Elon University’s newest roadmap for driving meaningful gains toward a more sustainable campus includes goals tied to academics, dining, transportation, waste reduction and more.
Elon University’s pursuit of carbon neutrality by 2037 took another leap forward this spring with the publication of its Sustainability Master Plan (SMP) 2025, which reflects the institution’s long-standing commitment to sustainability.
The new plan follows on the success of the university’s previous Sustainability Master Plans in 2007 and 2015 and builds upon initiatives outlined in the Boldly Elon strategic plan. It aims to reduce carbon emissions and enhance involvement in sustainability efforts.
The eight goals outlined in the plan each include at least one strategy that will guide Elon’s sustainability efforts for the next ten years.
- Academics: Equip more students (undergraduate, graduate and professional) with knowledge and skills to address global sustainability challenges in collaboration with faculty.
- Dining: Integrate sustainability initiatives into Elon Dining operations to foster a campus culture that promotes behavior shift toward effective and measurable outcomes.
- Engagement: Increase awareness of and engagement in sustainability programming throughout the Elon University community and enhance external communications of sustainability initiatives.
- Facilities: Continue to develop sustainable facilities and incorporate efficient operating practices into new and existing facilities to model an environmentally conscious campus.
- Purchasing: Strengthen sustainable procurement systems to support a sustainable economy, reduce emissions and reduce waste generation.
- Technology: Integrate technology-driven sustainability practices into university operations to drive cultural and behavioral changes and minimize environmental impact at Elon.
- Transportation: Advance the use of sustainable transportation systems and options to reduce the carbon impact of Elon students, faculty and staff.
- Waste: Advance and support sustainable materials management systems by promoting more conscious campus purchasing and increasing recovery operations to move toward a zero-waste campus.
Implementation teams consisting of faculty and staff have been formed to ensure successful implementation of the plan. A public website will display progress on the plan’s goals and strategies, and highlights will be communicated to the campus community and external stakeholders.
“The goals and strategies of this new Sustainability Master Plan will enable Elon to become a more sustainable campus and help prepare students to be the informed leaders our world needs for a sustainable future,” said Janet Williams, vice president for finance and administration and chief financial officer.
The plan was developed over 18 months and was a collaborative effort involving more than 300 students, faculty and staff participating in listening sessions, working groups and other feedback opportunities.
“We are grateful to everyone who contributed their time, expertise and insight throughout the plan development process,” said Elaine Durr, senior director of sustainability. “This plan is stronger because of their participation.”
For more details on the plan, visit www.elon.edu/sustainability/smp2025.