Skip to main content
University Housing Services

Sustainability

Illinois State University Housing Services (UHS) is constantly making strides to reduce our impact on the environment. Sustainability is an evolving process with a goal of enhancing life and meeting our needs while maintaining resources for future generations. UHS looks for new and innovative ways to further our mission of adopting a more sustainable lifestyle both in the workplace and at home.

A Greener Packing List!

  • Items to Bring to Campus

    • Bicycle, helmet, bike lock and lights
    • Reusable water bottle and/or coffee cups (ISU has numerous water bottle refill stations throughout campus!)
    • Reusable cutlery, plates, containers and straws
    • Reusable K-cup container [if you are bringing Keurig coffee maker]
    • Rechargeable batteries for game controllers or remotes
    • Recycled paper notebooks and refillable pens
    • Plant-based laundry detergent and cleaning products
    • Sewing kit (ISU’s Fix-it-Friday initiative also does basic clothing repair for free!)

  • Items to Leave Behind

    • Single-use items such as plastic water bottles
    • Air fresheners
    • Aerosol cans
    • Disposable items such as paper towels, plastic cutlery, paper plates, etc.

LaundryView

  • LaundryView allows students to monitor conditions in the laundry room. The appliances installed are high-efficiency, front-loading washers and energy-efficient dryers that reduce drying time for clothes. The washers consume 50 percent less water than top-loading washers.
  • Illinois State has saved nearly 3.5 million gallons of water with this system.

Residence Hall Renovations

  • Low-flow showerheads and low-flush toilet tanks and flush valves installed
    • Basic low-flow showerheads use about 2.5 gallons of water per minute compared to the 4-5 gallons of water per minute used by traditional shower heads.
    • Low-flush toilet tanks use a maximum of 1.6 gallons of water per flush compared to the 3.5 gallons used by the standard toilet.
  • Increased use of T-8 fluorescent lights which use 25 percent of the energy incandescent lights use to create the same amount of light.
  • Windows include thermal-break frames and insulated glass with improved weather-stripping.
  • 2008-2010: Improved efficiency through air conditioning updates at chiller plants. As a result, approximately 20 percent less energy is consumed.
  • 2005-2010: Improved efficiency through heating updates to exhaust stacks, combustion controls, steam distribution system. Steam plant energy consumption dropped approximately 15 percent between 2005 and 2010.
  • Furniture donated to non-profit agencies.
  • Pieces of Walker and Dunn-Barton Halls used at the Student Fitness Center (located on the grounds where these residence halls once stood) and McCormick Hall.

Pass-It-On Program in the Residence Halls

University Housing Services hosts the annual Pass-It-On program at the end of every academic year. Residents may donate items from their rooms, which help benefit Bloomington-Normal residents. Items that may be donated include:

  • Non-perishable food
  • Clothing, bedding, shoes
  • Books
  • Electronics
  • Carpet
  • Wood and cinder blocks
  • Furniture

Cardinal Court Sustainability

Features at Cardinal Court promote a sustainable lifestyle for residents. In addition to minimizing construction waste sent to landfills by recycling existing building materials and using recycled materials for 10 percent of the construction project, here are a few ways sustainable living is promoted at Cardinal Court:

  • Cardinal Court is within a half mile, walking distance, of over 10 basic services (restaurants, parks, school, etc.) which helps minimize the need to drive
  • There is a new bus-stop at the south edge of the property that provides a connection to campus
  • Bike racks are located throughout the development
  • There is priority parking for low-emitting / fuel efficient vehicles (can be identified by Illinois State University)
  • The complex uses zero-CFC (Chlorofluorocarbons) based refrigerants for building MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) systems, providing for a more environmentally friendly atmosphere
  • Recycling bins are located throughout the development
  • No / Low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) adhesives, sealants, paints, coatings and flooring systems were used in construction, creating a cleaner environment
  • Operable windows give individuals thermal control for 100 percent of occupants, and one thermostat per unit is provided
  • Cardinal Court has smoke free property
  • LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) accredited professionals were involved in the design process, meaning the Cardinal Court is energy and environmentally friendly
  • Each apartment is furnished with Energy Star compliant refrigerator/freezers and dishwashers