Jesuit, Catholic, and Green: Evidence from Loyola University Chicago

Abstract

In this article, we investigate the relationship between religion, spirituality, and sustainability ethics. We focus on the sustainability efforts and channels that a Catholic Jesuit university employs in defining sustainability for business education and the global community through a consideration of the themes of social justice and the value of life. Specifically, we examine the model embraced by Loyola University Chicago (LUC), which promotes sustainability ethics and initiatives through their campus infrastructure, academic curriculum, and institutional culture. We examine emerging student-run businesses and their impact on the environment from a social justice perspective. Sustainability initiatives include on-campus biodiesel production, bottled water bans, sustainable farming, water conservation, and the creation of a sustainability dashboard.