University of Portland is committed to living and acting sustainably. Attention to living sustainably requires us to actively be aware of the environmental, social and economic needs of our present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
Please explore the links below for more information on the ways the University of Portland is working to live in and educate a sustainable community.
- climatechange.up.edu
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Majors & Minors (FAQ)
Environmental Ethics & Policy, B.A., and Environmental Science, B.S.
The Environmental Studies Program critically examines the broad scope of the current environmental crisis that is scientific, sociopolitical, and ethical in nature. The program offers a bachelor of arts degree in environmental ethics and policy and a bachelor of science degree in environmental science. Both offerings are broad and interdisciplinary with the same joint capstone. One provides a depth of experience in science, and the other in the humanities and social sciences. The program is designed to give all majors, regardless of the track they pursue, an understanding of the scientific implications of environmental study, and the theological, philosophical, economic, and political issues at the heart of this challenge.
Learn more: Contact UP experts Steve Kolmes, Molter Chair in Science and Professor of Biology, kolmes@up.edu, or Russell Butkus, Associate Professor of Theology, butkus@up.edu, or see the Environmental Studies Program web page.
Environmental Engineering, B.S.C.E.
The School of Engineering offers an environmental track within its civil engineering program. During the last half century, environmental engineering has increased drastically in importance. Once primarily concerned with wastewater treatment, the discipline now emphasizes the supply of safe drinking water, cleanup of hazardous waste disposal sites, and proper disposal of solid wastes.
Learn more: Contact UP expert James Male, Sweo Endowed Chair in Engineering, male@up.edu, or see the Environmental Science: Environmental Engineering web page.
Marketing & Sustainability, B.B.A.
Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing and Sustainability students graduate with current industry knowledge and the tools to pursue marketing-related careers in a rapidly changing world. Studies in Marketing and Sustainability provide students with a solid foundation in traditional marketing, as well as a comprehensive understanding of economic, environmental and social sustainability.
Learn more: Contact UP experts Diane Martin, Associate Professor of Marketing, martind@up.edu, or John Schouten, Associate Professor of Marketing, schouten@up.edu, or see the Pamplin School of Business: Marketing and Sustainability web page.
Sustainable Entrepreneurship
Sustainable entrepreneurship is the economically, socially and environmentally sustainable pursuit of opportunity. The University believes a new business is more enduring and successful if social and environmental aspects are considered by the entrepreneur in addition to the economical aspects traditionally taught in entrepreneurship programs. This emphasis on a “triple bottom line” enables graduates to pursue service to their communities by creating and leading new for-profit and not-for-profit ventures in a manner that is congruent with Catholic social teachings. Opportunity exists to harness the energy, creativity and leadership of entrepreneurs intent on making the world a better place as judged by this triple bottom line. The University is well-positioned to provide leadership in this worthwhile endeavor because of its ability to collaborate interdepartmentally, and to deploy the expertise of an outstanding faculty from several areas, including the endowed chairs of environmental science, environmental engineering, ethics and entrepreneurship.
Learn more: Contact UP experts Robin Anderson, Franz Chair in Entrepreneurship and Pamplin School of Business Dean, anderson@up.edu, or Jon Down, Center for Entrepreneurship Director, down@up.edu, or see the Center for Entrepreneurship web page.
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Sustainability Fund
Associated Students of the University of Portland (ASUP), the student government, voted to allocate a portion of student activities fees to a “sustainability fund.” The aim of this fund is to assist the university in its progress toward environmental sustainability.
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Environmentally Sensitive Buildings
Shiley Hall
Swindells Hall
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Food Services
The University of Portland’s food service provider, Bon Appetit Management Company stresses local sourcing of food by contracting with local farmers whenever possible. On average, food travels 1,500 miles to one’s plate; not at the University of Portland. Enormous savings in gasoline for food transport are realized through this policy, which also supports small, local farms. The purchase of local foods – be it produce, meat, seafood, or cheese – supports sustainable regional economies and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by cutting down on long distance food transportation. Bon Appetit has also moved takeout boxes away from the food service counter in the Cove to encourage use of reusable/washable plates. The university has traded the use of plastic forks and spoons to ones based on potato starch (“spudware”) that biodegrade over time.
