Salve Regina has pledged to conduct its activities in an ecologically sound, socially just and economically viable manner, and will continue to do so for future generations. The University supports the concepts of sustainability in its curriculum, research and related activities, preparing students, faculty and staff to contribute to an environmentally sound and socially just society.
The University strives to function as a sustainable community, embodying responsible consumption, promoting ecological literacy and environmentally sound practices and supporting these values in the local community.
Campus Environmental Sustainability Program
The campus environmental sustainability program is focused on two goals:
Create an environmentally literate and responsible community
- Integrate social and environmental responsibility into curricular development
- Foster student and faculty research of environmentally sustainable development
- Create and promote an informed network of people committed to the principles of environmental sustainability on campus
Practice environmental stewardship
- Promote water conservation, waste reduction, material reuse and recycle
- Encourage awareness of food consumption and strive towards promoting the ecological, sustainable and socially just production of food
- Engage in energy conservation by promoting the use of renewable energy resources, purchasing Energy Star appliances and practicing energy conservation behaviors
- Practice environmental stewardship of University property
- Promote sustainable modes of campus transportation
- Promote environmentally responsible building standards
Environmental Advisory Group
The Environmental Advisory Group is tasked with creating an environmentally literate and responsible University community and practicing environmental stewardship. The group is comprised of nine faculty and staff members and is chaired by Sister Leona Misto, vice president for mission integration.
St. Francis Pledge
Salve Regina has signed on to be an advocate for the St. Francis Pledge to Care for Creation and the Poor, a nationwide initiative created by the Catholic Coalition on Climate Change. The pledge is a promise and a commitment to protect God's creation and advocate on behalf of people in poverty who face the harshest impacts of global climate change.
The St. Francis Pledge invites individuals, families, parishes, organizations and institutions to:
- Pray and reflect on the duty to care for God's creation and protect the poor and vulnerable.
- Learn about and educate others on the causes and moral dimensions of climate change.
- Assess how we as individuals and in our families, parishes and other affiliations contribute to climate change by our own energy use, consumption, waste, etc.
- Act to change our choices and behaviors to reduce the ways we contribute to climate change.
- Advocate for Catholic principles and priorities in climate change discussions and decisions, especially as they impact those who are poor and vulnerable.
The University will continue to function as a sustainable community, embodying responsible consumption, promoting ecological literacy and environmentally sound practices among its students, faculty, staff and graduates and supporting these values in the local community and beyond.
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