Sustainability is the ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. It’s about using our resources responsibly, but it’s also about making sure all people today and in the future can thrive. The concept of sustainability is comprised of three pillars: environment, society, and economy. When a system is good for the environment, people, and the economy, we get closer to achieving sustainability.

In 2009, American University signed Second Nature’s Climate Commitment, acknowledging the threat of climate change and the unique role universities can play in fighting it. The Office of Sustainability was created to assess AU’s impact on the environment and work with the community to improve our campus systems to lessen that impact. Since then, we have been working to measure, report, partner, and act on a wide variety of sustainable activities. In 2018, AU became the first university to achieve carbon neutrality. We also fully divested our endowment from fossil fuels in 2020 and released our current sustainability plan in 2021, and in 2024, we broke ground on the Meltzer Center, which is designed to be our first LEED Platinum and Net Zero Energy building. 

Yes, we track and report on our progress in several ways. We calculate and report our annual inventory of greenhouse gas emissions through Second Nature. To measure progress in the environmental, social, and economic aspects of sustainability work, AU uses the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment, and Reporting System (STARS). Finally, we evaluate our progress against AU’s sustainability plan.

At American University, many departments and organizations are engaging with sustainability on campus. The Office of Sustainability, Facilities Management (which includes Zero Waste, Arboretum and Grounds, and Energy and Engineering teams), Transportation, and Dining Services are all actively engaged in implementing sustainability initiatives. In addition, offices across campus are certified Green Offices, over 600 faculty members are certified Green Teachers, and numerous student organizations are centered around at least one aspect of sustainability.

AU builds all new buildings to LEED Gold standards. AU’s campus is currently home to 10 LEED-certified buildings, with an additional building in the process of becoming certified. In addition to investing in offsite renewable energy, AU has installed nearly 2,500 solar panels on rooftops across campus.

Yes. AU offers several programs to encourage and incentivize sustainable commuting, including the U-Pass program, a bicycle commuter benefit for staff and faculty, and discounted memberships to Capital Bikeshare for students. A map of biking resources can be found here.

We’d be happy to assist. First, please review our website; the answers to many common questions can be found throughout the site. Then, you are welcome to contact sustainability@american.edu to schedule a time to meet with an Office of Sustainability staff member. When writing, provide as much information about your project as possible. Please note: If you are working on a group project, please meet with us as a group. We do not have the capacity to meet with group members individually. In addition, please contact us as early as possible; last minute requests cannot always fit into our schedule.

Carbon neutrality refers to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions. In 2018, American University became the first university, first urban higher education institution, and first research university to achieve carbon neutrality. To learn more about AU's journey to carbon neutrality and the verification process, visit our Carbon Neutrality page.