[Bridgeview/Chicago-Jefferson Park/Naperville/Rosemont, IL] The State of Illinois this month recognized Northwestern College for achieving the Bronze Level of sustainability goals in higher education, as established by the Illinois Campus Sustainability Compact. The recognition award, signed by Governor Pat Quinn, will be hung at each of Northwestern College’s three campuses (Bridgeview, Chicago-Jefferson Park, and Naperville), as well as at its Rosemont administrative offices. The College has pledged to reach the next level of sustainability – Silver – by the year 2015.
After reviewing Northwestern College’s application, Gabriel Sulkes of the Governor’s Office announced that Governor Quinn and the Green Governments Coordinating Council decided to recognize Northwestern College as a Bronze Level Compact School within the Illinois Campus Sustainability Compact program. According to Sulkes, “This designation serves as a signal to your community and peer institutions that [Northwestern College] stands as a leader in higher education sustainability.”
In September of 2010, Northwestern College signed Governor Quinn’s Illinois Campus Sustainability Compact, joining other educational institutions in improving the health and sustainability of Illinois campuses. At Northwestern College, the objective of the Sustainability Initiative is to create a long term environmental maintenance plan that includes developing more responsible uses of the College’s resources.
In order to achieve this Bronze status, Northwestern College had to: 1)Endorse a written statement, declaration or policy acknowledging support for sustainability; 2)Designate a focal point to lead and/or coordinate sustainability efforts across the campus; 3)Create a web site that highlights the institution’s sustainability programs with the purpose of increasing awareness and generating interest; and 4)Create opportunities for students and faculty to provide suggestions for advancing sustainability on campus. Northwestern College completed all four requirements, and in addition, is well on its way to meeting the requirements for the Silver level of sustainability.
Northwestern College continues to strive to become a greener and more environmentally conscious organization. This past January, the College moved its administrative offices in Rosemont to a “greener building” at 9501 Technology Boulevard, the Rosemont Corporate Center (commonly known as the Cisco Building). This four-story building is a LEED-CS 2.0 Gold certified building which has been heralded for its energy-saving under floor air distribution (UFAD) system, its indoor air quality, erosion and sediment control plans, and for its use of regionally-collected building materials.
In addition, the College made great strides toward becoming more environmentally conscious by purchasing sustainable graduation regalia for its students. The Green Weaver™ Sustainable gowns made their grand debut at Northwestern College’s June 2012 commencement ceremony held at the Arie Crown Theater at McCormick Place in Chicago.
About Northwestern College:
Northwestern College (NC) is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, www.ncahlc.org. The college offers focused career-oriented associate degree and certificate programs with flexible schedules and a supportive faculty. Day, evening, weekend, online classes and online programs are available with campuses in Chicago, Bridgeview, and Naperville. More information can be found at www.northwesterncollege.edu or by calling toll-free (888) 205-2283.
