# University Green Sustainability: Dayton’s Eco-Friendly Commitment

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/10/university-green-sustainability-daytons-eco-friendly-commitment/
- Published: 2011-10-05T15:56:10-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

## University of Dayton: Green for Sustainability 

The University of Dayton has gone green for sustainability. They have also received
a STARS bronze rating in recognition of its sustainability achievements from the
Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE).

[STARS](https://stars.aashe.org/), the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating
System, measures and encourages sustainability in all aspects of higher education.

## University of Dayton: Pioneering Green Building for a Sustainable Future

### A Bronze Star for Sustainability

So the [University of Dayton](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/08/university-of-dayton-launching-sustainability-bachelors-degrees/)
has earned a prestigious STARS bronze rating. Consequently, this recognition from
the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE)
highlights the institution’s commitment to eco-friendly practices. In addition, 
the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) meticulously evaluates
sustainability across various aspects of higher education.

![A Glimpse into the Green Future of Higher Education The image captures the essence
of a forward-thinking, environmentally conscious university campus. At its heart
stands a modern academic building, its sleek design complemented by an array of 
solar panels adorning the roof. These panels gleam in the warm sunlight, symbolizing
the institution's commitment to renewable energy. Students traverse winding paths
through lush green spaces, showcasing the campus's dedication to biodiversity and
natural landscaping. Native plants dot the landscape, reducing water consumption
and providing a habitat for local wildlife. In the distance, wind turbines spin 
lazily on a hillside, further emphasizing the university's multi-faceted approach
to sustainable energy production. Their presence serves as a constant reminder of
the institution's role in combating climate change. The building's large, energy-
efficient windows reflect the surrounding greenery, blurring the lines between indoor
and outdoor spaces. These windows not only reduce energy consumption but also create
a more pleasant learning environment for students and faculty alike. Smart building
controls and LED lighting fixtures are subtly integrated into the architecture, 
representing the cutting-edge technology employed to maximize energy savings. These
features, though not immediately apparent, play a crucial role in the campus's impressive
reduction in energy costs. The overall atmosphere exudes a sense of innovation and
progress. It's a visual representation of how academic institutions can lead the
way in environmental stewardship, combining educational excellence with sustainable
practices. This image embodies the spirit of universities like Dayton, which are
paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future in higher education. The University
of Dayton has received a STARS bronze rating in recognition of its sustainability
achievements from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher
Education (AASHE). STARS, the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System,
measures and encourages sustainability in all aspects of higher education. Within
the past year, the University has provided report cards to students in the University’s
neighborhoods in an effort to give them a picture of their energy use. A student
survey at the end of the 2010-11 school year found nearly half said the report cards
made them more aware of their energy usage and changed the way they used energy.
Eighty-five percent of the 469 monitored student residences received an average 
or above-average score, and by the end of the year, the University estimated a savings
of $20,000 on gas and electric.](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/
uploads/2024/10/IMG_6062.png?resize=400%2C400&ssl=1 "University of Dayton")

### Empowering Students to Save Energy

For in a groundbreaking initiative, the University introduced energy report cards
for students. As a result, nearly half of the surveyed students reported increased
awareness and modified energy usage habits. Moreover, this program led to an impressive
$20,000 savings on gas and electric bills within a year.

#### Waste Reduction: A Massive Success

Most notably, the University’s waste management efforts have yielded remarkable 
results. Notably, two new programs diverted almost 650 tons of recyclable and compost
material from landfills. This achievement significantly reduces the institution’s
environmental footprint.

#### Human Resources: A Green Approach

As well, STARS commended the University for its sustainability-focused human resources
policies. These include employee wellness programs and socially responsible investment
options for retirement. Furthermore, the institution’s engagement with city government
and other universities on sustainability initiatives received positive marks.

### Community Engagement: Students Leading the Charge

Student involvement in sustainability-related community service has been exemplary.
Consequently, this active participation fosters a culture of environmental responsibility
beyond the campus boundaries.

#### Impressive Energy Savings

Two years prior, the University implemented a series of energy-saving measures. 
These included upgrading lighting systems, optimizing heating and cooling systems,
and strategic building closures during summer. As a result, the University achieved
a staggering $612,329 in savings.

Finally, the University of Dayton’s green building initiatives serve as a beacon
for other institutions. By prioritizing sustainability, they’re not only reducing
costs but also shaping a more environmentally-conscious generation of students.

### Sources:

[1. Source 1: EPA – Green Building](https://www.epa.gov/greenbuilding)
[2. Source 2: U.S. Green Building Council](https://www.usgbc.org/)
3. Source 3: Energy.gov – Energy Efficiency in Buildings

[a) ](https://greenlivingguy.com/category/energy-efficiency/)[Green Living Guy – Energy Efficiency](https://greenlivingguy.com/category/energy-efficiency/)

[b) Green Living Guy – Green Tech News](https://greenlivingguy.com/category/green-tech-news/)
[c) Green Living Guy – Going Green for Businesses](https://greenlivingguy.com/category/going-green-for-businesses/)

**_[Source: University of Dayton](https://web.archive.org/web/20180303041223/https://www.udayton.edu/news/articles/2011/09/stars_bronze_rating_aashe.php)_**