The EcoReps Program is a student-led, peer-to-peer sustainability initiative embedded within Rice University’s eleven residential colleges. Each college is represented by up to two EcoReps who lead efforts to promote environmental awareness and action at the college level. Their work includes projects focused on energy and water conservation, waste reduction, recycling, and sustainability education tailored to their communities.
EcoReps are employed by the Office of Sustainability, with additional support from Housing and Dining’s Green Fund, which helps bring their ideas to life. For more information, contact Dr. Kristianna Bowles, Associate Director for Sustainability, at kb102@rice.edu.
Click here to meet your college's EcoReps.
What Do EcoReps Do?
EcoReps lead a wide variety of sustainability projects within their residential colleges, including:
- Lending reusable Greenware for college events
- Creating herb and vegetable gardens to support college serveries
- Planting trees and pollinator-friendly plants
- Installing hand dryers and motion-sensing lights in common areas
- Setting up e-waste and special recycling stations
- Hosting DIY environmental workshops and events
- Organizing panels and discussions on sustainability topics
Beyond individual college efforts, EcoReps collaborate on Office of Sustainability and campus-wide initiatives promoting sustainable living across the university.
Program History
The EcoReps Program began in 2006 as a pilot at Martel College, with Ben Stevenson serving as Rice’s first EcoRep. In 2007, a group of undergraduates secured an Envision Grant to expand the program university-wide. By Spring 2008, every residential college had at least one EcoRep, and the program has continued to grow ever since.
The Head EcoRep role was introduced to provide leadership and coordination across colleges. Below is a list of past Head EcoReps who have helped shape the program:
- Jeremy Caves: 2008–2009
- Rebecca Sagastegui: 2009–2011
- Christina Hughes: 2011–2013
- Brian Strasters: 2013–2014
- Zach Bielak: 2014–2015
- Chynna Foucek & Lindsy Pang: 2015–2016
- Conrado Asenjo: 2016–2017
- Travis Kwee: 2017–2018
- Allison Yelvington & Sarah Silberman: 2018–2019
- Sam Holloway & Aurora Kessler: 2019–2020
- Christine Zhao & Lucy Revercomb: 2020–2021
In 2022, the program underwent a key transition with the creation of a full-time staff position within the Office of Sustainability dedicated to overseeing and supporting the EcoReps. This shift has strengthened the program’s continuity, expanded its capacity, and deepened its integration into campus-wide sustainability efforts.