Attendee asks question at panel event

News and Events

From student groups holding their monthly meetings, to expert speakers filling an auditorium--and everything in between--there's always something happening in sustainability at GW. 

Events

February
11
Thursday

Sustainability Summit

10:00am—6:00pm

In the News

GW’s campus grounds achieves top spot in recent sustainability report

The Sustainable Campus Index, an annual publication by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), recognizes top-performing colleges and universities overall and in 17 sustainability impact areas, as measured by the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS). 

The George Washington University, Chatham University and Cascadia College tied for the top spot for sustainable grounds.  In the last year GW has [Insert 2-3 examples of progress made on improving the grounds. It is fine to reuse the information actually provided to AASHE in the STARS report].

STARS is a transparent, self-reporting framework developed by AASHE for colleges and universities to measure their sustainability performance. With over 1,000 participating institutions, STARS is the leading tool for measuring higher education sustainability performance. All reports are publicly accessible on the STARS website.

This latest ranking is another step in the university’s progress towards being a carbon neutral school by 2030 and then neutralize all historic emissions since the university’s founding in 1821 and follows the university’s June pledge to not make any new investments in businesses that derive the majority of their revenue from the extraction of fossil fuels and agreed to eliminate 100 percent of all such investments from its endowment over the next five years. 

Geography department launches major in environmental, sustainability science

Geography department faculty launched a Bachelor of Science degree program in environmental and sustainability science this fall in response to growing interest from students in the area over the past few years.

 

Checklist for Reopening Campus Sustainably

The Office of Sustainability has developed a list of suggested steps to take that address health and sustainability during the COVID-19 pandemic based on GW’

GW renews commitment to addressing climate change, including divestment from fossil fuels

For over ten years, GW has made steady progress toward its vision for a sustainable university, striving to make a positive impact on the planet and its inhabitants, while equipping students with t

50 Actions for 50 Years of Earth Day

In light of the disruptions we are all facing due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, we at Sustainable GW encourage you to stay engaged over the course of this changing situation.

Fighting for the Planet in 2020: An Intersectional Conversation on Climate Activism

Last Wednesday, environmental organizations, professors, climate activists, and Sustainability students alike came together for an exciting teach-in event put on by Sustainable GW. Recently, GW was asked to be the host school in DC for Bard University’s national climate initiative called “Solve Climate by 2030”, where universities all around the country are tasked with the goal of starting local conversations and activism opportunities regarding climate change.

José Andrés focuses on ethical food consumption in second ‘World on a Plate’ class

Celebrity chef and philanthropist José Andrés said he drew from his experience as a chef and humanitarian to revamp his course covering food and sustainability.

Sustainability must be a pillar of GW’s strategic plan

Sustainability is no longer an official value of GW.

Community solar: Fighting climate change and income inequality

Climate change poses a serious, imminent threat to the viability of our ecosystems and species populations, compromising the welfare of current and future generations.

In Photos: Students Learn the Craft of Cooking Paella

In the last “World on a Plate” class of the semester, students met at the F Street House to learn how to make the Spanish rice dish from chef José Andrés.

DC Climathon 2019 - Could Sustainable Fashion Be the Future?

Climathon is a program present in 46 cities, spanning 6 countries - in which participating cities run a 24-hour hackathon for young innovators to collaborate and develop solutions to the most pressing issues of climate change.

Campaign GW works to increase student engagement in environmental outings

One year after debuting three new sustainability-focused student committees, student leaders are working to boost involvement in District-wide environmental projects.

Getting into the field: What it's like to work as a biologist in the Galápagos

Ever wondered why biologists work the field? Come learn about Gianna Haro's motivation to study biology, starting with her childhood on the Galápagos Islands.

Food in the Era of Shakespeare

GW President Thomas LeBlanc joins Chef Jose Andres’ course on food and culture during a visit to the Folger Shakespeare Library.

Dolores Huerta: ‘We All Have to Become Organizers’

Workers’ rights activist Dolores Huerta joined chef José Andrés at the George Washington University Tuesday to discuss the ways food and immigration intertwine in the United States and how to fix the problems at the heart of both systems. 

GroW Community Garden and Miriam's Kitchen Featured on Fox5 News

On September 9, 2019 Fox 5 News featured the partnership between GroW Community Garden and Miriam's Kitchen.  GroW provides all their produce to Miriam's K

How Do We Find the Best Solutions for Climate Change Both Locally and Globally, and What Challenges Persist?

