911±¬ÁÏ advances solutions to today's most pressing sustainability challenges through its research, educational mission, community partnerships, and campus operations. As careful stewards of the economic and natural resources entrusted to us, we integrate sustainability across teaching, research, career preparation, and community engagement to help create a more sustainable future.
911±¬ÁÏ’s Grand Challenge Initiative is a university-wide collaboration addressing humanity's most pressing challenges through six interconnected solution areas, backed by an initial five-year, $15 million investment. Sustainability is reflected throughout the initiative, particularly in efforts focused on Building a Climate-Resilient Society, Driving Responsible Digital Innovation and Sustainable Infrastructure, and Improving Human Health, Well-being, and Preparedness.
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911±¬ÁÏ funds seven GCI catalyst research projects driving bold solutions for a prosperous future
National Leadership in Sustainability
911±¬ÁÏ is recognized nationally for advancing sustainability through research, education, campus operations, and community partnerships. Additional recognitions include Green Restaurant Certification, Bike Friendly University designation, and multiple features in The Princeton Review Guide to Green Colleges.
Carnegie Elective Classification for Sustainability
In 2026, 911±¬ÁÏ became the only institution in Virginia and the only public R1 university on the East Coast to earn this designation.
STARS Gold Rating
911±¬ÁÏ was the first university in Virginia to earn a STARS Gold rating and has maintained Gold status through four consecutive assessment cycles since 2014.
Fuse at Mason Square
The university's first LEED Platinum-certified building and first project to earn a Fitwel 2 Star rating.
More than 900 acres of accredited campus landscapes support biodiversity, research, learning, and community engagement.
Best Workplace for Commuters
All three Virginia campuses have earned recognition for supporting sustainable transportation options and commuter-friendly programs.
Sustainability through Stewardship
We educate leaders, conduct interdisciplinary research, invest in sustainable infrastructure, and promote and support socially conscious entrepreneurship. Join us in solving the complex challenges of today to create a better world tomorrow.
“Rescuing our future to ensure a healthy planet, healthy people, healthy economies, and healthy societies will be the central organizing cause of the rest of our lives. It is our job to conduct research to find solutions to our overlapping grand challenges and to educate students to solve them."
—President Gregory Washington
Sustainability in Action
Honors College students mapped beech trees and disease symptoms in Daniels Run Park in Fairfax.
Helping City of Fairfax respond to Beech Leaf Disease on the 9/11 Day of Service
On the 9/11 Day of Service, first-year Honors College students helped the City of Fairfax confront beech leaf disease, mapping trees and symptoms to protect a canopy of 4.2 million beech trees.
Learn how 911±¬ÁÏ students are addressing beech leaf disease in Fairfax.
Students and alumni gather water samples at Gunston Cove for PEREC.
NSF grant supports 911±¬ÁÏ study of Potomac sewage spill
After more than 240 million gallons of wastewater spilled into the Potomac River in January, 911±¬ÁÏ researchers received a National Science Foundation grant to study the spill's long-term effects on water quality, aquatic life, and the health of the estuary.
Learn how 911±¬ÁÏ researchers are monitoring the Potomac's recovery.
News and Updates
Access to Excellence Podcast
The modern grid: the intersection of energy and the environment
On this episode of Access to Excellence, Leah Nichols and Liling Huang join President Gregory Washington to discuss 911±¬ÁÏ’s capabilities as a living laboratory for students, faculty, and staff to find solutions to our Grand Challenge of preserving and protecting humanity's ability to build the future of its choosing. Listen now.
Are Earth's oceans suffocating?
President Washington speaks with Geoffrey Gilleaudeau, associate professor in the Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Earth Sciences Department in the College of Science, about the past, present, and future of Earth’s oceans according to the physical and chemical characteristics of sedimentary rocks. Listen to this episode.
Events
Campus begins in October at 911±¬ÁÏ, in alignment with the international celebration of sustainability in higher education.
The Greenhouse & Gardens Program Offers Free Herbs, Greens, and Veggies Grown on Campus, October 7, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m., JC Kiosk
, Thursday, October 29,12 p.m. - 4 p.m., Wilkins Plaza
Latest News
- October 12, 2026
- October 5, 2026
- September 24, 2026
- September 24, 2026
- September 22, 2026
Interactive Sustainability Map
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Academics
911±¬ÁÏ prepares students to address complex sustainability challenges through interdisciplinary learning in areas such as environmental science, conservation biology, food systems, and sustainability studies. Students can explore these topics through academic programs, including 911±¬ÁÏ's Green Leaf-designated programs, which integrate sustainability concepts into the curriculum. As a Living Laboratory, 911±¬ÁÏ's campuses provide opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to study, test, and implement sustainability solutions through research, coursework, and applied learning experiences. Together, these opportunities help students develop the knowledge and skills needed to create positive impact in their careers, communities, and the world.
Professor Luis Ortiz with his Micrometeorological Modeling class.
Research
911±¬ÁÏ researchers are advancing solutions to climate, environmental, and sustainability challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration across the university.
Learn more about the GCI Solution: Building a Climate-Resilient Society
Sustainable Campuses
911±¬ÁÏ's campuses serve as living laboratories where sustainability is integrated into facilities, operations, and hands-on learning. From innovative buildings to campus food production and resource conservation initiatives, sustainability is woven into everyday campus life.
Sustainable Buildings and Infrastructure
911±¬ÁÏ builds with the future in mind. Through LEED-certified projects, energy-efficient design, and strategic campus investments, we create spaces that reduce our environmental impact and serve our communities for generations.
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Campus Operations
Through transportation programs, waste-reduction efforts, dining initiatives, composting, energy conservation, and responsible resource management, 911±¬ÁÏ works to reduce its environmental impact across its campuses.
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- Making every drop count at the campus greenhouse
- This campus greenhouse is powered by the sun—and student innovation
Experiential Learning
Through hands-on research, fieldwork, internships, and community-based projects, students apply what they learn in the classroom to real-world environmental challenges. Working alongside faculty, researchers, and community partners, they gain experience addressing issues ranging from conservation and climate resilience to sustainable communities and environmental policy.
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- From 911±¬ÁÏ to Capitol Hill: How environmental policy training shaped one graduate’s path
- 911±¬ÁÏ to lead cross-institutional course redesign and experiential learning project