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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.

Take Action

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 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

A bat flying, catching a moth

Exploring Northwestern's Bats

March 17, 2025

Northwestern’s Evanston campus has become one of the most recent study sites for a Chicago-wide study of urban bats. sustainNU invites you to join our monitoring team and contribute to vital research on local bat populations.

The design team posing in Shakespeare Woods

Restoring Shakespeare Woods

March 17, 2025

The Shakespeare Woods restoration project focuses on creating a habitat for local wildlife, like the endangered rusty-patched bumblebee, while boosting biodiversity by removing invasive plants and introducing native species.

The OUR Team posing with a Green Office Certificate

New Green Labs and Green Offices!

March 17, 2025

Congratulations to the most recent recipients of the Green Office & Labs Certification! These groups show that adopting sustainable practices is both achievable and impactful.

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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