Sustainability Projects

Community Gardens

Denison University’s John R. Hunting ’54 Environmental Sustainability Venture Fund was established to help Denison become an innovative leader in campus sustainability by implementing changes in the ways that our community uses its resources. This fund supports individuals and organizations that wish to improve the environmental state of Denison’s campus, but lack the financial means to do so. Students, faculty, staff and organizations are encouraged to submit proposals for projects that range from $100 to $2,000 in capital and/or operating costs.

Denison’s Hunting Venture Fund aspires to make the best use of resources, seeks sustainable options, disposes of waste in ways that reduce negative impact, and takes into consideration the life cycle and environmental impact of materials and products purchased by the college.

Past projects funded by the Environmental Venture Fund:

  • Campus Community Garden - a pilot campus garden to advance awareness and knowledge of food production and sustainable agriculture
  • Organic Herbicides - testing various non-toxic alternatives to weed control on campus vs. using Round-Up
  • Shut the Sash - a labeling project for all campus lab vent hoods in an effort to reduce energy associated with heating and cooling lab spaces
  • Laundry Exchange - loans clothes-drying racks to students with the goal of reducing use of electric dryers
  • Reusable Water Bottles Campaign - reduces use of disposable water bottles being used in the Dance Department. The Dance building will be declared a
  • “Disposable Water Bottle Free Zone”
  • Shoe Recycling - promotes waste minimization and collect and distribute shoes (through Soles4Souls) to people in need worldwide
  • Apartment Composting Program - cuts organic waste in student apartments and creates usable compost for campus landscaping projects
  • Weatherization Workshop - decreases energy consumption and trains students in home weatherization techniques for use on campus and in the local community
  • Bandersnatch Goes Green - purchased reusable dishware for a popular student-run coffee shop on campus
  • Green Model Dorm Room - promotes eco-friendly options in all residence hall rooms on campus. Features of the room include smart power strips, CFL and
  • LED lights, organic sheets, drying racks, green cleaning supplies, Fair Trade foods, and Energy Star appliances.
  • Low Flow Fixtures - reduces water usage and increase student awareness, all toilets were equipped with dual-flush valves in Crawford Hall
  • Water Bottle Refilling Station - promotes the use of reusable water bottles on campus, two drinking fountains were converted to water bottle refilling stations
  • PEAS Rooftop Garden - created an herb and produce garden on the roof of Curtis Dining Hall
  • Service Learning, Sustainability & Social Entrepreneurship Workshop - promotes the incorporation of the triple bottom line of sustainability into the curriculum at Denison and in co-curricular activities

Grant Proposals

Denison’s Hunting Venture Fund aspires to make the best use of resources, seek sustainable options, dispose of waste in ways that reduce negative impact and take into consideration the life cycle and environmental impact of materials and products purchased by the college.

The fund supports individuals and organizations that wish to improve the environmental state of Denison’s campus, but lack the financial means to do so. Students, faculty, staff and organizations are encouraged to submit proposals for projects that range from $100 to $5,000 in capital and/or operating costs.

To streamline the grant process - the Environmental Venture Fund application was combined with the Green Hill Revolving Loan Fund into one common project proposal form. The Campus Sustainability Committee will review applications on a rolling basis and will determine which source of funding will be utilitized for the proposed project.

To apply submit a project proposal or idea, use the form below:

Green Hill Nomination Form ↪