Sustainability

At Holy Cross, sustainability isn’t a buzzword — it’s our collective responsibility. Safeguarding the environment for future generations reflects our Jesuit mission. We embrace this challenge at all levels of our institution — from College-wide initiatives that reduce electrical usage to student-driven programs that promote climate-friendly practices.

aerial view of the Holy Cross campus with Fenwick Hall at center
Commitment to Sustainability
An Environmentally Responsible College

For the 12th consecutive year, Holy Cross has been included in the Princeton Review's "Guide to Green Colleges."

ivy-covered Fenwick Hall
Carbon Commitment

In 2007, former president Rev. Michael C. McFarland, S.J., signed Second Nature's Carbon Commitment, agreeing to work toward carbon neutrality by 2040.

man from salvation army collecting a bag of used clothing
Recycling and Waste Reduction

The Holy Cross community diverts waste through reuse, recycling, compost, and donations.

students hold up sign that reads “hc against climate change” at climate strike outside worcester’s city hall
Get Involved

Find ways to enact positive environmental change, both on campus and in the world.

students sitting on couch at joyce contemplative center
Holy Cross Green Fund

Established and directed by students, the Holy Cross Green Fund offers grant funding to projects that positively impact the environment and Holy Cross students.

students working on a vegetable farm
Office of Sustainability

The Office of Sustainability provides centralized coordination, accountability, and encouragement to foster environmental sustainability.

Memorial Plaza outside of Smith Hall
Presidential Task Force on the Environment

Formed in 2007, this multi-departmental task force makes campuswide recommendations to advance campus sustainability.

two holy cross dining employees posing for camera
Sustainability in Dining

Dedicated to exceptional service, Dining Services sources food and beverages locally, reduces waste, and collaborates with the community.

grounds employee working on campus greenhouse
Sustainability at Holy Cross Blog

This blog offers information and news about sustainability across the Holy Cross community.

Academic Programs

students present before professor and classmates at smith hall entrance
Environmental Studies

Investigates local, national and global contemporary and past environmental issues through a multi-disciplinary study of culture, art, economics, history, biology, and the physical sciences.

students on field trip hiking a mountain
Geosciences

Explores our Earth’s complex systems and the relationships between the solid earth, hydrosphere, biosphere and atmosphere.

group of students peering through binoculars
Biology

Students will find courses in environmental science, marine biology, toxicology, and field biology, studying life and living organisms.

students view artwork outside of dinand library
The Natural World Cluster in Montserrat

First-year students explore humans' relationship with the natural world by linking seminar and cocurricular activities.