Northwest recognizes its responsibility to educate students to understand the interdependencies between environmental, social, and economic forces. The University will economize without compromising its ability to change and adapt to future challenges. As a leader in the community, region, and nation, we are obligated to operate in an economically, socially, and environmentally responsible way, taking every opportunity to innovate and educate.
The EPA defines Sustainability as the satisfaction of basic economic, social, and security needs now and in the future without undermining the natural resource base and environmental quality on which life depends.
Established in 2011 to support Northwest’s sustainability efforts, from Energy Conservation and Alternative Fuels to Recycling and Waste Management. As part of Northwest Facility Services, we work to encourage and facilitate sustainability programs initiated by students, faculty, and staff; while assisting in the acquisition of the resources required for supplementing, expanding, or replacing existing programs.
Northwest participates in the annual Campus Race to Zero Waste, a competition that encourages colleges and universities to advance campus recycling and waste reduction efforts. During the eight-week challenge, campuses report data on recycling, food waste diverted from the landfill, and trash hauled to the landfill.
As the academic year comes to an end and students move away for the summer, Northwest and the Maryville community partner to encourage students to "think green" during the annual Big Green Move Out before trashing belongings.
A Northwest decision to restructure the way it collects recyclable materials is helping the University educate local residents about its recycling efforts while gaining efficiencies within its sustainability operations.
What's your carbon footprint? Use this interactive calculator to find out - and take action.
