Dillard University

School details:
Full-time enrollment: 949
Part-time enrollment: 62
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana

Administration

• Dillard’s president signed the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment in 2005.
• The Sustainability Committee has hosted workshops on climate change and the environment, brought guest speakers to campus, purchased library resources about sustainability, and implemented a plastic recycling system. It is currently developing a sustainability component for the curriculum.
• The university received a one-year sustainability grant that allowed for a professor to teach fewer classes that year and dedicate her time to serving as the school sustainability coordinator. The grant also funded two research assistants.

Green Building

• The campus features a building that is pending LEED-Gold certification, the Professional Schools and Science Building.
• The Student Union/Health and Wellness Center, currently under construction, is aiming for LEED Gold certification.
• Low-flow faucets have been installed to reduce water consumption.
• Energy-efficient LED lighting will be installed in all dormitories.

Climate Change & Energy

• The university received help from Brown University to begin assessing and reducing Dillard’s carbon footprint.
• In 2009, students, faculty, and staff signed a sustainability pledge, committing to shut off electronics when not in use, conserve water, and work to make the Dillard campus a greener community.

Recycling

• Since New Orleans does not offer city-wide recycling, Dillard has initiated its own recycling program.
• In fall 2009, the university expanded the number of recyclable materials to include plastic in addition to paper.
• Recycling bins have been placed on every floor of campus buildings.

Dining

• Locally grown and produced foods are served in the dining halls.

Student Involvement

• In 2009, Dillard hosted educational forums on climate change, sustainability, and conservation issues.
• Students have participated in the Green Light campaign, during which they swapped fluorescent light bulbs for incandescent bulbs in community homes.
• Dillard students can hold sustainability internship positions with the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice.