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Sustainability at AU

The entire American University community contributes to sustainability progress. From sorting waste correctly to building sustainable buildings, and from choosing to bike to managing our grounds sustainably, we all play an important role.

Culture of Sustainability

American University is proud to be a leader in sustainability. Sustainability is a culture that's visible the moment you step onto campus. Green buildings incorporate energy efficient technologies and a focus on human health. Environmentally conscious grounds management means we plant local and adaptive species. We use solar energy, strive for zero waste, and work with community partners to offer sustainable transportation. The culture of sustainability is evident through faculty research efforts, student involvement, and staff practices. These are just some of the elements that contribute to American University's commitment to having a small footprint. 

Learn more about these and other factors that contribute to the greening of AU and learn how you can engage in sustainability on campus by exploring our website. 

🏅 Recognitions

      

  • #2 Top 50 Green Colleges, The Princeton Review, 2025 & 2026 (learn more)

  • #3 Top Performer Doctoral Institutions, #2 Top Performer Energy & Climate, #3 Top Performer Transportation, AASHE Sustainable Campus Index, 2025 (learn more)

  • #3 Food Organics category, #7 Game Day Waste Diversion category, #9 Game Day Per Capita Recycling, #29 Waste Diversion category, Campus Race to Zero Waste, 2025 (learn more)

  • Gold Sustainability Tracking, Assesment & Rating System (STARS), Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), 2011-2027 (learn more)

  • Bronze Bicycle Friendly University, League of American Bicyclists, 2017-2029 (learn more)

  • People's Choice, District Sustainability Award, 2016 (learn more)

  • Tree Campus Higher Education, Arbor Day Foundation, 2012-2026 (learn more)

Race to Zero Waste

race to zero waste logo

This spring, American University is participating in the Campus Race to Zero Waste, a national competition between colleges and universities to reduce waste and increase diversion rates. Throughout the eight-week competition, we will share data about how much waste our campus is generating (recycling, compost, and trash) and provide resources that you can use to help AU reduce the amount of waste being sent to landfill and incineration. If you are member of the AU community, get involved and help us reach zero waste! 

Learn more here.

Campus Initiatives

Waste Reduction Campaign

EcoPledge Program

Commit to making sustainable choices on campus and in your life and earn sustainable prizes.

Take the EcoPledge

Meltzer Center Areial Draw Up

Alan and Amy Meltzer Center for Athletic Performance

Learn about AU’s first building designed and constructed to earn LEED v4 Platinum.

Learn More

Screenshot of Sustainability Tour Map

Take a Virtual Sustainability Tour

Explore sustainable features of AU’s campus through our online story map.

View the Map