spurred the University's mission in sustainability?

In 2005, Drury University started a campus wide effort with the Sustainability Convocation theme year to become a much greener University, and has succeeded with flying colors. Throughout the 2005-2006 theme year, the university was visited by various environmentalist speakers, groups and initiatives covering sustainability of not only the environment, but also of history and buildings, to encourage students to think of how they could help make the world a greener place

During the year, many initiatives were founded in order to begin to move the University towards a greener state. It began with a campus-wide revamp of the recycling program, several community service projects and many students adopting 10 Simple Ways to Support Sustainability on Campus, an effort to encourage simple ways to be more green.

Where can I see evidence of sustainability at Drury?

On campus, the green movement can be seen in the new Recycling Center at Tindle Mills, the alternate bamboo flooring and energy-efficient features in the Trustee Science Center, and the newly renovated Stone Chapel. More information on these projects can be found in the Green Campus Photo Tour.

How can students get involved?

The Think Green! Student Organization is focused on bringing more sustainability to campus through different events and initiatives such as the recent recycling competition that took place in the residence halls on campus. They also assist in providing recycling for events and dinners held at Drury, as well as awareness and activism events throughout the year.

Also, in the fall of 2007, Sigma Pi, one of Drury's four fraternities, opted to replace their old Christmas decorations with sustainable LED Christmas lights with the support of various on-campus groups.

What academic endeavors are available?

Students are also able to enter into the Environmental Studies program, which consists of a selection of either the Environmental Studies, Environmental Sciences, or the Environmental Health and Preservation major.

I keep hearing about large projects that are rooted in sustainability. What are they?

The President's Council of Sustainability creates a monthly newsletter highlighting sustainability efforts on campus as well as directing a general goal for the University to achieve in relation to its sustainability.

A sustainable geo-thermal air conditioning system has been installed in Stone Chapel, Drury's iconic structure. This allows air conditioning and heating through more sustainable methods than traditional ways of heating and cooling.

And in the 2007-2008 academic year, students, staff, and faculty alike helped complete the Sustainable Habitat for Humanity House. The house is designed by Drury University architecture students to be energy efficient, has passive systems and a very low impact on the environment. Though green building materials usually cost more, the University and the community raised enough money to make the house still affordable for a low-income family to own.