The Academics Implementation Team is focused on strategies to advance sustainability in the areas of curriculum, engaged & experiential learning, and research & creative inquiry. One specific project is developing a sustainability course designation. The team is also exploring additional ways to track sustainability research and creative inquiry. Based on current data, 66% of academic departments have at least one faculty member engaged in sustainability research.

The Facilities Implementation Team is working on a variety of reduction efforts focused on energy, water and waste across campus. Compared to the FY 2024 baseline, energy consumption per square foot decreased 3% in FY 2025, and the reduction target for 2035 is 20%. Water consumption per square foot decreased 5.5% in FY 2025, from the FY 2024 baseline, and the reduction target for 2035 is 15%. In FY 2026, Elon generated approximately 6.4% less waste per person than the 2024 baseline, and the target is to reduce waste per person by 25% by 2035.  These efforts demonstrate continued progress toward sustainable campus operations.

The Engagement Implementation Team is advancing sustainability programming on campus and communications regarding sustainability initiatives.  During the 2025-26 academic year, 22.2% of students and 8.2% of faculty and staff participated in sustainability activities, and the target is 40% of students and 15% of faculty and staff by 2035.  Efforts include adding a “sustainability” tag in 25Live, so that any department or office planning an event related to sustainability can designate it as such.

These are just a few examples of the work underway across campus. Learn more about the Sustainability Master Plan 2025 Year 1 progress.

“Earth Day Every Day programming provides an exciting opportunity for the Elon Community to learn about sustainability, take action and connect with others looking for change,” said Sophia Remisio ’27. “Planting for the Planet has a special place in my heart, as it was one of the first Office of Sustainability events I ever attended and it introduced me to a community of people on campus with a passion for sustainability!

Planting for the Planet | Friday, Sept. 4 from 3-5 p.m. at Elon Community Garden
Are you interested in getting involved with sustainability at Elon? Join us at the Elon Community Garden to connect with like-minded individuals and enjoy potting your own houseplant to take home.  We’ll provide plants, soil, and pots. , but drop-ins are always welcome!

Steeped in Sustainability | Monday, Sept. 7 from 1:30-2:30 pm on Medallion Plaza
Come to Medallion Plaza and leave with your very own sustainable iced drink kit! Sample refreshing sparkling “Scrappy Sodas” made with upcycled fruit syrups and sparkling water, then take home your own mason jar, reusable straw, recipe card and sustainably made syrup to recreate the drinks yourself. Decorate a reusable tote bag to carry it all home, and enjoy fresh flower bouquets from Loy Farm to celebrate the season. Join us for a fun and tasty time!

Sustainability Stewards Meeting |Wednesday, Sept. 9 from 7-8 p.m. in Moseley 215
Interested in getting involved in sustainability at Elon?  Join the Sustainability Stewards program to connect with like-minded individuals and promote sustainability throughout campus. , but drop-ins are always welcome.

Coffeehouse Coffee Scrub with SUB | Thursday, Sept. 10 from 10-11 p.m. in Irazu
Enjoy SUB’s Coffeehouse, then give those coffee grounds a second life! Join the Eco-Reps to create your own all-natural body scrub using spent coffee grounds and discover an easy way to turn waste into something useful.

Elon Farmer’s Market | Thursday, Sept. 17 from 3-6 p.m. at Elon Community Church
Join us to support local farmers, enjoy fresh seasonal produce and find unique handmade goods! Stop by the Office of Sustainability’s table to taste delicious “ugly” produce and learn how embracing imperfect fruits and veggies helps fight food waste.  The Elon Farmer’s Market runs every April- October 3-6 p.m. at the Elon Community Church.

Autumn Swap Shop | Friday, September 25 from 4-6 p.m. in downstairs Moseley
Fall into sustainable fashion!  Bring gently used clothing to swap for cozy sweaters, scarves, and more at our autumn-themed Pop-Up Swap Shop. Find something new-to-you and learn how swapping can save money and reduce waste.

