Illinois State University created a Green Team in April 2000 to assess the extent of campus wide environmental impact. ISU now recycles over 1600 tons of materials each year, has an integrated pest management program in place, and has a green cleaning program in the university's lab schools.

ISU also composts over 30,000 cubic yards of organic materials each year, uses biodiesel and flex-fuel vehicles on campus, and has constructed two permeable concrete parking lots and one five-acre bioswale to filter stormwater runoff.

Furthermore, ISU hired a Sustainability Coordinator to coordinate campus sustainability efforts. ISU was also the host of the 2007 Sustainable University Symposium in August of 2007.