The President's
Laudato Si’ Sustainability Initiative
Saint Joseph’s University has formalized its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship with the launch of a University-wide sustainability program inspired by Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si', “On Care for Our Common Home.”
What is Sustainability?
Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. — 1987 United Nations Brundtland Commission
Sustainability requires a systems-thinking approach that balances protecting the environment, promoting social well-being and enhancing economic vitality.
Campus Sustainability Month 2026
To celebrate Campus Sustainability Month and the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, Saint Joseph's University will host a number of sustainability events throughout the month of October. Check the link below often for updates as events are added.
University Achieves Laudato Si’ Certification for Advancing Sustainability
Since formalizing its commitment to a University-wide sustainability plan in 2024, Saint Joseph’s University has earned certification from the Laudato Si’ Action Platform — an initiative supported by the Vatican that promotes integral ecology.
The Arboretum is among just 48 Level III accredited arboreta in the United States.
Elizabeth Main joins the University with over a decade of experience in higher education sustainability.
Justin E. Everett, PhD, talks branches of climate fiction, emerging subgenres and reading recommendations.
Sister Thea Bowman Residence Hall
Sister Thea Bowman Hall, a stunning six-story residence that houses more than 500 first-year students, opened its doors in the fall of 2025. The state-of-the-art building offers its residents a greener, healthier and more sustainable living experience through the use of geothermal energy, underground stormwater retention systems and a bioretention basin.