Sustainable Living Program

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With more than 3,300 students living on campus, Lehigh recognizes the important role that students play in making Lehigh a model sustainable campus.  Through the Sustainable Living Program, a voluntary, self-guided program coordinated by the Eco-Rep Leadership Program, students in residence halls and Greek houses can take the lead in making their living spaces and daily routines more sustainable.  They can identify opportunities for innovation and implement sustainable change.  By taking action in a variety of topic areas, students can reduce their environmental impact, contribute to Lehigh’s sustainability goals and commitments, and build a campus community for the 21st Century.

                                             

Why should you apply to the Sustainable Living Program?

If you are a Lehigh student who is interested in becoming more sustainable, a student who already takes conscious actions to be sustainable, or a student who wants to show that they a leader within the community, you should apply to the Sustainable Living Program! You will be recognized for your leadership and initiative and have the opportunity to learn simple steps to become even more sustainable.

What does the checklist look like?

You can review the Sustainable Living Program checklists (on-campus, off-campus).

How do I apply?
  • An Eco-Rep will schedule a time to go over your completed Checklist of Actions with you. Until further notice, all certifications will occur virtually. The Eco-Rep will award you the appropriate medallion and prize based on the level of certification you achieve.
  • You can recertify for a higher level of certification within the same academic year, if desired.  You must apply for certification each new academic year since your living situation will change.
What are the certification levels?

Depending on the number of action items you are able to complete, your room will receive bronze, silver, gold or platinum Sustainable Living Certification!

What are the prizes?

Depending on the number of action items you are able to complete, you will receive one of the below prizes.

Quotes from Certified Students

Chris Miller

"I applied to SLP because I thought it was an important step in looking at our own actions and everyday living styles. I think it’s important to be introspective about how we live because we have a finite amount of resources and we need to be conscious about how much of them we are using.” - Chris Miller '21

Elise Thren

“I applied to the SLP because I wanted to see how environmentally conscious I was being in my own living space and since I’ve completed the checklist I’ve been more likely to use less energy and waste less. The checklist is pretty extensive so I’ve learned other ways to be sustainable.” - Elise Thren '21

Jane Le

“I applied because I’ve always been interested in the environmental sciences and sustainability and every little person makes a difference. If I started to do this, I can make an impression on my roommate and we can both be sustainability and maybe other people in our dorm would and then it could snowball into all of Lehigh doing this and could be a huge impact.” - Jane Le '20

 

CONTACT US

Please contact inecorep@lehigh.edu if you have any questions about the program.