Rooted in Sustainability: How William Penn Builds a Greener Campus

03/18/2026

At William Penn University, sustainability is more than an initiative. It is a reflection of the institution’s Quaker values of stewardship, community, and service. Through intentional practices and long-term commitments, the university continues to care for its campus environment while preparing future leaders to do the same.

One of the most impactful sustainability efforts takes place daily within the dining hall. For more than a decade, Sodexo Food Services has led a composting program that diverts significant amounts of waste from landfills. Food waste, paper products, and plant-based disposables are collected and separated, helping reduce the university’s environmental footprint in a consistent and meaningful way.

Each week, approximately 3,000 to 4,000 pounds of waste are redirected through this process. Students simply place their dishes on a conveyor system, where trained Sodexo staff handle the sorting. Through ongoing training at hire and throughout the year, staff ensure compostable materials are properly separated, minimizing contamination and maintaining the integrity of the program.

Collected compostable materials are transported to Chamness Technologies in Eddyville, Iowa, where they are processed off campus. While the finished compost is not currently returned for use at William Penn, the impact remains significant. Thousands of pounds of waste are kept out of landfills, supporting a more sustainable waste management system without additional cost to the university.

Sustainability efforts extend beyond the dining hall and are visible throughout campus. All donor benches across William Penn University grounds have been created from melted-down plastic bags, transforming waste into durable, functional features. These benches not only serve the campus community but also stand as a visible example of how innovative thinking can support environmental responsibility.

William Penn’s commitment to environmental stewardship has also earned recognition at the state level. The university is designated as a Tree Campus by the Arbor Day Foundation, placing it among just ten institutions in Iowa to receive this distinction. This designation reflects a strong commitment to maintaining green spaces, caring for campus trees, and promoting environmental awareness.

Together, these efforts highlight William Penn University’s ongoing dedication to sustainability. Grounded in Quaker values, the university continues to serve both its campus and the broader community through thoughtful, responsible practices that prioritize long-term environmental impact.