SUstainability Updates

2021-2022 2020-2021 2019-2020 2018-2019 2017-2018

2023-2024

EARTH TALKS 2024: SHOWCASE YOUR WORK!

earth talks

Earth Talks is an annual showcase of short, five-minute presentations by SU students, faculty, staff and community partners to celebrate Earth Day. ALL are encouraged to submit a presentation!

EARTH MONTH LOGO COMPETITION

earth logo comp

Create a logo, and your design may become the face of Earth Month (April) 2024 at SU. The winner will receive a $50 gift card to SU’s Campus Store and $50 donation to an environmental organization of their choosing.

CALL FOR CEJS STUDENT AND FACULTY FELLOWSHIPS

call for cejs fellows

Apply for a “2024-2025 CEJS Student Fellowship”! CEJS will award two student fellowships in AY2024-2025 with a $2,500 stipend per student project.

AASHE Conference

AASHE conference submissions

The 2024 AASHE Conference & Expo will be held October 27-29, 2024. Gather for compelling presentations and discussions on accelerating sustainability in higher education. Submit your conference proposals by April 12. For more information here

Earth Month 2024

EM 24 logo

Starting April 1, Earth Month is coming to SU. Check out SU’s Earth Month website and save the date for the many fun events organized by our campus partners! Read more here

Calling All Filmmakers!

cejs news green festival

Are you working on a short documentary about climate change? Don’t miss the chance to submit it to the Bloomberg Green Docs film competition. Grand prize: $25,000. Submissions due April 26. Read more here

Earth Talks 2024

cejs news

Join us for the 5th edition of Earth Talks, SU’s annual showcase of five-minute sustainability-focused presentations by students, faculty, staff, and community partners to celebrate Earth Day. This year’s keynote speaker will be Jessyn Farrell, Director of the Office of Sustainability and Environment (OSE) at the City of Seattle. Read more here

Winter Quarter Newsletter

cejs news

Our Winter newsletter is available! Learn about SU’s recent environmental justice and sustainability efforts and the work by students, staff, faculty, and alumni. Read more here

Laudato Si' Action Plan

Laudato Si' Action Plan Goals

In February 2023, the Laudato Si Action Platform leadership team finalized SU's Laudato Si’ Action Plan, with priorities and goals that span across campus operations, departments, and partnerships to advance "sustainability in the holistic spirit of integral ecology." Read more here

Two CEJS 2024-2025 Student Worker Positions. Due May 28

cejs hiring positions

CEJS Student Program Assistant and Communications Coordinator- 24-25 Academic Year - Paid Position. To apply for the internship: please send a resume and 1-page cover letter describing your interest and qualifications to Yolanda Cieters, cietersy@seattleu.edu. Read more here

2021-2022

Volunteers Kilowatts for Humanity at one of their projects
AJCU Article Highlights SeattleU Sustainability!

AJCU recognized SU's sustainability efforts in a recent article, highlighting our research projects and courses, engineering capstone projects, and more! Read more.

Disposable COVID face mask
Recycle your Used Masks On Campus!

Recycle your used disposable masks (KN95s, N95s, surgical, etc) in the TerraCycle box on the 1st floor of the Student Center near Hub Desk. Read more.

 

Campus Race to Zero Waste logo

Campus Race to Zero Waste

"CAMPUS RACE TO ZERO WASTE" (Jan 30-Mar 26) is an 8-week long competition between colleges to reduce waste and engage campus communities in waste minimization efforts. Read more.

 

The National Science Foundation Logo on a blue background

NSF grant for Dr. Henry Louie: Off-grid solar electricity

Collaborative research led by Henry Louie, PhD, focuses on improving access to electricity on Native American reservations. Read more.

 

Join the EcoChallenge SU Team!

Pick a personal action and take your small step to make our common home a healthier, more equitable, and sustainable place. Actions range from one-time, such as committing 10 minutes to learn about endangered species and daily actions, such as tracking your single-use plastic usage. The top 3 winners from the SEATTLEU team will receive a $25 gift card! Read more.

SUGives Logo

THANK YOU for Supporting CEJS During SUGives 2022!

We broke our SUGives record! From 53 gifts, we raised $10,950 to support internships, fellowships, service projects, on-campus sustainability initiatives, and more! THANK YOU! Read more.

 

WOHESC Conference March 2-4, 2022 

WOHESC Conference and Sustainability Action Challenge

Attend a conference empowering participants to advance environmental and social justice. Participate in a 1-day student challenge with workshops and project development. Learn more.

 

Image of a globe reading Laudato Si Our Common Home

Laudato Si Action Platform

SU committed to put action behind Pope Francis' 2015 encylical Laudato Si: On Care for Our Common Home. Jeanette Rodriguez will lead the efforts toward Laudato Si goals. Read more.

 

Sierra Magazine Cool Schools 2021 Logo

SU ranks #14 nationwide in Sierra's Cool Schools Survey

SU's efforts to promote sustainability was recognized by Sierra's Cool Schools rankings. The university rated #14 among 328 universities.

