Environmental justice is the movement to address sustainability in a way that is inclusive to marginalized groups. The Laudato Si’ Action Platform, inspired by Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical “Laudato Si’, on Care for Our Common Home”, has set numerous sustainability-focused goals, among them standing in solidarity with vulnerable and marginalized groups in the fight for environmental justice. As one of the first universities in the world to sign on to the Laudato Si’ Action Platform, Catholic University strives to achieve this objective and meet the precedent set by the Church. 

Catholic University of America addresses environmental justice is by ensuring that community members facing financial and food insecurity have access to the resources they need.

Cardinal Cupboard. Cardinal Cupboard, the food pantry on campus, provides non-perishable food and toiletry items to members of the community experiencing food insecurity​​. Patrons may arrive at the pantry during open hours and shop on their own, or request that bag(s) be premade and available for pickup. 

Community Gardens. Catholic University’s community garden grows produce that is donated to Cardinal Cupboard. In 2022 and 2023, over 600 pounds of produce were grown and donated each year by students and staff. Additionally, the Franciscan Monastery Garden Guild service site allows students to contribute to a community garden that donates thousands of pounds of produce each year to food pantries in the area.

Cardinal Closet. Cardinal Closet is the University’s student-run free thrift store. Opened in Fall 2022 in McMahon B02, the Closet provides community members with access to clothing and household items free of charge. Cardinal Closet also offers professional clothing for interviews as well as maternity clothing. 

Food Recoveries. Starting in Fall 2022, food recoveries from Admissions Open Houses and other catered events on campus provided meals to various organizations serving vulnerable populations. These recoveries redirect food that would otherwise be wasted to those that need it. Over the course of the 2022-2023 academic year, over 770 meals were donated from our food recovery efforts and in the 2023-2024 academic year, over 640 pounds of food were donated. 

Community Solar. Catholic University is home to the region's largest urban ground solar array on West Campus, which will eliminate the equivalent carbon dioxide emissions of nearly 800,630 gallons of gasoline. This renewable energy project is in addition to the 2,600 solar panels already installed on Main Campus. A portion of the 6 MW solar array will be made available as a community solar project, allowing members of the DC community to share in the benefits from purchasing solar power.

Addressing Racial Inequity. The Thea Bowman Committee was created in 2020 to study all facets of University operations and make recommendations concerning racial equality to the University leadership. The committee’s first report, released in 2022, aims to examine, assess, and make recommendations to improve the University’s efforts towards racial equity. The committee’s first report can be found here.