For Alumni For Community
joyful woman ready for chapel

Sustainability

Sustainability

At Virginia Theological Seminary, we believe that it is our obligation to safeguard and preserve this remarkable world that God has given us. We offer our Community:

  • The Kreitler Environmental Fund – Aims to empower clergy and the church with a strong environmental ethic in order to help conserve and preserve the environment.
  • The Kreitler Environmental Scholarships – Financial assistance for Virginia Seminary students to participate in significant events related to the environment.
  • Environmental Stewardship Committee helps to increase awareness of environmental issues and show the VTS Community ways in which they can live “greener” lives.
  • Alexandria’s First LEED-Certified Residence Completed at Virginia Theological Seminary
Our Mission
student landscaping

Institutional Initiatives for the Environment

The Virginia Theological Seminary is committed to the care of this planet. This committment is reflected through these initiatives and programs.

sustainability preaching

Environmental Preaching Contest

In April 2018, Virginia Theological Seminary announced an environmentally or creation-centered sermon contest with monetary prizes awarded for the top three sermons. Funding was made available through the Kreitler Environmental Fund. (See more below.)

sustainability church

LEED Certification

The Chapel and several of the new residential buildings are LEED certified.

sustainability hand with money

Cultivate VTS

VTS dedicates funding and staff resources for students to develop and direct environmental programs that will most benefit the VTS community as well as their formation and future ministry. See below for more information on Cultivate VTS projects.

Student-led Eco-initiatives

Students have initiated and developed several projects on campus that engage their development for ministry with the practice of environmental stewardship. These initiatives are coordinated by the student group Cultivate VTS. Read more about the projects below:

flower seeds

Gardens

The VTS Community Garden boasts nine raised beds accessed by students and faculty and their families, as well as community members from nearby congregations.

sustainability plant in ground

Community Compost

On-campus students and their families can participate in a community composting program. The compost is used in the gardens and landscaping on campus.

sustainability bee icon

Holy Hill Apiary

The VTS community manages two Bee Hives across the street on the Zebriskie Lot.

sustainability transportation

VTS Commutes

This group advocates for community members to use alternative forms of transportation on and off campus.

sustainability icon of a plant in a hand

VTS Vineyards

There are many parables and metaphors in the Bible about vines and vineyards. This small vineyard allows the students to experience first hand the lessons of tending to a vine.