Star Gazing for Mental Health | Thursday, Oct. 1 from 7:30-9:30 p.m. on the Daniel Commons Patio
Take a break, look up and reconnect with the night sky! Enjoy stargazing, cosmic-inspired snacks, and learn how time spent outdoors can help reduce stress and improve well-being. Attend for a chance to win a telescope to continue exploring the night sky!

Sponsored by the Astronomy Club, Counseling Services, the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education and the Office of Sustainability.

Coffeehouse Coffee Scrub with SUB | Thursday, October 8 from 10-11 p.m. in Irazu
Enjoy SUB’s Coffeehouse, then give those coffee grounds a second life! Join the Eco-Reps to create your own all-natural body scrub using spent coffee grounds and discover an easy way to turn waste into something useful.

Tree Walk | Friday, October 9 from 12-1 p.m. at Fonville Fountain (in front of Alamance)
Join Elon’s Arborist Wendy Williams on a walk around Elon’s beautiful campus to learn about Elon’s trees, including the Tree Trail on campus, Wendy’s favorite trees, and insider information on the maintenance and sustainability of the Elon urban forest. .

Earth Day Every Day directly supports the Engagement Goal in ľĂľĂČČ’s Sustainability Master Plan 2025.  Learn more about the Sustainability Master Plan 2025.   

“CommuteNC is a wonderful addition to Elon’s sustainability efforts because it gives our community a practical way to make a difference in their daily lives. By connecting people who share similar commutes, we can help reduce transportation costs, lower emissions and build a stronger sense of community across campus,” said Kelly Harer, associate director of sustainability for education and outreach.

Create your Elon CommuteNC account by September 11 for a chance to win prizes, including a hammock or a $50 local restaurant gift card! Be sure to use your Elon email address when creating your account because Elon’s CommuteNC program is an Elon-specific network.

Want an extra chance to win? Refer another Elon employee or student! If they create a CommuteNC account by Sept. 11 and complete , you’ll receive an additional raffle entry.

CommuteNC directly supports the Transportation Goal in ľĂľĂČČ’s Sustainability Master Plan 2025.  Learn more about the Sustainability Master Plan 2025.   

AASHE’s STARS program boasts over 1,200 participants representing 58 countries, making it the most widely recognized framework in the world for publicly reporting comprehensive information related to a college or university’s sustainability efforts. Participants report information across five areas: academics, engagement, operations, planning and administration, and innovation and leadership.

Senior Director of Sustainability Elaine Durr spearheads the compilation of the STARS report. “The STARS report is a comprehensive assessment of university-wide sustainability efforts and requires involvement from many individuals across campus,” Durr said. “I appreciate their contributions and collective effort.”

The STARS report illustrates that progress on Elon’s sustainability goals requires campus-wide collaboration. By breaking down categories into subcategories and credits, each with its own score, the report also serves as a practical tool for pinpointing areas of improvement and guiding future sustainability endeavors.

“STARS was developed by the campus sustainability community to provide high standards for recognizing campus sustainability efforts,” said AASHE Executive Director Meghan Fay Zahniser. “ľĂľĂČČ has demonstrated a substantial commitment to sustainability by achieving a STARS Silver rating and is to be congratulated for their efforts.”

To learn about the programs and practices that contributed to Elon’s STARS Silver rating, .

Unlike other rating or ranking systems, this program is open to all institutions of higher education, and the criteria that determine a STARS rating are transparent and accessible to anyone. This is Elon’s first report using the updated . For more information, visit the .

Rather than defaulting to chemical treatments, Elon manages the oakworms through its Integrated Pest Management Plan, which emphasizes sustainability and careful decision-making.

“From a sustainability standpoint, this shows why the Integrated Pest Management Plan we use at ľĂľĂČČ is so important,” said Hanna Smith, Botanical Garden Coordinator. “We first identify the insect that is causing damage and the plant that it is causing damage to, and then determine if control is necessary. There are many situations, such as this one, where chemical control is not warranted. This helps save the environment from unnecessary pesticide usage as well as supporting Elon’s goals of financial sustainability.”

