Cornell is a global leader in sustainability and climate change research, teaching and engagement. Our campuses are living laboratories for developing, testing and implementing solutions that address these most challenging issues.
Cornell earns third platinum sustainability rating
For three years in a row, Cornell has earned a platinum sustainability rating—the top status—from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), the international group that tracks environmental stewardship for more than 1,000 college campuses.
Commitment to Sustainability
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97%of departments are engaged in sustainability-focused research
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4,500tons of campus food waste are composted each year
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28Green Buildings on Campus
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83%of students use sustainable transportation to commute to and across campus
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40+Student-founded sustainability clubs
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87majors, minors, and concentrations focused on sustainability
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#1Ivy League institution in sustainability ratings
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54%Reduction in carbon emissions from the 2008 baseline
Research and engagement
Thought Leaders in Sustainability
RENEWABLE ENERGY
Jefferson Tester studies sustainable energy systems, with a focus on geothermal and biomass energy research.
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CONSERVATION OUTREACH
Amanda Rodewald works to generate, apply and communicate science that advances ecological understanding.
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SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS
John Tobin is an expert on environmental and energy economics and corporate sustainability.
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CITY & REGIONAL PLANNING
Mildred Warner is an expert on how to promote environmental sustainability at the local level.
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SYSTEMS ENGINEERING
Fengqi You focuses on developing models and tools for smart manufacturing, digital agriculture, energy systems and sustainability.
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MARINE ECOLOGY
Drew Harvell studies the sustainability of marine ecosystems and the impacts of climate and ocean change.
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ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Max Zhang studies sustainable energy systems and the effects of nanoparticle pollution on air quality and climate change.
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WILDLIFE HEALTH AND POLICY
Steven Osofsky directs the Wildlife Health Cornell Center of Excellence, which takes an interdisciplinary approach to wildlife health.
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Earth and Atmospheric Science
Natalie Mahowald examines feedbacks in the earth system that impact climate change, such as desert dust and the carbon cycle.
Learn moreFor more thought leaders in sustainability, contact:
Our campuses are living laboratories for sustainability and climate change research.