You are here: American University About Sustainability Sustainability News

Back to top

Dennis Smith, building automation technician, operates an automated logic control (ALC) panel.

Buildings ·

Building Automation Systems – a ‘Sixth Sense’ for Ensuring Energy Conservation and Optimal Efficiency

How do university engineers ensure that energy conservation and optimal efficiency are maintained in campus buildings?
Full Story

From left, Patrick Atwell, Sean Barrett, and Rick Putnam stand in front of their Ram work truck at Airlie Berkshire Farm. Photo by Jeff Watts.

In the Community ·

From Farm to Fork

Airlie Berkshire Farm’s three hardworking agriculturists care for the animals and tend to the crops that feed the campus community.
Full Story

Aerial view of a swirling hurricane over Earth. Photo from Getty.

Environment ·

3 Facts and a Fiction: The Eye of the Storm

Hurricanes are the deadliest, costliest, and most destructive of all weather-related hazards in the US. With Hurricane Helene battering the East Coast, environmental science professor Stephen MacAvoy explains what to expect now—and in the future.
Full Story

An environmental science class in AU's Hall of Science

Science ·

AU Launches PhD in Biomedical and Environmental Health Sciences

Professor Victoria Connaughton explains how new degree intertwines science along with skills to develop policies informed by science
Full Story

AU students look over the treasures they picked up at Project Move In. Photo by Jeff Watts.

On Campus ·

One Student’s Discards are Another Eagle’s Dorm Décor

The Office of Sustainability and Facilities Management Zero Waste Office’s 2024 Project Move In distributed 17 tons of gently-used items to AU students this fall.
Full Story

Caroline Boone. Graphic by Jaylene Arnold.

On Campus ·

Eagle Tales: Wasting No Time

AU boasts about 1,900 dedicated staff members. Meet one here: Caroline Boone, zero waste manager in Facilities Management.
Full Story

Airlie Barn and Solar Panels

Achievements ·

At Airlie, American University Grows a Sustainable Future

At Airlie farm and scenic retreat, the first carbon-neutral university in the US is feeding its community, developing the next generation of changemakers, and innovating for a sustainable future.
Full Story

From left, zero waste manager Caroline Boone and Luke Carignan, CAS/BS ’25, BA ’25, stand next to one of the Project Move Out pods. Photo by Jeff Watts.

Environment ·

From Trash to Treasure

This May, Project Move Out collected 500 pounds of food and about five tons of clothing from AU students.
Full Story

Architectural rendering of Meltzer Center for Athletic Performance & the Sports Center Annex

Environment ·

Meltzer Center Poised to Be AU’s First Net Zero Building, but What Is Net Zero?

American University achieved carbon neutrality in 2018 and is now moving to further advance our sustainability goals by adding what is expected to become its first Net Zero Energy building to the campus portfolio.
Full Story

Glory Iorliam

Announcement ·

Meet Glory Iorliam, CAS Graduate Student Commencement Speaker 2024

Iorliam will deliver graduate student remarks for College of Arts and Sciences at Bender Arena on May 11
Full Story