By choosing more sustainable options for pest management – such as cultural methods (water, fertilizer, etc.), mechanical methods (hand removal), or no control at all—when possible, Elon is able to reduce pesticide use and save resources while maintaining a beautiful campus.

Elon Farmer’s Market
Thursday, Aug. 28 from 3-6 p.m.
Elon Community Church

Join us to support local farmers, enjoy fresh seasonal produce, and find unique handmade goods! Stop by the Office of Sustainability’s table to taste delicious “ugly” produce and learn how embracing imperfect fruits and veggies helps fight food waste.

Planting for the Planet
Friday, Sept. 5 from 2-4 p.m.
Elon Community Garden

Are you interested in getting involved with sustainability at Elon? Join us at the Elon Community Garden to connect with like-minded individuals and enjoy potting your own houseplant to take home.  We’ll provide plants, soil, and pots. , but drop-ins are always welcome!

Sustainability Stewards Meeting
Monday, Sept. 8 from 7-8 p.m.
Global Commons 301

Interested in getting involved in sustainability at Elon?  Join the Sustainability Stewards program to connect with like-minded individuals and promote sustainability throughout campus. .

State of the Haw
Tuesday, Sept. 9 from 6-7 p.m.
Elon Community Church

The 110-mile Haw River flows through Alamance County and provides recreational opportunities and drinking water to North Carolinians. Hear from Emily Sutton, the Haw River Keeper and Executive Director of , about the current state of the Haw River. Dinner will be provided for those who .

Kayak Clean Up
Saturday, Sept. 13 from 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Saxapahaw Lake (Transportation provided)

Take care of local Saxapahaw Lake while enjoying the beauty of nature. Kayaks, gloves, and trash bags provided. Please wear clothing you don’t mind getting dirty and bring a reusable water bottle and sunscreen. .

Star Gazing for Mental Health
Thursday, Sept. 18 from 8-10 p.m.
Daniel Commons

The night sky has been a source of fascination for humans throughout history. Join us as we engage in nature in a unique and memorable way through exploration of the night sky. , but drop-ins are welcome! Enter to win a free telescope.

Sponsored by the Astronomy Club, Counseling Services, the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education and the Office of Sustainability.

Sun Day
Sunday, September 21 from 2-4 p.m.
Young Commons

 is a national day of action to celebrate the power of renewable energy. Whether you’d like to join us for the electric vehicle car show, make a bouquet of native flowers, or join us for Sun Salutation Yoga, there’s something for everyone!  .

The Natural World – Elon Wind Ensemble Concert
Friday, Sept. 26 from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
McCrary Theater

Through powerful and evocative works, “The Natural World” explores the beauty of wild places, wild things and the urgent need to protect them. Featuring compositions by Rossano Galante, Viet Cuong, Stephen Lias and Gala Flagello, this concert highlights the resilience and fragility of nature through music. Join the Elon Wind Ensemble for an inspiring performance that encourages reflection on our planet’s future as they partner with Outdoor Leadership and Education.

Bike to Burlington
Thursday, Oct. 2 from 5-7 p.m.
Meet in front of Koury Athletic Center

Join us for an exciting bike ride to downtown Burlington! Experience the joy of sustainable and affordable transportation, enjoy delicious Smitty’s ice cream, make new friendships and discover the charm of local businesses. 

Sustainable Leadership Program
Friday, Oct. 3 from 3:30-6:30 p.m.
Oaks 212

Whether you’re all-in on saving the Earth or just curious about where you can make a difference on campus, this event is for you! Explore ways to take action on sustainability, discover your leadership style, and learn how small changes can create big impact—right here on campus! Register via Phoenix Connect.

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and is a widely used green building rating system in the US and internationally. LEED for Building Design and Construction assesses projects on a point-based system that considers project location and sustainable transportation options, sustainable site development, water efficiency, energy efficiency, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, innovation, and elements of regional priority.

