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sustainNU

Dedicated to Creating a Greener Campus

Northwestern is committed to a 30% reduction in scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

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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

Northwestern Intercampus Shuttle

University Shuttles Go Hybrid

November 19, 2024

Northwestern will launch a new fleet of hybrid-electric shuttle buses in Fall of 2025, marking an exciting move toward reducing the university’s carbon footprint and improving air quality on campus and beyond.

A image of the arch on the Northwestern Evanston campus

Sustainability Orientation

November 19, 2024

Each year nearly 2,500 undergraduate students join our campus community. A group of returning students believed there is an opportunity for greater awareness of sustainability practices on campus and worked to incorporate a video into Purple Prep, the orientation for incoming students.

A word cloud comprised of terms related to sustainability

To me, Sustainability is...

November 19, 2024

What does sustainability mean to you? It is a multifaceted concept, touching on many different areas of human and ecological interest. Starting to understand these interpretations can help us create inclusive and holistic approaches to environmental challenges. It can also help to build community around these issues and empower collective action.

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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