Sustainability
Committing to Environmental and Economic Health

In an effort to become more environmentally healthy and economically conservative, John Brown University is committed to being a sustainable institution, by reducing the volume of usable energy and used material.
JBU also believes that reducing JBU’s carbon footprint and using resources well are just a few ways that JBU can be stewards of God’s Kingdom. Because of that deeply held belief, JBU and generous donors have contributed over $10 million to sustainability projects on campus over the last 15 years.
"The earth is the LORD’S, and all it contains, the world, and those who dwell in it." - Ps. 24:1
Since 2012, JBU has become the first and only zero landfill campus in Arkansas.

45% of JBU's waste is recycled, and the rest is compacted and incinerated.
Sustainable Initiatives

Hydration Stations

Removing Dumpsters

Individual Recycle Bins

LED Interior Lighting in Buildings

White Roofs on Buildings

Cafeteria Waste

Incineration & Compaction

Building Air Conditioning

JBU Fleet Cars

As of 2016, $756,000 savings per year due to sustainability initiatives.

In 2015, JBU achieved Tree Campus USA recognition by the Arbor Day Foundation for its commitment to effective urban forest management.
Community Partnerships
JBU partners with several local waste management authorities and local businesses to recycle everything possible and convert the rest to energy. The university recycles materials in the following ways:
City of Siloam Springs
All paper, cardboard, #1 and #2 plastic, pallets and glass are given to the City of Siloam Springs in exchange for 20 yard containers used for collection of paper, cardboard, and plastics.
Local Recycling Companies
Metals are salvaged and sold to the local metal recycling companies in Siloam Springs. Plastic bags are taken to a local retail store that offers consumer recycling.
E-Waste is Recycled
E-Waste (electronic waste) are recycled by eSco. Rechargeable and non-lead batteries are taken to Lowes for recycling. Batteries and lead based materials are also recycled locally.

Since 2000, the university has increased by a total of 327,007 square feet but has decreased its electric/gas usage by $0.23/per square foot.