Greenville University Honored for Achievements in Sustainability

GREENVILLE, IL – Greenville University (G.U.) was among 27 organizations to receive the Illinois Sustainability Award for 2018. The announcement came Tuesday, October 23, at the Union League Club in Chicago. G.U.'s Director of Facilities Mark Owens received the award.

Winners were cited for significant achievements in protecting the environment, helping sustain the future, and improving the economy. The Illinois Sustainable Technology Center (ISTC) administers the award program.

Turn on the (Energy-Efficient) Lights and Invest Savings
Greenville University’s submission, “The Revolving Green Action Project,” documented a two-phase process:

One: Reduce energy consumption by replacing lighting in H.J. Long Gymnasium and the Crum Recreation Center with energy efficient LED lighting. The replacement translated into $10,619 annual savings.

Two: Reinvest the $10,619 savings into future green projects.

The award places Greenville University in an elite group of leaders committed to reducing environmental impact.

Model Program Can Be Replicated
“Every year, a group of champions represents the highest models of sustainable commerce, resource use, and governance—the winners of the Illinois Sustainability Awards,” said the ISTC in a press release. The G.U. model of saving and reinvestment can be replicated in other industries. Investing in an energy efficient infrastructure is part of G.U.’s five-year strategic plan.

Greenville University is an accredited Christian liberal arts university with more than 1,200 traditional undergraduate, graduate, and adult degree completion students. Founded in 1892 and affiliated with the Free Methodist Church, the University is located in Greenville, IL, 45 miles east of St. Louis, MO. For more information, visit www.greenville.edu.

Featured

  • Wold Completes Geothermal Projects at Two Minnesota Schools

    Wold Architects & Engineers recently announced that it has completed two geothermal expansion projects for Mounds View Public Schools in Shoreview, Minn., according to a news release. The work at Highview Middle School and Irondale High School serves the district’s long-term goal of reducing energy costs and dependency on non-renewable fuel sources, as well as improving building performance.

  • Designing the Bridge Between Inclusivity and Independence in K–12 Schools

    Fostering independence is fundamental to learning and development for K–12 students. It offers many proven benefits, such as enhanced confidence, problem-solving, decision-making, and social skills. However, this foundational objective loses its impact if it’s not accessible and adaptable to all students. Inclusivity plays a critical role in cultivating independence and healthy autonomy for students, fostering positive student learning outcomes by uniting pedagogy with the physical learning environment.

  • University of Rochester to Break Ground on New Student Life Center

    The University of Rochester in Rochester, N.Y., recently began construction on a new Student Life building, according to a news release. The first floor will contain campus-wide gathering, program, and rehearsal space; the second floor will play home to the Greenbaum Center for Jewish Life.

  • Washington State District Breaks Ground on New Elementary School

    Cheney School District No. 360 in Spokane County, Wash., recently announced that construction has begun on a new elementary school, according to local news. The district held a groundbreaking ceremony on May 18 in Airway Heights for the yet-to-be-named school, which is scheduled to open in fall 2027.