Gateway strives to make sustainability a permanent part of its culture. We increase awareness of sustainability issues around campus through education and outreach to empower students, staff and community members to take action. From creating an eco-friendly campus atmosphere to infusing sustainability literacy throughout our curriculum, we’re proud to do our part and care for and protect the environment.
Green Career Education Programs
Our programs prepare students for careers in a growing green economy through training in geothermal heating, wind power and sustainable practices. Some examples include Electrical Engineering Technology and Interior Design.
Principles of Sustainability
Students also have the option to take our Principles of Sustainability course to develop sustainable literacy, investigate alternative energy options and summarize the effects of sustainability on health and well-being.
Green Scholars
The Green Scholars program is a hands-on way to get involved in sustainability activities around Gateway. Earn green points throughout your time at Gateway and graduate with the Green Scholar Distinction after making a real difference in your community.
Green Print
Our Green Print initiative streamlines ink cartridge recycling, reducing the number of machines in use, eliminating unnecessary printing and planting trees to make up for paper used.
Green Buildings
Gateway reduces the environmental impacts of our buildings on campus by using LEED Silver, participating in energy audits, upgrading facilities, improving lighting and water efficiency, using chemicals only when necessary, saving energy by centralizing room scheduling and maintaining stormwater control.
Pike Creek Horticulture Center
Gateway’s Greenhouse Operations program is housed in Gateway’s state-of-the-art Pike Creek Horticulture Center that teaches students to care for plants in greenhouses and innovative labs.
Brookhouse Arboretum
The Pike Creek Horticulture Center also includes an arboretum consisting of 54 trees selected by professional horticulturists based on native character and novelty.
Natural Areas
There are one-acre native prairie plantings on the Racine, Elkhorn and Kenosha campuses and extensive natural areas around the Center for Sustainable Living.
Nature Trail
A ¼ mile Nature Discovery Trail on campus includes five stations with activities involving solar energy, recycling and composting, birds, trees and insects. This trail is available for field trips.