Institutions
Founded in 1701, Yale University has been dedicated to expanding and sharing knowledge, inspiring innovation, and preserving cultural and scientific information for future generations. Climate action is one of its key ambitions in its commitment to create, test, and adopt innovative solutions to environmental and social challenges. In 2005, the university committed to a greenhouse gas emissions reduction goal of 43% below 2005 levels by 2020, and to become carbon neutral by 2050.
Founded in 1740, the University of Pennsylvania has a proud tradition of translating knowledge into social-minded action that dates back to its founder, Benjamin Franklin. This tradition of active pragmatism, articulated in Franklin’s maxim “well-done is better than well-said,” lives today through the Penn Compact 2022 and its the inclusive policies, innovative work, and impactful engagement of our faculty, students, and staff.
Founded in 1583, the University of Edinburgh has influenced history at both local and global levels. Having pledged to become carbon neutral by 2040, the University is on track to halve its carbon emissions by 2025, working on options to increase the efficiency of its energy projects and usage.
As the only public research university in the city of Boston, UMass Boston focuses on the creation of a multi-cultural educational environment for teaching, learning, and local and global engagement. Its Climate Commitments Program and the Sustainable Solutions Lab aim to understand the impact of climate change and work with the affected communities. Its Center for Governance and Sustainability is a group of global scholars working in solidarity to produce and circulate research at the science-policy interface to inform environmental governance at local, regional, domestic, and international levels.
Founded in 1829, the University of Cape Town (UCT) is South Africa's oldest university. It is committed to engaging with the key issues of its natural and social worlds through outstanding teaching, research, and scholarship. UCT's Green Campus Policy Framework sets the planning and targets for responsible resource use and environmental sustainability. In addition, the University has established specific goals in terms of infrastructure, carbon emissions, transportation, land use, and biodiversity.
Incorporated in 1949, the University of New South Wales (UNSW) focuses on making a difference on areas critical to the future. Pioneering research and sustained innovation are addressing some of the most important issues of today, including climate change and renewable energies. The University has a long history of environmental stewardship across research, learning and teaching and campus operations. Climate Action is its top environmental sustainability priority: in 2020, the University of New South Wales created the International Universities Climate Alliance.
Established in 1877, the University of Tokyo aims to nurture global leaders with a strong sense of public responsibility and a pioneering spirit, offering a world-class platform for research and education. One of its key pursuits is maintaining flexibility in its organization to address societal and economic challenges, promoting network-style research with a global perspective. Its Institute for Future Initiatives (IFI) works on accelerating university-wide efforts to promote and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including climate action. In addition, the recently created Center for Global Commons will focus on developing a shared international framework for protecting the Earth’s most vital systems.
Founded in 1551, the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico is the largest university in Mexico. Its priorities are to be of service to the country and humanity, to train professionals to be useful to society, to organize and carry out research, and to extend as widely as possible the benefits of culture. UNAM has responded to the challenge of sustainability through multiple actions in education, research, and culture change. Similarly, UNAM is committed to being an entity committed to improving environmental performance for the future. Key areas of action include energy, sustainable consumption, and sustainable architecture.
Established in 1479, the University of Copenhagen (UCPH) welcomes researchers and students interested in moving the world forward using interdisciplinary approaches and developing strong academic communities. UCPH is working towards becoming one of the world’s greenest campus areas, leaving as little environmental and climate footprint as possible. It has also prioritized the SDGs in its strategic plan, Strategy 2023, focusing on collaboration and social commitment both nationally and globally to address major challenges including those relating to climate. Its Sustainability Science Centre facilitates cross-organization collaboration, liaises with the business community and helps students find relevant programs and projects in the field of sustainability.
Nottingham Trent University was established in 1843. It aims at providing research and education that combines academic excellence with positive impact on society. Its vision focuses on five key areas: creating opportunity, valuing ideas, enriching society, connecting globally and empowering people. Strongly committed to sustainability, the focus of the university centers in enabling a culture of sustainable development that enhances the student's experience. Its Green Academy works to embed Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) into the curriculum, helping academic staff to integrate sustainability into their scholarship and teaching practice; and supporting students to acquire the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values necessary to shape a sustainable future.
Networks
Established in 2006, the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU) is a network of eleven international research-intensive universities from nine countries across the globe that share similar values, a global vision, and a commitment to educating future world leaders.
EAUC is a not-for-profit, member-based charity, run by members for members. It exists to lead and empower the post-16 education sector to make sustainability “just good business.”
Founded in 1950, under the auspices of UNESCO, the International Association of Universities (IAU) is the leading global association of higher education institutions and organizations from around the world. IAU brings together its Members from more than 130 countries for reflection and action on common priorities. It acts as the global voice of higher education to UNESCO and other international higher education organizations, and provides a global forum for leaders of institutions and associations. One of the Priority areas of work is: Higher Education and research for sustainable development.
The mission of the International Sustainable Campus Network is to provide an international forum to support higher education institutions in the exchange of information, ideas, and best practices for achieving sustainable campus operations and integrating sustainability in research and teaching.
Other Partners
Yale Blue Green (YBG) is the shared interest group for Yale University alumni who are engaged in environmental and sustainability topics and issues. We connect Yale alumni, students, faculty, staff and affiliates. Our mission is to support the University in its sustainability efforts and to serve as a hub for thought leadership, collaborative action, lifelong learning and inspiration on initiatives relating to the environment and sustainability.
Trust harnesses the power of behavior theory and strategic planning to build healthy behaviors and establish institutional trust designed to propel mission-driven organizations forward in their work. Trust utilizes the psychology of leadership, cultural development, and the power of group dynamics to establish a unique, customized, and process-driven experience designed to help your organization amplify your reach and accelerate your work. The how of Trust involves work, effort, and commitment – but the results are worth it. At the end of the day, it is my job to work with you to lay the groundwork, build the foundation, and establish the trust necessary to help facilitate the healthy growth and positive change necessary to give roots to your work and create an impact in this world.