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sustainNU

Dedicated to Creating a Greener Campus

Northwestern Is Currently Finalizing Its Next Strategic Sustainability Plan

The full text of the Strategic Sustainability Plan (SSP) will be published at this site when review and approval have been finalized. sustainNU continues to drive initiatives supporting the 7 program areas that guide our efforts.

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Everyone can contribute to efforts to create a greener, more sustainable campus.

Sunset behind trees on lake - Evanston campus.

Our Mission

sustainNU is a University-wide program that aims to engage students, faculty, and staff in reducing—and eventually eliminating—Northwestern’s contribution to climate change. In doing so, we will lead the way toward a greener, healthier, and more sustainable future.

sustainNU commits to creating an ecologically sound, socially just, and economically sustainable culture at Northwestern. We will encourage our entrepreneurial students, industry-leading researchers, world-class faculty, dedicated staff, and supporting communities to integrate sustainability into all their endeavors. We will set an example of environmental accountability for generations to come.

Learn more about us

Program Areas

Northwestern is committed to fostering environmental and ethical stewardship. Our Strategic Sustainability Plan sets the framework for a range of action plans targeting seven key priority program areas.

LEARN ABOUT OUR ENVIRONMENTAL PRIORITIES

University Hall

Campus Sustainability News

News

Students standing around a tree planting location with tall shovels

Earth Month 2024 Celebrations

April 1, 2024

sustainNU invites you to celebrate Earth Month! Throughout April, there are opportunities to engage with your community and take action for a healthier planet. Earth month kicks off with a session on the importance of pollinators, next up is a guided tour of the Actions for Earth exhibit at the Block, followed by a fair featuring the creative ways our campus supports sustainability, and wraps up with our annual Arbor Day tree planting. 

Birds eye view of the Evanston campus

Northwestern receives ENERGY STAR’s highest honor for fifth consecutive year

March 26, 2024

Northwestern University received the ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year — Sustained Excellence Award for the fifth consecutive year from the U.S. EPA. This is the EPAs highest honor, recognizing businesses and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to energy efficiency and the transition to a clean energy economy.

Members of the Pollack lab holding up certificate

Northwestern Expands Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure to the Chicago Campus

December 13, 2023

Four new electric vehicle charging stations, strategically placed in the Huron Superior and Erie Ontario parking garages, demonstrate the University’s commitment to fostering environmentally conscious practices and supporting the growing prevalence of electric vehicles.

Share Your Story

Do you have a story that we should know about?

Submit your feedback, relevant events for sustainNU to publicize, and sustainability stories to feature on the sustainNU website/social media/newsletters.

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