There are many conflicting perspectives on the best ways to address climate change in the United States as well as some media sources that attempt to depreciate its harmful effects. This article attempts to provide some clarity on how climate change should be addressed and the importance of global participation for the United States

Sustainability Snapshot: Sustainability Minors Reflect On Their Culminating Experiences

"My culminating experience was a great way to cap off my sustainability studies. I look forward to putting the knowledge I’ve gained into action and continuing my environmental education after graduation!"

World Renowned Chef José Andrés Reintroduces Course on Food and Social Issues

The fall sustainability course is the latest in a long partnership between GW and the acclaimed chef and humanitarian.

Tackling the Population Taboo: Creating a Sustainable Future for Children

Ana Little-sana (CCAS ‘21) recaps the April 9th forum on population growth and family planning.

Sustainability Snapshot: What’s in the air? A GW-based research project aims to gather data on air quality, educate communities

Fresh Air D.C. Researcher Andrew Burwell emphasizes the importance of monitoring air quality at the local level, hopes to use information and community engagement to advocate for policy change in the future.

Look good, do good and save money

Sustainability Minor Director Tara Scully featured on ABC News 

Sustainability Snapshot: New Hampshire Mayor talks sustainable business, politics, and advocacy

Sustainable GW’s practitioner forum series brings energy expert to campus.

Sustainability Snapshot: Students volunteer in Utah over spring break, explore environmental conservation and animal advocacy

Sophomores Marietta DeJulio-Burns and Annalise Morrone reflect on their Alternative Break experience

Sustainability Snapshot: Studying small creatures to tackle big questions in evolutionary biology

Senior biology major Corinne Tarantino reflects on her undergraduate research experience, from GW’s labs to fieldwork in Brazil

GW Celebrates Earth Day

The annual Earth Day Fair, hosted by Sustainable GW, featured fun and educational opportunities to promote sustainable lifestyles.

Investing in a New Generation: The Power of Storytellers to Move the Planet Forward

At the recent Planet Forward Summit at The George Washington University, Planet Forward brought together experts and more than 250 students from 40 colleges and universities around the world to to learn, share, network, and commit to telling stories with impact that can move the planet forward.

Sustainability Office Holds Earth Day Fair in Kogan Plaza

The Office of Sustainability teamed up with student organizations Monday to host an Earth Day fair in Kogan Plaza.

Two new living and learning communities to debut on Mount Vernon Campus

Tara Scully, the director of the sustainability minor and the co-director of student sustainability initiatives, said the living and learning community will provide a space on the Vern for students to practice sustainable living together.

Sustainability Snapshot: Feature on Junior Dance and Environmental Studies Major Berkley Lane

When Berkley Lane (Corcoran ‘20) dances, she gives a new meaning to the saying “art imitates life.”

America’s Top Colleges for Renewable Energy

Who’s Leading the Transition to 100% Renewable Energy on Campus? A report by Environment America.

Sustainability Snapshot: Diving Into Policy Change at Environment America

Q&A with Senior Biophysics Major Jacquelyn Veatch.

Sustainability Snapshot: At Sekoyia, environmental impact is rooted in research

Q&A with Junior Journalism and Mass Communication Major Louie Staub.

An Inside Look at Living Threads Co.: Conversation, Culture and Creativity

January was full of excitement for the Living Threads Co. team and our partners!  Our partner artisan from Guatemala, Ana Mesia, and founder of La Puerta Abierta, Amanda Flayer, joined us for a series of events in partnership with both The National Museum for Women in the Arts and Sustainable GW at The George Washington University. 

Sustainable GW: University Triples Its Reuse Activity

George Washington University made significant progress toward its sustainability goals during fiscal year 2017, a new report from Sustainable GW states, especially in waste dive

Senior brings national campaign to cut plastic water bottle use to campus

A senior is localizing a national campaign to promote the use of tap water and encourage sustainable practices on campus.

Waste audit finds food scraps most common trash placed in recycling bins

A recent audit of GW’s recycling showed that food scraps are the most prevalent trash incorrectly placed in recycling bins.

Top sustainability official helps craft ‘toolkit’ on reducing carbon emissions

GW’s sustainability office is one of nine universities and organizations that crafted a set of guidelines this summer about cutting carbon use at colleges and universities.