Institute of Environmental Sustainability. Photo from Loyola University Chicago.
Loyola University opened the doors of its Institute of Environmental Sustainability Sept. 23 at a tour for students neighbors interested in exploring the facility and its programs.
Aaron Durnbaugh, Loyola’s director of sustainability,gave the hour-long tour presenting the building, academics and Loyola’s mission regarding environmental issues.
The tour began with a brief discussion about the building itself. Designed by Solomn Cordwell Buenz, this “hybrid” facility on Kenmore Avenue combines an old residence structure, previously owned by the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, with a newer eco-friendly extension. This extension features the San Francisco Residence Hall, classrooms, an organic cafeteria and a greenhouse.
Most materials and furniture used for this building come from recycled elements like chairs, floors, and ceilings. With environmental sustainability being a key concern, the facility has its own natural ventilation system, rainwater collection system used in farming and geothermal wells. It also produces biodiesel fuel used in all Loyola’s shuttles. The IES also grows its own produce which is sold at weekly farmer’s markets and donated to local food banks.
From the academic perspective, the IES offers an array of majors such as a B.A in Environmental Studies and B.S in Conservation and Restoration.
Tour attendee Francis Wang expressed interest in sustainable agriculture and said he also came to learn about the many other majors offered at Loyola.
Others, like neighborhood resident Jody Brott, came to the tour “curious” about the green house near her home.
“I’m quite mesmerized by its appearance,” Brott said, noting that she never thought environmentally efficient buildings could be so pretty.
Durnbaugh concluded the tour by stressing Loyola’s mission to cultivate individuals and a community that serves the environment. Loyola shall drives humanity towards addressing environmental issues. The IES is to be a bold step to realize this vision.
