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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

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Campus Sustainability News

News

Members of the Garage pose with their Green Office Certificate

Celebrating Commitment to Sustainability at Northwestern

February 4, 2024

Without the commitment of the entire Northwestern community, achieving an environmentally sustainable campus is not possible. That is why sustainNU is so appreciative of the offices and labs that are dedicated to following best practices for sustainable workplace management through the Green Office and Green Labs Certifications.

Attendees gathered at Project Survival, 1970

Project Survival: Northwestern’s Role in the First Earth Day

February 4, 2024

Northwestern made history in 1970 when 10,000 people crowded into the Technological Institute to stay up throughout the night reflecting on the state of our environment. This teach-out, called “Project Survival”, sparked a nationwide series of environmental events as media coverage caught wind of the large-scale gathering.

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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