Breaking New Ground in Sustainable Campus Living
In fall 2023, Yale Divinity School achieved a historic milestone by breaking ground on the Living Village, an ambitious zero-waste, regenerative residential complex that will set new standards for sustainable campus housing. This groundbreaking project represents more than just construction—it embodies a revolutionary approach to how universities can integrate environmental stewardship into every aspect of campus life, including where students live and learn. As the largest living-building residential complex planned for any university campus, the Living Village demonstrates Yale’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in sustainable architecture and campus development, creating a model that other institutions worldwide will likely study and emulate.
Redefining Campus Sustainability Standards
The Living Village project positions Yale Divinity School at the forefront of regenerative design, moving beyond traditional “green building” concepts to create a residential environment that actively contributes to ecological health. The zero-waste approach means the complex will be designed to eliminate waste streams entirely, while the regenerative features will ensure the buildings give back more to the environment than they consume. This innovative residential complex will serve as a living laboratory for sustainable practices, providing divinity students with daily exposure to cutting-edge environmental stewardship while advancing Yale’s broader sustainability goals and demonstrating how religious education and environmental responsibility can be seamlessly integrated.