Office of Sustainability

SDG11 SDG12 SDG14 SDG3 SDG6 STARS

Waste Assessment: Auburn University’s STARS Report

By Hannah Schwartz Reducing waste is a cornerstone of sustainable practice for universities worldwide. By minimizing their ecological footprint, institutions not only contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment but also demonstrate a commitment to responsible stewardship. From conserving natural resources to saving costs and inspiring future generations, waste reduction in…

ContributorApril 15, 2024

SDG12 SDG13 SDG3 Sustainability in Action

Go Green for Graduation!

By Bella Wright* Graduation is right around the corner! While we celebrate fellow graduates, let’s keep in mind these tips to help sustain the Loveliest Village on the Plains! Looking to jazz up your graduation photos? Embark on a fun D.I.Y craft to create your own confetti by hole-punching dried…

ContributorFebruary 27, 2024

Director's Corner SDG3

Director’s Corner: What is a Health Promoting University?

“Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” World Health Organization. One of the most important outcomes of the COVID pandemic across the United States and beyond has been the realization that the health and well-being of people…

Mike KenslerJanuary 29, 2024

SDG11 SDG3 SDG8 SDG9 Sustainability in Action

Campus Changemaker: Blake Butcher

By Bella Wright “Find where there’s a need, and go meet that need” ~ EL Spencer This philosophy is what led Blake Butcher to where he is today: Auburn University. Blake began his work in the Auburn community as a personal trainer. Over the span of fifteen years, Blake and his wife…

ContributorDecember 6, 2023

Guest Posts SDG10 SDG11 SDG3

Parks for People

By Binita Mahato A stroll through Town Creek Park, Auburn AL in Spring 2023 (credit: author) I vividly remember my parents visiting from India last spring. Every weekend, we would stroll in one of the parks in Auburn. For me, this was an everyday activity. For my parents, however, it…

ContributorSeptember 15, 2023

Events SDG12 SDG3 SDG4

Sustainability Picnic 2023

By Hannah Schwartz A student holds a snake after grabbing some fresh flowers. Auburn University’s Sustainability Picnic returned this year for another incredible event with locally-sourced food, live music, and countless involvement opportunities. Over 330 students attended and were able to visit with other students as well as resources, clubs,…

ContributorSeptember 11, 2023

Guest Posts SDG3

Age Well- Connect With Olli

By Scott Bishop The Baby Boomers – the generation born into post-World War II America between 1946 and 1964 --are now referred to in some circles as “the gray tsunami.” From the housing market to technology and innovation, the societal impacts of the largest generation in history are myriad. One…

ContributorSeptember 8, 2023

Guest Posts SDG3

Employee Health Resources at Auburn University

By Patrick JohnstonAuburn University offers multiple resources to employees and their dependents to help sustain and enhance their physical, psychological, and emotional health. The website, thrive!, features many of these resources. A couple of examples are featured below. Uprise Employees are encouraged to check out the content from Uprise, our…

ContributorSeptember 6, 2023

Director's Corner SDG11 SDG3

Director’s Corner: Sustainability Reflects “The Progress of the Human Mind”

“Sustainability is a non-negotiable yardstick against which all our actions, goals, and plans have to be measured.” Robert Costanza My favorite memorial or monument in Washington, D.C. is the Jefferson Memorial. It is a beautiful structure in a gorgeous setting, especially when cherry blossoms bloom in the spring. Photo Credit: Neal…

Mike KenslerSeptember 6, 2023

Guest Posts SDG SDG11 SDG3 SDG6

Building Community in Switzerland

By Becki Retzlaff I am writing this blog from the beautiful city of Bern, Switzerland, where I am attending an academic conference on environmental history. It is poetic that I am tasked with writing a blog about the society point of the sustainability compass from Bern, a city with a…

ContributorSeptember 1, 2023