You are here: American University News Topics Sustainability

Reduced energy use for the 2025-2026 winter closure.

Environment ·

Holiday Energy Curtailment Results in Carbon Emissions Reduction Equivalent to Taking 63 Cars Off the Road for a Year

AU’s 15-year winter holiday tradition of energy curtailment once again yields campus-wide savings.
Full Story

Charles Lee and Fran Ulmer

Environment ·

SPA’s Center for Environmental Policy Names 2026 William K. Reilly Environmental Leadership Awards

The Center for Environmental School Policy (CEP) is pleased to announce the selections for the 2026 William K. Reilly Awards for Environmental Leadership.
Full Story

Blue heron, Potomac River

Environment ·

Potomac River Sewage Spill: Karen Knee Explains Health and Wildlife Impacts

American University Environmental Scientist Karen Knee explains health threats, wildlife impacts, and economic ripple effects of largest US sewage spill
Full Story

Participants from across campus that made this year's event possible.

Environment ·

Sustainability-themed Men’s Basketball Game Tipped Off Annual Zero Waste Competition

Basketball game helps to promote waste reduction efforts on campus
Full Story

Bronze: Bicycle friendly university 2025-2029. The League of American Bicyclists

Environment ·

AU awarded with Bicycle Friendly University Award

League of American bicyclists recognizes AU’s efforts to promote biking on and off campus
Full Story

The McKinley building, which earned LEED Gold certification, is home to the School of Communications. The building features several aspects of sustainable design.

Environment ·

AU Ranks Second in The Princeton Review’s Top 50 Green Colleges List in 2025

For the second year in a row, AU ranks number two in The Princeton Review®’s annual Green Colleges list.
Full Story

Aerial view of a hurricane

Environment ·

The Making of Monster Storm Hurricane Melissa: A CAS Conversation

Professor Stephen MacAvoy explains how Hurricane Melissa became one of the most intense Atlantic Storms on record
Full Story

Students at Great Falls

Environment ·

CAS Rock Stars: Environmental Science Students Hike Billy Goat Trail

Professor Stephen MacAvoy and students take learning outdoors for a day of hiking, scrambling, and geology lessons
Full Story

Submitted photo courtesy of John Boyle Ruiz.

Environment ·

The Next Chapter

AU’s Zero Waste Office gave new life to 200 gently used books, donating them to a DC nonprofit.
Full Story

Colonial Eagle solar farm in Kelford, North Carolina (photo credit: Coho Climate Advisors).

Environment ·

American University Ranks as a Top Performer in the 2025 Sustainable Campus Index

Earns STARS Gold rating for integrating sustainability into its operations, academics, engagement, and administration.
Full Story