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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

Students walking amongst pine trees on Northwestern campus

Celebrate Earth Month 2023

April 1, 2023

While there is much to be done to reduce our contributions to climate change, it is important to celebrate along the way. Keep reading to see highlights of some ways to participate in Earth Month activities, and check out the full calendar of events at Earth Month 2023.

Landscape photo of Evanston campus, overlooking the lake

Northwestern named EPA energy efficiency partner for fourth consecutive year

March 28, 2023

Northwestern has earned the ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year — Sustained Excellence Award for the fourth consecutive year from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). In 2020, Northwestern was the first university to ever receive the award.

8 members of the Goyal lab smiling in an apple orchard

Northwestern's First Green Labs Certified Lab!

February 28, 2023

sustainNU is excited to highlight the first lab to complete our new Green Labs Certification: the Goyal Lab, led by Dr. Yogesh Goyal. Read on to learn more about the Goyal Lab and their commitment to sustainability. If you are interested in becoming Green Labs Certified, you can learn more here.

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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