Student Projects

Through academic study, many Villanova students have chosen to incorporate campus sustainability into their research. Below are a few examples of more recent student research:

Stoneleigh: A Natural Garden Stepping stone towards neighborhood conservation.

Battle of the Soxx: Students researched how to build a homemade soxx used during construction to control stormwater pollution at a more affordable rate than buying one. 

Disposable Water Bottles: Students studied the reasoning behind why students prefer disposable water bottles over reusable water bottles.

Paper Towel Use in Fitness Center: Students looked for alternatives to paper towels in the fitness center to clean off equipment.

Reusable To-Go Containers: Students assessed the viability of a reusable take out container in campus dining halls.

Climate Change Opinions: Students surveyed classmates to identify a correlation between climate change belief, area of study, and personal action.

The Effects of College Recreational: Students studied the effects of unregulated human waste disposal on near by soil and stream health.

Aquaponics: Students analyzed the necessity of fish in an aquaponics system by comparing that with fish fertilizer.

Bike Program: Should Villanova invest in a bike share program for on and off campus travel? A group of five students surveyed the student body and found a 68% interest rate in a bike share program.

Electric Fleet: What if our Public Safety replaced their traditional gas powered fleet with electric vehicles? Villanova would see a 58% reduction in the fleet's carbon emissions.

Hydration Stations: Will students use hydration stations if they are placed strategically around campus? Yes! 91% of students say they will switch to reusable water bottles if there are convenient refilling stations around campus.

SEPTA Student Ridership: What would make Villanova students switch to public transit over their personal vehicle? For 87% of students a discounted SEPTA ticket would make them more likely to use public transit.

Solar Farm vs. Field Cover: Does what you build a solar farm on change the systems energy output? According to this study, no. Whether a field or a gray top roof, solar panels preform about the same.

Rock Salt's Effect on Plant Growth: What is the effect of salting the roads and walkways on plants near the salted areas? One student is researching the answer to this question.

University Shuttle: Would an off campus shuttle be used by students and reduce Villanova's carbon footprint? Yes and yes. 90% of students who live off campus said they would use an off campus shuttle on a regular basis, and that switch from personal vehicles would reduce scope three carbon emissions.