Office of Integral Ecology

Office of Integral Ecology

The Office of Integral Ecology at Barry University inspires and empowers our campus community to care for creation through the lens of integral ecology—a holistic approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of environmental, social, economic, cultural, and ethical dimensions of life. Grounded in Barry’s Core Commitments and the legacy of the Adrian Dominican Sisters, the Office leads the university’s participation in the Laudato Si’ Action Platform and engages the entire community in living out the Seven Laudato Si’ Goals:

  • Response to the Cry of the Earth
  • Response to the Cry of the Poor
  • Ecological Economics
  • Adoption of Sustainable Lifestyles
  • Ecological Education
  • Ecological Spirituality
  • Community Engagement and Participatory Action

At the heart of our work is the belief that environmental justice and human dignity are inseparable. By fostering ecological awareness, encouraging reflection and eco-spirituality, and inspiring action across all areas of campus life, we cultivate a culture ofsustainability, solidarity, and care for our common home.

What We Do

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    Institutional Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship

    We guide campus-wide efforts to reduce Barry University’s environmental footprint through strategic planning, policy development, and collaboration across departments. Through initiatives like “Barry Green,” we promote sustainability in operations, energy use, waste reduction, and resource management, fostering a culture of ecological responsibility that extends into the surrounding community.

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    Education and Formation

    The Office provides educational and formation opportunities that deepen understanding of integral ecology and empower faculty, staff, and students to live out the values of Laudato Si’. We offer professional development, sustainability training, and eco-spiritual programs that integrate faith, ethics, and ecological awareness into teaching, campus life, and personal practice.

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    Community Engagement and Action

    Extending our work beyond campus, we partner with local and global communities to advance environmental justice, resilience, and sustainability. Through youth programs, student-led initiatives, and collaborations with networks such as the Laudato Si’ Movement and Catholic Climate Covenant, we equip the next generation of ecological leaders and connect Barry’s mission to the broader movement for care of our common home.

Events

Latest News

  • Camp Common Home Pilot Brings High Schoolers into a Week of Ecological FormationJuly 17, 2026

    This July, the Office of Integral Ecology directed the inaugural pilot of Camp Common Home for Ecological Action, a five-day summer program integrating environmental science, social justice, eco-spirituality, and leadership development in the Catholic and Dominican tradition.

  • Spring Ecological Action Showcase Brings 150 Catholic Youth to CampusApril 30, 2026

    Barry welcomed 150 participants to campus for the Ecological Action Showcase for Catholic youth, the second of three annual installments of programming for South Florida's Youth Ecological Action Network.

  • Barry Community Explores the Environmental and Social Impacts of Artificial IntelligenceApril 14, 2026

    The Office of Integral Ecology hosted Coded Costs: AI’s Impact on the Environment and Vulnerable Communities, a Deliberative Dialogue that brought members of the Barry University community together with local experts to explore the environmental and social implications of artificial intelligence.

  • Barry Students Take the Stage at PACT's Nehemiah Action, Winning Commitments on Housing and Mental HealthApril 13, 2026

    More than 800 South Floridians filled Corpus Christi Catholic Church for the annual Nehemiah Action Assembly of Miami PACT (People Acting for Community Together), the largest interfaith direct-action organization in the region.

  • Honors and CRAFT Scholars Travel to Immokalee: Farmworker Rights, the Everglades, and the Cost of Our FoodFebruary 28, 2026

    25 students and six faculty and staff members traveled to Southwest Florida for a day at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary and the Coalition of Immokalee Workers

  • Barry University Advances Renewable Energy Commitment Through Community SolarJanuary 05, 2026

    Barry University is continuing its commitment to integral ecology through participation in Florida Power & Light’s SolarTogether program, a community solar initiative that enables institutions and other customers to support renewable energy generated at large-scale solar facilities in Florida.

  • Arbor Day Returns to Barry with a Living Tribute to the Adrian Dominican SistersNovember 03, 2025

    Barry students, faculty, and staff gathered to plant 25 Pink Cassia cherry blossom trees, marking the first installment of a campus-wide planting that will continue through 2030.

  • Barry Hosts the Inaugural Together for Tomorrow Summit for Catholic High SchoolsOctober 09, 2025

    Thirteen local Catholic high schools sent students to campus, for a total of 195 participants, who spent the day in a series of integral ecology workshops led in partnership with four Laudato Si' community partners.

  • Season of Creation Closes with the Mass of St. Francis and the Blessing of the PetsOctober 04, 2025

    Each year from September 1 through October 4, the Catholic Church observes the Season of Creation, a time for prayer, reflection, and action in recognition of our shared responsibility for our common home.

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