 

CEJS Fall 2021 Newsletter

The CEJS Fall 2021 Newsletter is available! Learn about SU’s recent environmental justice and sustainability efforts and what faculty and alumni are up to.

 

SU Receives Gold STARS Rating 

SU received a Gold Rating by The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education's (AASHE) Sustainability Tracking, Assessment, & Rating System (STARS)

 

The President's Committee for Sustainability has set 4 priorities for sustainability: academics, carbon neutrality, investments and procurement, and organizational structure. Read more.

Logo for the National Science Foundation

NSF grant for Dr. Henry Louie: Off-grid solar electricity

Collaborative research led by Henry Louie, PhD, focuses on improving access to electricity on Native American reservations.

 

Call for Proposals WOHESC conference 

The Washington & Oregon Higher Education Sustainability Conference (WOHESC) is now accepting proposals for the next conference (March 2-4, 2022) at South Seattle College.

Read more.

 

2020-2021

 

SU #1 for Size and #9 Nationwide in Race to Zero Waste Competition (seal-see website Race to Zero Waste)

SU scores #1 in school size and #9 nationwide for waste diversion in the Race to Zero Waste competition.

Read More.

CALL FOR WOHESC PROPOSALS

The deadline to submit proposals for the Washington & Oregon Higher Education Sustainability Conference is September 11th.

Read More

Nature’s Label: undergraduate student business idea wins headshot of woman who won awardHarriet Stephenson Business Plan Competition

The youngest grand prize competition winner, Arya Mathew, and her team created an eco-friendly sticker replacing plastic PLU variants.

Read More

 

SU's 2020-2025 Sustainability Strategic Priorities An illustrated 3-columned facade building with PCS between the columns, a globe in the roof, and a flag with 'SU' on it at the top

The President's Committee for Sustainability has set 4 new priorities for sustainability: academics, carbon neutrality, investments and procurement, and organizational structure

Read More

SU is halfway to full divestment from fossil fuels

Seattle University has met its halfway point nine months ahead of schedule to divest its endowment portfolio of companies owning fossil fuel reserves.

Read More

SU Makes 'Cool Schools' List and 'Green Honor Roll'cool school and princeton top 50 logo

Seattle U acquired two new accolades from the Sierra Club and the Princeton Review for its outstanding commitment to sustainability.

Read More

CEJS Fall Newsletter 4 elements illustration

CEJS's Fall 2020 Newsletter is here! Check out what projects students, faculty, and staff have been up to and how you can get involved.

Read More

Addressing racial equity, social justice, and sustainability on campustwo illustrated people with text bubbles aboce their heads

AASHE has compiled a proactive list of '9 Things You Can Do This Week' to address racial equity, social justice, and sustainability on campus.

Read More

Join CEJS at WOHESC

Join the CEJS virtually at the Washington & Oregon Sustainability Conference Feb 11-12. Explore sessions focusing on social justice, campus engagement + more! Discount available.

Read More

We Are Still In

Alongside 1,500+ leaders, SU has signed the "America Is All In" declaration," calling on the incoming administration to rejoin the historic Paris Agreement, launch a national mobilization of climate and clean recovery, and partner with local governments, businesses, and community institutions to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

Read More

SU Students: Call for CEJS fellowships DEADLINE EXTENDED photo of church during sunset

Do you have an environmental justice or sustainability research project idea? CEJS will be offering two student research fellowships for the 2021-2022 academic year - APPLY BY MARCH 8

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AASHE: Call for Presentations

Submit a proposal for the 2021 AASHE Call for Educational Content where you can be considered to present at the Global Conference for Sustainability in Higher Education by March 26th.

Read More

Earth Month at SU

Each April, SU celebrates Earth Month by hosting events and initiatives with community partners. Check out what SU has planned this month at seattleu.edu/earthmonth

Read More

Apply to be a Millenium Fellow by April 16th

This fellowship supports students to organize campus-wide sustainability initiatives and beyond. Access world-class training, connections, and recognition by the UN. Application Deadline: 4/16.

Read More

Father Sundborg Calls for Biden Administration to Reduce Nation's Emissions icon of a megaphone

Father Sundborg joined other university leaders in calling for the Biden Administration to reduce the nation's greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50% below 2005read levels by 2030.

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SU Is Top Performer in 'Cool Schools' List,' 'Green Honor Roll', and 'Sustainable Campus Index' An Image of different awards and ratings Seattle U has received

Seattle U acquired new accolades from the Sierra Club, Princeton Review, and AASHE's Sustainable Campus Index for its outstanding commitment to sustainability.

Read More

Open CEJS Internship Positions - Apply Now su logo

CEJS is hiring interns for FQ21 and WQ21 for the following positions: Program Assistant and Digital Media and Communications. Apply today!

 

2019-2020

WOHESC OFFERS 30% OFF WITH DISCOUNT CODE TO SU MEMBERS

The Washington and Oregon Higher Education Sustainability Conference (WOHESC) is happening on March 4-6 at the University of Oregon. Use discount code SEATTLEUCEJS20.