The building has numerous sustainable features, including low flow plumbing fixtures and energy efficient systems. Compared to standard plumbing fixtures, the low flow fixtures in the building are expected to reduce potable water usage by about 35%. The energy cost savings for the building is about 24% compared to a building that just meets the standard building energy code.

East Neighborhood Commons is within walking distance of many commonly used buildings on campus, including Belk Library and Moseley Center. A site assessment was completed before construction, and the site includes ample open space for residents to enjoy. During construction, over 75% of the waste was recycled or reused, which kept it out of the landfill. Several products used in the facility contain recycled content, such as structural steel, drywall and aluminum framing, which reduces the need for virgin materials.

Providing excellent indoor environmental quality was another essential component in the design and construction of the building, as it contributes to the health and productivity of building occupants. One example is the use of materials with low volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Low VOC products allow for better air quality during and after construction. Several of the furniture pieces in the building have earned a third-party certification that focuses on good indoor air quality.

Elon has a Green Building Policy, which states that new construction projects and major renovations of more than 8,000 square feet will achieve LEED certification. Most of Elon’s projects have received LEED Silver; however, Elon also has 11 LEED Gold certifications (four of which are LEED for Homes) and six LEED for Homes Platinum certifications.

Additional details about East Neighborhood Commons’ sustainable features can be found online.

McKibben was awarded the Right Livelihood Award in 2014, sometimes called the “alternative Nobel” and received the Gandhi Peace Award in 2013. His book “The End of Nature” is regarded as the first book for a general audience about climate change and has been translated into 24 languages. TIME Magazine called McKibben “perhaps the planet’s best green journalist,” and he has lectured and organized on every continent, including Antarctica. He helped found 350.org, the first global grassroots climate campaign, and has recently helped found Third Act, to build a progressive organizing movement for people over age 60. McKibben, the author of fifteen books, is the Schumann Distinguished Scholar in Environmental Studies at Middlebury College and a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

In his urgent, heartfelt and hopeful talk McKibben provides realistic approaches to saving our planet, as individuals, and as thoughtful members of a mobilized community.

This visit is sponsored by the Office of Sustainability, the Environmental Studies Department, Facilities Management, Food Studies, the Global Neighborhood, the Kernodle Center for Civic Life, Life@Elon and Peace and Conflict Studies

ľĂľĂČČ, faculty, and staff are encouraged to attend as many events as possible for a chance to win Phoenix Cash, hammocks and more! Event and Earth Week competition details are available on the Earth Week Website.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Monday, April 21

5 – 6 p.m. | From Squirrels to Song Birds: Date on Elon’s Bird Species | Global Commons, First Floor

Join Elon Data Nexus and Senior Lecturer in Statistics Ryne VanKrevelen on a walk around Elon’s beautiful campus to learn about Elon’s bird species, tools to help collect your own bird data, and what to do with it in day-to-day life. Sponsored by Elon Data Nexus

Tuesday, April 22

4 – 5 p.m. | Sustainability Master Plan 2025 Launch Celebration | McKinnon Hall, Moseley Center

Celebrate the launch of ľĂľĂČČ’s Sustainability Master Plan 2025 with food, interactive activities and exciting prizes! Learn about Elon’s goals for a more sustainable future, connect with others and discover opportunities to support sustainability at Elon. This event is open to all students, faculty and staff.

6 – 7 p.m. | Fly Into Spring | Elon Community Garden

Join the Environmental Student Organization Network at the community garden to make bird feeders out of sustainable materials like pine cones and toilet paper rolls.

Wednesday, April 23

5:30 – 6:30 p.m. | Food for Thought | The Center for Race, Ethnicity and Diversity Education (CREDE), Moseley Center 

Join us for a delicious Asian feast and an insightful discussion on the significance of rice in Asian culture and economy. Meet at CREDE for amazing food and great company!

