SXU to receive sustainability award May 16 from U.S. Green Building Council

SXU’s Paul Matthews elected to USGBC – Chicago Chapter’s Board of Directors

Chicago (March 26, 2009) The U.S. Green Building Council – Chicago Chapter will recognize Saint Xavier University’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint with a 2009 Natural Leader Award on May 16 in a ceremony for award recipients at the Swissotel in Chicago.

Additionally, SXU Assistant Vice President for Facilities Management Paul Matthews recently was elected to the USGBC – Chicago Chapter’s Board of Directors. Matthews heads Saint Xavier’s Office of Sustainability, which oversees several environmentally friendly initiatives such as Saint Xavier’s GreenBike Share Program.

Saint Xavier will be recognized by the USGBC with the SMALL feet/large FEAT award for excellence in organizational change. The award recognizes Saint Xavier’s efforts to achieve carbon neutrality, such as its Greenhouse Gas Audit and LEED-Gold designated Rubloff Hall, the first Illinois higher education building to receive the designation.

The Greenhouse Gas Audit evaluated the University’s carbon footprint and identified areas where reductions could be made, such as student and employee travel. Rubloff Hall is the Chicago campus’ newest residence hall, which utilizes energy efficient design and operates on 100 percent clean source energy.

For more information about Saint Xavier’s green initiatives please visit http://greencampus.sxu.edu/

The USGBC is a national non-profit working to promote buildings that are environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy places to live and work. The USGBC's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact: Rick Ducat
773-298-3325 or ducat@sxu.edu

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