Read More

 

CEJS IS LOOKING FOR SPRING QUARTER INTERNS

Find out how you can get involved in environmental justice and sustainability on campus while growing your resume. 

 

 

SEATTLE UNIVERSITY RANKED #2 NATIONALLY FOR ITS SUSTAINABILITY CURRICULUM by AASHE 

Seattle University was ranked #2 nationally for its sustainability curriculum by The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education in their 2019 Sustainable Campus Index.

Read more

 

SEATTLE UNIVERSITY BECOMES ENVIROSTARS "GREEN CHAMPION"

Seattle University has been recognized by EnviroStars, a regional coalition of counties, cities, and utilities, for its commitment to conserving resources and protecting the environment. Earning the program’s highest designation of “Champion,” SU is the first institution of higher education in Washington state to be recognized as a green business by EnviroStars. 

Read More

 

EXTENDED DEADLINE: APPLY FOR THE 2020-2021 CEJS STUDENT FELLOWSHIP BY APRIL 20

Two scholarly products will be awarded a $2000 stipend per project; the faculty mentor will receive a $500 stipend. Deadline: April 20 at noon.

 

 

a globe with earth talks text insideEARTH TALKS AT SU GOES VIRTUAL! SAVE THE DATE: APRIL 22--EARTH DAY

Join us for "EarthTalks," a digital event at SU with 5-min presentations about sustainability by students, faculty, and community partners.

Seattle University was well represented at the Washington and Oregon Higher Education Sustainability Conference (WOHESC), which took place in Seattle from Feb. 25-27. Natasha Martin, vice president for diversity and inclusion (left), was a plenary speaker on a panel that discussed integrating social sustainability across the academic system and building a thriving campus environment that connects universities with their community, region, and world.

READ MORE ABOUT WOHESC

 

SU ACHIEVES A GOLD STARS RATING

In June 2018, Seattle University's second STARS report resulted in a GOLD rating with an improved score of 75.64. Go SU!

READ MORE ABOUT SU'S STARS RATING HERE

 

 

 

 

2017-2018

SU PROFESSORS AWARDED NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION GRANT

The National Science Foundation awarded $500,000 to Dr. Tanya Hayes and Dr. Felipe Murtinho!

READ MORE ABOUT SU PROFESSORS AWARDED NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION GRANT

SEATTLE U IS #48 IN SIERRA'S COOL SCHOOLS RANKING

SU is in the top 50 of Sierra magazine's coverage of America's greenest colleges. We're working hard to crack the top 20 within the next year!

READ MORE ABOUT SEATTLE U IS #48 IN SIERRA'S COOL SCHOOLS RANKING

 

GARBOLOGY II RESULTS!

From sorting through the trash at SU, the Garbology event revealed that 62 percent was actually compostable and 21 percent was recyclable!

READ MORE ABOUT GARBOLOGY II RESULTS!

 

AASHE'S 2017 SUSTAINABLE CAMPUS INDEX

SU is ranked #8 on the list of Overall Top Performers in sustainability among Master’s Institutions and #3 Top Performer in the category of Wellbeing & Work. 

READ MORE ABOUT AASHE'S 2017 SUSTAINABLE CAMPUS INDEX

 

SUSTAINABILITY IN HIGHER EDUCATION REPORT

Take a look at what SU and other universities in WA are doing to stay green!

READ MORE ABOUT SUSTAINABILITY IN HIGHER EDUCATION REPORT

 

Paper Towel Composting Petition 

Compostable paper towels make up 96% of bathroom waste. Sign the petition to show your support for paper towel composting in bathrooms!

READ MORE ABOUT THE PETITION!

 

CLIMATE RESILIENCE SUMMIT 

Hear from local organizations on how they’re building climate resilience and how we can best support communities on the front lines of climate disruption. The summit will be hosted here at Seattle University!

 

 

BON APPÉTIT RECIEVES RABOBANK AWARD FOR LEADERSHIP AND EXCELLENCE

Bon App is recognized for trailblazing social and environmental responsibility!

READ MORE ABOUT BON APPÉTIT RECEIVES RABOBANK AWARD FOR LEADERSHIP AND EXCELLENCE

  

WOHESC CONFERENCE

Join us in attending the 2018 Washington & Oregon Higher Education Sustainability Conference on Feb. 6-8, 2018 at Portland State University!

READ MORE ABOUT WOHESC CONFERENCE

 

PAST CEJS FELLOW DR. QUAN LE RECEIVES GRANT FOR COFFEE PROJECT

$30,000 was granted to SU Faculty from the Freeman Foundation to work on a sustainable coffee project this summer in Vietnam!

 

 

RECYCLEMANIA RESULTS ARE IN!

Seattle U ranked 6th out of 170 schools in the waste diversion category! Go Redhawks!

 

 

SU WILL DIVEST FROM FOSSIL FUELS

SU will become the first university in Washington State and the first Jesuit school in the nation to divest its endowment from fossil fuel reserves over the next five years.