Sustainability in Action
Caring for God's creation as a matter of faith
Calvin University strives to foster sustainable flourishing for all people and the whole creation.
As a Christian liberal arts university, we view our environmental sustainability work as a joyful response to God’s love for the world and God’s invitation to participate in the renewal of all things. We integrate sustainability principles and practices throughout our academic programs, student experience, campus operations, and community partnerships. We seek to model best practices and careful thinking, equipping students to help build, by God’s grace, a more just, equitable, sustainable, and ecologically healthy world for current and future generations.
Learn about our university commitments and history of sustainability at Calvin
Immerse Yourself in Community, On and Off Campus
Get Involved
Calvin is full of opportunities to learn about God’s creation, delight in the natural world, and contribute to a flourishing community.
Research
Calvin Energy Recovery Fund (CERF)
Reduce energy consumption on campus, monitor financial savings, and reinvest the savings into other projects.
First Year Research in Earth Science (FYRES)
Develop your own scientific questions and take data on the shore of Lake Michigan.
Plaster Creek Stewards
Join this initiative working to restore the health and beauty of the Plaster Creek Watershed.
Bunker Interpretive Center
Learn about the flora and fauna of the Great Lakes region.
Clean Water Institute (CWI)
Transform the world by improving the availability of clean water around the globe.
Volunteer
KE Community Garden
Hampshire Street Community Garden
Learn how to take care of the crops, harvest plants, and provide some of the produce in the dining halls.
Service-Learning Center
Serve in the community throughout the year, starting with Streetfest during new student orientation.
Student Life
Sustainability, Outdoor Adventure, and Recreation (SOAR) Floor
Make your home in a living-learning community in the residence halls.
Residence life
Residence hall leaders educate about creation care and plan an epic campus-wide energy contest called Kill-a-Watt.
Student organizations
Join or start a student org and advocate for sustainability initiatives on campus and in the world.
Chapel services
Themes of stewardship, justice, and community—pillars of sustainability—are woven into chapel throughout the week.
Sustainable dining
Participate in Calvin's sustainable dining efforts and opportunities.
Academic Programs
Sustainability Designation
Students in any major can earn the interdisciplinary designation to show prospective employers you are interested in sustainability issues.
Environmental Science and Studies major and minor
Gain a deep understanding of environmental issues and solve real-world problems in fields like environmental consulting, conservation science, and land management.
Energy, Environment, and Sustainability Concentration
Engineering students can build expertise in energy efficiency analysis, environmental impact reduction, and sustainable technology development.
Featured Sustainability Events
FAST Conference
Annual conference in November
High school and college students from the region learn from expert speakers, network with peers and professionals, and integrate faith with action.
Sustainability Showcase
End of Fall and Spring semesters
Learn from an engaging speaker and see what students are up to with a sustainability poster session.
Campus Designations
AASHE Stars Silver recipient
Signatory of Presidents’ Climate Commitment
The Princeton Review Guide to Green Schools
Honored Tree Campus USA recipient
