Stewardship and Sustainability at Wheaton

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.

Read More About Faithfulness, the Gospel, and Care for Creation in Wheaton Magazine

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.

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.

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.