Sustainability isn’t just a tagline here at Rowan University, it’s an emerging topic that affects both students and faculty on and off campus. From faculty-led examination and analysis to student-led advocacy and projects, Rowan is continuously attempting to confront climate change and prevent the potentially catastrophic effects that can come as a result of climate change. Dr. Ted Howell, a faculty member of the Department of Geography, Planning, & Sustainability, School of Earth & Environment here at Rowan, is at the forefront of these efforts. 

Dr. Howell spoke of two common ways universities begin to address sustainability efforts on campus, and that is through academic education regarding the topic and ecosystem-friendly infrastructure on campus grounds. Rowan has committed to recruiting faculty members who have experience in encouraging sustainable efforts and combating climate change, particularly through the School of Earth and Environment. 

“There are faculty in departments like political science or education who think about climate change and sustainability from their perspectives–they’re incorporating it into classes that aren’t specifically about these topics,” Howell said. 

Rowan’s devotion to remaining sustainable trickles down to the physical grounds on campus. The university’s grounds team recently has been making conscious efforts to preserve the environment and protect the ecosystem. Namely, planting native species that would in turn less water and support the local environment. 

“These decisions about landscaping and natural areas on campus are critical. Planting native species benefits the environment and creates a more sustainable campus,” Howell said. 

Rowan has taken a step to remain ecologically friendly, while continuously remaining visually appealing. 

It’s not just faculty that is keeping up with the efforts to remain sustainable, as students have been playing a key role in steering Rowan’s sustainability efforts. The Rowan Environmental Action League (REAL), leads the university in many impactful initiatives. 

“They plan cleanups around campus, remove invasive plant species, and manage the community garden near the freshman dorms. The garden is a great space where students grow produce and learn about sustainable gardening techniques,” Howell said. 

The club also meets bi-weekly and often features guest speakers to educate those who attend about climatology and of course sustainability advocacy. For example, there was a recent event that featured a professor who shared her experiences from her time researching in Antarctica. 

Other groups on campus also join in on the hope for sustainability. The Rowan Progressives have also previously hosted events in the past that addressed sustainability efforts. Last year, they launched a divestment movement that encouraged the university to discontinue investing in fossil fuel companies. Their advocacy has included official petitions to the Board of Trustees here at Rowan that encouraged more ethical investment practices and procedures. 

“Student voices are taken seriously at Rowan, when enough students advocate for change, whether through clubs or the Student Government Association, they can influence decisions at the highest levels,” Howell said. 

Rowan has also taken part in national initiatives like the Campus Race to Zero Waste, which encourages and emphasizes the importance of reducing the amount of yearly waste that universities omit. 

Constantly hearing about the potentially catastrophic effects climate change can have on us can be intimidating. Students and faculty can feel overwhelmed when looking at all of the warnings, however, it is imperative to responsibly turn that fear into action. 

“It’s emotionally difficult to think about climate change, but we need to talk about how it impacts us and not treat it as just a scientific problem. How we feel about it changes how we act,” Howell said. 

Although Rowan has made substantial progress in practicing sustainability, there is always room for improvement. Initiatives like the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment, and Rating System (STARS), hold the user accountable and provide information on how to continue to remain sustainable. 

The more students express that sustainability is important to them, the more the university will prioritize it,” Howell said. 

In the past few years, Rowan has continuously improved upon their own efforts to both expand while remaining sustainable, as well as educate others to practice sustainability in their everyday life. It is important to encourage each other to become more environmentally conscious of our actions. 

“Get involved. Whether it’s joining a club like REAL, taking a sustainability-focused elective, or simply advocating for change, your voice matters. Together, we can create a campus and a future that reflects our commitment to the environment,” Howell said.

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