sustainability arboretum

Sustainability

At Widener, you’ll find the resources to increase your environmental awareness and stewardship both inside and outside the classroom.

The environmental science & sustainability major and minor addresses society's growing need for people with both a broad scientific background and an understanding of environmental relationships.

Environmental science & sustainability (BS)

The sustainability science minor is open to students in all majors and prepares you to address some of our most pressing local, regional, and global sustainability issues.

More about Loading...

The sustainability management minor is offered in two formats, one for business majors and one for non-business majors. The minor teaches you to manage the dependent, complex relationships between the environment, economy, and culture.

More about Loading...

The environmental studies minor provides arts and sciences students with an understanding of complex environmental issues and the social, political, and cultural contexts that affect human interaction with the environment.

More about Loading...

The environmental engineering minor prepares engineering students to protect and restore the quality of our air, water, and land resources, and to address the environmental issues that are important to the sustainability of our infrastructure.

More about Loading...

Sustainability in the Community

Sustainability Students Community Tree Planting

With civic engagement and leadership as a part of our mission, you will have the unique opportunity to make a difference in the communities we serve—locally, nationally, and internationally. Some examples include:

  • Environmental science students have worked with faculty to develop a model for the design, construction, and maintenance of a shade-tree inventory for the city of Chester.
  • Our Languages and Cultures students have traveled to Tegucigalpa, Honduras to partner with Zamorano University students to build a sustainable mini-farm at an orphanage.
  • Faculty from environmental science and biology have traveled with students to Costa Rica and teamed up with local farmers to grow sustainable, organic coffee that is sold on our campus as WUbrew.

Sustainability on Campus

Sustainability Fair Staff and Students

You will find that sustainability is a part of life at Widener. Our dining facilities strive to be green in all aspects, supporting sustainable, Fair Trade, and organic farms. Widener's administration considers sustainability issues in its growth, development, and operating plans. Our Green Pride initiative reduces Widener's carbon footprint by putting an emphasis on recycling and sustainability.

Many of our buildings feature environmentally friendly technology. Founders Hall, which houses the School of Nursing and the Widener Leadership Institute, is certified “green” by the U.S. Green Building Council and holds the prestigious LEED designation. To further reduce energy consumption, Widener has installed geothermal exchange technology in several campus buildings.