7 – 8 p.m. | Earth Week Keynote: Bill McKibben, ‘The Race For a Working Climate” | Alumni Gym, Koury Athletic Center

We’re at a hinge moment in human history. On the one hand, we face an environmental cataclysm like none before. On the other, the rapid fall in the price of clean energy gives us the chance for truly rapid progress. In this urgent, heartfelt and hopeful talk, New York Times bestselling author Bill McKibben reveals the part each of us must plan in where we need to go and provides realistic approaches to saving our planet, as individuals, and as thoughtful members of a mobilized community.

McKibben was awarded the Right Livelihood Award in 2014, sometimes called the “alternative Nobel” and received the Gandhi Peace Award in 2013. His book “The End of Nature” is regarded as the first book for a general audience about climate change and has been translated into 24 languages. TIME Magazine called McKibben “perhaps the planet’s best green journalist,” and he has lectured and organized on every continent, including Antarctica. He helped found 350.org, the first global grassroots climate campaign, and has recently helped found Third Act, to build a progressive organizing movement for people over age 60. McKibben, the author of fifteen books, is the Schumann Distinguished Scholar in Environmental Studies at Middlebury College and a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Sponsored by the Office of Sustainability, the Environmental Studies Department, Facilities Management, Food Studies, the Global Neighborhood, the Kernodle Center for Civic Life, Life@Elon and Peace and Conflict Studies.

9 – 10 p.m. | S’Mores with Outdoors | Beck Pool Patio

Join Elon Outdoors and the Eco-Reps for a special Earth Week S’mores with Outdoors! Make your own sustainable bug spray so that you can enjoy more time outdoors.

Thursday, April 24

5 – 7 p.m. | Party for the Planet | Moseley West Lawn

Celebrate sustainability with fun activities and live entertainment! This event will also feature a thrift shop where students can trade their gently used clothes for new (gently used) clothes.

Friday, April 25

3:30 – 5:30 p.m. | Paint N’ Plant | Young Commons

Join us to design your own plant pots out of reusable jars and cans with the opportunity to take different plants home to grow for yourself! We’ll learn about minimizing waste, sustainable agriculture and reusable products, as well as work with Loy Farm to grow our own native plants!

4 – 5:30 p.m. | Bloom with Pride | Elon Community Garden 

Join the Gender and LGBTQIA Center to Celebrate Lesbian Visibility Day through bouquet making and flower vase decorating.

To prepare for this event, the GLC is currently accepting donations of clean glass jars, bottles and cans! Please bring any donations to the GLC.

4 – 6 p.m. | Bike to Burlington | Meet at Koury Center | Registration Required

Meet in front of the Koury Athletic Center and join Elon Outdoors and the Office of Sustainability for a bike ride to Burlington, where we’ll enjoy some ice cream while learning about local businesses and how they contribute to sustainability. Bikes will be provided, or bring your own.

Saturday, April 26

Sustainable Day of Service | Various Times and Locations 

Sustainable Day of Service Opportunities include:

9 AM – 11 a.m. | Lake Mackintosh Kayak Clean Up | Registration Required
Take care of local Lake Mackintosh while enjoying the beauty of nature. Kayaks, gloves and trash bags provided. Please wear clothing you don’t mind getting dirty and bring a reusable water bottle and sunscreen.

9 AM – 11 p.m. | Peacehaven Farm | Registration Required
Join the CORE members and participate in a Garden Workday!  You will be outside so make sure you wear close-toed shoes and bring a water bottle

12:30 – 3:30 p.m. | Women’s Resource Center Herb Festival Clean Up | Registration Required 
Help the center with the clean up after the festival! This won’t require heavy labor but is some physical work.

1 – 3 p.m. | Lake Mackintosh Kayak Clean Up | Registration Required
Take care of local Lake Mackintosh while enjoying the beauty of nature. Kayaks, gloves and trash bags provided. Please wear clothing you don’t mind getting dirty and bring a reusable water bottle and sunscreen.

Sunday, April 27

11 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Carolina Farm Stewardship Association Farm Tour | Meet in front of the Center for the Arts | Registration Required

Visit three local farms to learn about food production in Alamance County and try some local foods along the way!  Transportation provided.