Stewardship and Sustainability at Wheaton

Wheaton Student studying in the Greenhouse

Engaging Students in Stewardship LEED-Certified Buildings Food Service & Sustainable Dining

Caring for God’s Creation Through Thoughtful, Campus-wide Stewardship

Stewardship at Wheaton reflects our commitment to care for God’s creation, use resources wisely, and support the flourishing of our community. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by our mission For Christ and His Kingdom, we see environmental stewardship not as an optional initiative but as a natural extension of Christian discipleship. Caring for people, place, and purpose is an expression of our call to love God and love our neighbor.

A Theological Vision for Creation Care

Wheaton understands sustainability as part of God’s redemptive work in the world. Human choices have significant impact on the health of the environment and the well-being of communities, particularly those most vulnerable to ecological disruption. Because Christ’s reconciliation extends to “all things,” we embrace practices that reflect repentance, responsibility, and hope. Stewardship is ultimately an act of worship—honoring the Creator by honoring creation.

Wheaton’s Legacy of Thoughtful Environmental Engagement

Wheaton has a long history of shaping evangelical engagement with creation care. In the 1970s, theologian Francis A. Schaeffer helped catalyze Christian concern for the environment through lectures and writings—including work tied to the Wheaton community—that urged believers to confront pollution and ecological degradation as moral issues. Building on this early momentum, the College later hosted a significant evangelical climate gathering in 2007, bringing together scientists, pastors, scholars, and policy leaders to explore how Christian conviction should inform environmental action.

Over subsequent decades, Wheaton faculty, students, and alumni have engaged in research and global initiatives addressing biodiversity loss, ecological justice, sustainable development, and the health of vulnerable communities. These efforts reflect a sustained institutional commitment to stewarding creation with intellectual rigor, scientific integrity, and Christian compassion.

Engaging Students in Stewardship

Wheaton students are deeply engaged in advancing creation care both on campus and beyond. Many arrive with a strong interest in environmental issues and quickly find opportunities to connect their faith with practical action. The liberal arts curriculum equips them to approach stewardship from scientific, theological, ethical, and global perspectives—preparing them to lead thoughtfully in their communities, churches, and future vocations.

Students have also taken initiative in forming environmental groups and launching projects that demonstrate Christian responsibility toward creation. Their efforts span a wide range of activities, including hosting campus sustainability competitions, coordinating environmental conservation summits, conducting ecological research, tending the campus gardens, and designing stewardship initiatives that extend into the city of Chicago and around the world. These student-led projects not only enhance campus sustainability but also model a lived Christian environmental ethic.

Wheaton College IL Student Government Representatives 2020

Student Government Campus Sustainability Committee

The Sustainability Committee leads student-driven initiatives that promote environmental responsibility across campus. The group collaborates with Facilities, academic departments, and student leaders to run sustainability competitions, reduce waste, and support long-term resource stewardship.

Student in Community Garden at Wheaton College

A Rocha Wheaton

A local chapter of the international Christian conservation organization, A Rocha Wheaton engages students in hands-on ecological care and environmental discipleship. Activities include habitat restoration, community education, nature stewardship projects, and theological reflection on creation care.

Learn About A Rocha Wheaton

Honduras Project

The Honduras Project brings students together for sustainable, community-focused development initiatives in rural Honduras. Through partnerships with local leaders, students work on projects such as water systems, agriculture support, and environmental improvement—integrating service, cultural learning, and responsible stewardship.

Learn About Honduras Project

LEED-Certified Buildings and Sustainable Campus Design

Wheaton’s commitment to sustainability is visible across campus through thoughtfully designed, environmentally responsible facilities. Several key campus buildings have earned LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, demonstrating high standards in energy efficiency, water conservation, material selection, and indoor environmental quality.

These facilities showcase Wheaton’s dedication to long-term stewardship:

Energy-efficient building systems that reduce utility usage and carbon impact
Improved indoor air quality that supports student and employee well-being
Sustainable materials and construction practices that minimize waste
Water-saving technologies that lower consumption and protect natural resources

From residence halls to academic spaces, these LEED-certified buildings reflect Wheaton’s commitment to caring for creation through practical, measurable actions. Detailed information about each LEED-certified facility—including sustainability features and design highlights—is available on the linked building pages.

Meyer Science Center

The Wheaton College Meyer Science Center holds LEED Gold certification, reflecting the College’s commitment to sustainability through energy- and water-efficient systems, responsible construction practices, environmentally sensitive site design, and healthy indoor environmental standards.

LEED Certification -Wheaton Science Center

Memorial Student Center

The Memorial Student Center, dedicated in 1951 to honor Wheaton’s World War II “Gold Star Sons,” has been transformed from a student hub into a modern academic space that preserves its historic character. Renovated in 2008, the building retained over 95% of its original structure and earned LEED Silver certification through sustainable construction, energy- and water-efficient systems, and improved indoor environmental quality—all while continuing to serve as a meaningful landmark on campus.

LEED Certification - Memorial Student Center

Food Service & Sustainable Dining

Wheaton’s commitment to stewardship extends to the food we serve and the systems behind it. Facilities Services has implemented multiple sustainability initiatives, including reducing waste, improving recycling efficiency, conserving fossil fuels, decreasing water use, and transitioning to “green” chemical cleaners.

Our dining partner, Bon Appétit Management Company, shares this dedication to environmental responsibility. At Wheaton, Bon Appétit focuses on sourcing organic and locally grown ingredients, expanding plant-forward and vegetarian offerings, and partnering with students to reduce food waste, water use, and reliance on paper and plastic disposables.

Key Focus Areas

Animal Welfare — humane treatment of animals and ethically raised products.
Antibiotics and Hormones — minimizing the use of non-therapeutic antibiotics in meat and egg sourcing.
Climate Impact — reducing the carbon footprint associated with food production.
Fair Trade & Farmworkers’ Rights — promoting ethical, just supply chains.
Disposables — reducing single-use items and shifting toward compostable and reusable options.
Food Waste — cutting plate and production waste through student partnerships and operational changes.
Local Food — sourcing ingredients from farms within approximately 150 miles of campus.
Sustainable Seafood — following rigorous standards for environmentally responsible seafood.

Through these efforts, Wheaton models everyday creation care, encourages responsible consumption, and connects the stewardship of resources with our Christian mission.