Sustainable Living
Sustainability is core to the mission of St. Thomas to advance the common good; we infuse it into all we do. From academic programs to sustainable living on campus, we are all working together to achieve our goal of carbon neutrality by 2035.
Frey Hall, one of our new residence halls that opened in 2020, received a LEED® Platinum certification for green building design, only the seventh building in the world to achieve this rating.
Our Commitment to Sustainability Practices in the Residence Halls
- Guide to Sustainability Living created in partnership with the Office of Sustainable Initiatives.
- Recycling program that includes recycling bins provided in each residence hall room and apartment.
- Composting program with bins provided in each resident hall room and apartment. Check out this FAQ guide learn more about composting on campus.
- Purchasing of Energy STAR appliances including stoves, microwaves, washers, and dryers.
- Community print stations and offices that use 100% tree free, carbon neutral, multipurpose paper made from sugarcane waste fiber.
Opportunities for Residents to Practice Sustainability
- Purchase and Use:
- Desk lamps with LED lights or CFLs
- Energy STAR rated mini-refrigerators
- Energy STAR rated personal fan
- Biodegradable laundry powder
- "Oxy" bleach alternatives
- Non-synthetic, petroleum-free laundry baskets and bags
- Eco-friendly clothes hangers
- Rechargeable batteries
- Water filter pitcher
- Reusable non-plastic water bottles
- Smart strips energy strips
- Turn off lights and electronics when not in use
- Do not let the water run while doing dishes or brushing your teeth
- Dispose of potential hazardous waste items appropriately (ink cartridges, batteries, CFL lightbulbs, etc.)