Learn more: Contact UP expert Kirk Mustain, general manager of Bon Appetit on campus, mustain@up.edu or visit Bon Appetit's web page.
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Greenhouse Gas Inventory
The University is carrying out the first phase of a greenhouse gas inventory for campus activities, focusing on off-campus travel by air (by sports teams, terms abroad, faculty, etc), our electric usage, and use of combustible fuels on campus.
Learn more: Contact UP expert Steve Kolmes, environmental science, at kolmes@up.edu.
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Majors & Minors
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Environmental Ethics & Policy, B.A.
- Environmental Science, B.S.
- Marketing & Sustainability, B.B.A.
- Sustainable Entrepreneurship
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Recycling
The University of Portland has a strong paper recycling program, which is vital to preserving forests. The University is investing in double-sided printers and has furnished an extensive array of recycling bins throughout campus. The University also recycles many other reusable items, including plastics, glass, metals, cardboard, batteries, etc.
Learn more: Contact UP expert Sean Smith, Physical Plant Senior Technician, at smiths@up.edu.
- Presidential Advisory Committee on Sustainability
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Presidents' Greenhouse Gas Challenge
University President Rev. E. William Beauchamp, C.S.C., is a charter signatory of the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment. The agreement has been signed by more than 290 university presidents and commits the University to establish a comprehensive plan to lower greenhouse gas emissions. Steps to reduce emissions will include the establishment of green policies for future campus construction projects, air travel policies that offset emissions, encouragement of public transportation, purchases of renewable energy resources, and encouragement of sustainability practices where the University’s endowments are invested. As part of the agreement, the University will provide periodic progress reports to other colleges and universities.
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Restoration of the Bluff
The University recently signed a contract to use FEMA funds to continue to plant the part of the Bluff that burned so dramatically a few years ago with native vegetation. There is significant water savings associated with use of native plantings that are naturally drought resistant. In addition, the University hopes to purchase and develop 80 acres of brownfield located on the Willamette River below the main campus. The University has been working with local and national entities on the possibility of this reclamation and sees incredible benefits for its own use, as well as that of neighbors and local residents.
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Student Leadership & Involvement
Biodiesel Fuel
The University owns a biodiesel processor used by students to convert food service waste vegetable oil into biodiesel fuel. Students aim to provide Physical Plant operations with fuel for use by campus vehicles and buildings.
Learn more: Contact UP student leaders at upbiodiesel@gmail.com.
College Ecology Club
The College Ecology Club (CEC) strives to increase environmental awareness on campus. Most major events organized by CEC are centered around outreach and education for the UP community. However, the club also facilitates participation in environmental events throughout Portland and the Pacific Northwest.
Learn more: Contact UP student leaders at collegeecology@gmail.com.
Student Led Organic Garden
UP students have developed the Student Led Unity Garden (SLUG), a small organic garden on campus supported by various academic departments. Students grow heirloom varieties of plants and organic food for themselves and for University dining services.
Learn more: Contact UP student leaders at SLUGProject@gmail.com.
- Student Sustainability Links
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Transportation Options
Bike Rental & Bike Parking
Recreational Services' Bike Shop rents bikes for free! Mountain, hybrid/urban, and road bikes; helmets and locks. Learn more: Bike Shop web page.
The University offers bike parking on campus. Locate a bike rack: open the interactive campus map, then select transportation and bike racks.
Transit Pass
In cooperation with TriMet, the University offers transit ticket booklets and partially-subsidized transit passes to students, staff, and faculty. Passes are available for purchase at Public Safety.
Shuttle Service
The University offers a shuttle service from the University Pilot House to the New Seasons Market on the corner of N. Interstate and N. Rosa Parks Way. This service allows direct access to the Yellow line Max, which travels between Downtown Portland and Portland International Airport.
For a shuttle schedule, visit Public Safety's UP Shuttle web page.
Zipcar
The University participates in this innovative car-sharing program. With Zipcar, the University of Portland is helping to reduce negative impacts on the environment and greater campus community while improving mobility options for all.
Learn more: Contact UP expert Jeff Rook, Environmental Safety Officer, at rook@up.edu or visit the Sustainable Transportation Options Program (S.T.O.P.) web page.
