SDG3 Archives - Office of Sustainability

SDG SDG3 Uncategorized Updates

Inner Development Goals – A Guide to Building a Better You and Greater World

By Lilly Dawson* With the immense amount of information on the climate crisis, and on such a global scale, it can feel impossible for one person to produce a meaningful impact. In order to strengthen our individual capacity to deal with our complex environment, the Inner Development Goals (IDGs) initiative was formed. The IDG framework was created by 1000+ scientists, experts, and human resource & sustainability professionals in reaction to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which gave…

ContributorJanuary 14, 2026

Guest Posts SDG3 Sustainability Writing Contest

The Weight of the World

By Olivia Struble* I sink into the soft dirt beneath me. While my eyes are closed, I can still feel the relentless rays of the sun on the lids of my eyes. Around me I can feel blades of grass digging into my skin. I take a deep breath and…

ContributorNovember 21, 2025

Guest Posts SDG3 Sustainability Writing Contest

The Waterfall

By Brandon Hunt* There is a peacefulness to the outside. One that calms, one that comforts, one that assures everything will be alright in the end. It is through this peacefulness that humans are recreated. Before laptops that this essay is being written on, before the cars that take students to…

ContributorNovember 18, 2024

Professional Development SDG3 SDG4 Updates

A Week in the Woods: My Favorite Conference Table

By Keli Berkman* In March, I spent a week in the woods learning, growing, and eating a lot of peanut butter. I had the incredible opportunity to complete the Wilderness First Responder (WFR) course offered by Landmark Learning in Cullowhee, NC, thanks to the Office of Sustainability’s Professional Development Sponsorship…

ContributorJune 24, 2024

SDG12 SDG14 SDG15 SDG2 SDG3 STARS

Food & Dining Assessment: Auburn University’s STARS Report

By Bella Wright Food is essential to the survival of all living beings on our planet. How this food is grown, processed, and distributed significantly impacts the environment. Auburn University has extensive dining services across campus, offering a variety of choices for nutrition and dining. Where food on campus is…

ContributorApril 17, 2024

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

SDG11 SDG12 SDG3 SDG6 SDG7 SDG9 STARS

Buildings Assessment: Auburn University’s STARS Report

By Bella Wright Building and innovation are pivotal to advancing society. However, how we build can have significant impacts on our planet and our future. To ensure the health and well-being of our planet, it is important to practice sustainable building of infrastructure and sustainable operations management. The STARS* assessment…

ContributorApril 6, 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