Sustainability at Goshen College

Goshen College has been recognized as a leader in the field of sustainability among small liberal arts colleges.

We are a community of scholars committed to working for restorative and hope-filled solutions to our world’s sustainability challenges. We are looking for students who share our passion for restoring right relationships with each other and creation. We hope you join us.

Goshen College was named one of America's greenest colleges by The Princeton Review and Sierra Club

Academic Programs

NEW: Majors in environmental & marine science, sustainability management, sustainability studies and sustainable food systems! Goshen College offers a variety of hands-on opportunities to learn about sustainability. Also, check out our Sustainability Leadership Semester, Agroecology Summer Intensive, master’s program and more!

Green Campus Initiatives

In recent years we have taken numerous steps to reduce our carbon footprint: converting 20 percent of lawn space to native plants and prairie restoration, building a solar hot water collection system for our Recreation-Fitness Center, and purchasing 100 percent of campus electricity from renewable sources. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Get Involved

At Goshen College, students have initiated all sorts of green projects on campus. Join our environmental club, EcoPax, volunteer with our student-led composting program, plants trees on campus, research with the Algae Town project, oversee controlled burns of the campus’s native prairies, and much more!

Where will you study?

The Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center is a 1,189-acre natural sanctuary located 35 minutes from the main campus and offers access to most of the habitats found in northeastern Indiana. It is home to the first LEED Platinum certified buildings in Indiana.

News & Features

President Brenneman signs letter stating ‘we are still in’ Paris Climate Agreement

June 26, 2017

Goshen College President Jim Brenneman joined other college presidents, mayors, governors and business leaders by signing an open letter to declare institutional commitment to the 2015 Paris Agreement, despite withdrawal by the federal government.

Exec. Dir. of Merry Lea Luke Gascho on "The Future Church Summit: Light, Salt and Tenacity" - Mennonite Church USA

June 3, 2017

Being connected to the Mennonite Church is a stream that runs deeply through my life. My heritage has long roots in the Anabaptist tradition for which I am grateful. But my connection consists of much more than an ethnic, cultural and familial basis. While each of these elements plays a role in whom I am, I find the deepest connection in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

Goshen College’s special food event focuses on bees - Food Management Magazine

May 11, 2017

Dandelion cookies and salad were among menu items featured at Goshen College’s dining hall to highlight the critical role pollinator species play in the ecosystem.

Goshen College is Indiana’s first Bee Campus USA

May 3, 2017

Goshen College has been named Indiana’s first Bee Campus USA and is just the second college in the Midwest and 27th nationally to be recognized for its work in supporting pollinators such as bees.

GC maintains Tree Campus USA honors

April 25, 2017

Goshen College has been honored for the third consecutive year with 2017 Tree Campus USA® recognition by the Arbor Day Foundation for its commitment to effective urban forest management.