Loras College Commits to Catholic Church’s Sustainability Initiative

Loras College has signed on as one of the Catholic colleges and universities committed to Pope Francis’ appeal for a renewed focus on ecological preservation. The College joins other instituitions around the globe committing to a seven-year effort to working toward a more sustainable campus and planet.

The Laudato Si’ Action Platform is a unique collaboration between the Vatican, an international coalition of Catholic organizations and “all men and women of good will” according to the official website. The platform presents seven goals to help guide the efforts to strive toward total sustainability.

“Loras College is honored to be part of this large network of Catholic entities committed to advance Pope Francis’ powerful Laudato Si’ message through this seven-year journey,” President Jim Collins (’84) said. “We are especially pleased to join the many Catholic colleges and universities from across the world in partnering toward the Holy Father’s seven goals.”

Laudato Si’: On Care for our Common House is an encyclical written by Pope Francis. Published in 2015, it calls on people to engage in prayerful reflection and action to protect and preserve the Earth and its inhabitants. The name comes from the first line of the book that translates to “praise be to you, my Lord.”

The Loras Sustainability Committee, made up of students, faculty and staff, will lead the endeavor on campus to identify how to continue current sustainability efforts in line with the goals outlined by the platform as well as finding gaps where improvements can be made.