Sustainability Initiative
Carnegie Mellon is building upon two decades of an engaged effort in support of the broader definition of sustainability afforded by the world's Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), also known as the Global Goals.
The World's First Voluntary University Review
Pictured: poWer, an all-woman euphonium quartet providing quality entertainment for everyone, while also promoting representation for marginalized groups in music. poWer's efforts are critical to achieving Global Goals on gender equality, reduced inequalities and sustainable communities.
Our university’s focus includes education, research, and practice in building environmentally sustainable, peaceful, just and inclusive communities.
CMU has maintained existing institutional commitments in the sustainability realm.
Student funding opportunity:
Cohort 2030 Challenge Funds
Learn more and apply for the grant (PDF)
We want to hear your ideas!
Contact the SUSTAINABILITY Advisory Council
CMU Sustainability Rating: Gold
Carnegie Mellon currently has a gold status rating by the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS).
The World's First Voluntary University Review 
This report is a first-of-its kind by any university.
Global Goals
The SDGs, also known as the Global Goals, are 17 global objectives to create a more equitable and viable planet by 2030. These goals came together following input from millions of people around the world, with younger generations especially engaged. They were adopted by the global community at the United Nations in 2015.
Select each goal below to learn about the type of work and global challenges they address.
Goal 1: No Poverty
Goal 2: Zero Hunger
Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
Goal 4: Quality Education
Goal 5: Gender Equality
Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
Goal 13: Climate Action
Goal 14: Life Below Water
Goal 15: Life on Land
Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Our Charges
The Sustainability Initiative's Steering Committee and Advisory Council are leading the following efforts:
Grow awareness
of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across the university
Elevate
Oversee
Develop processes
Advise
Communicate
Our Commitments
As announced to the campus community by Provost Garrett, the following six commitments will help our university advance towards globally-focused SDGs over the next 10 years.
We commit to educate CMU students around the world about the SDGs, recognizing that this framework applies to all of us and represents a special opportunity to create a more peaceful, prosperous, planet with just and inclusive societies.
We commit to help solve pressing problems brought to light by the SDG framework, by acting boldly, taking risks and applying creativity.
We commit to do this work collaboratively, an approach deeply embedded in our university culture.
We commit that through education, research, partnerships and operational activities, we will demonstrate advancement of the SDGs at CMU.
We commit to create a Voluntary University Review of work being done at CMU and will report these findings in New York at the UN General Assembly in 2020.
We therefore commit to do more to align our work with the SDGs and build on the good work already done by CMU faculty, students, staff and alumni – whether focused on mitigating climate change, eliminating food waste, reducing violence or ending human trafficking.
CMU Sustainability in the News
Explore national and local news about Carnegie Mellon University's Sustainability Initiative.
Steering Committee
Steven Guenther
University Engineer and Assistant Vice President for Facilities Management and Campus Services
Sarah Mendelson
Distinguished Service Professor Of Public Policy and Head Of Heinz College In Washington, DC
Advisory Council
Nina Baird, School of Architecture, College of Fine Arts
Don Coffelt, Facilities Management and Campus Services
Neil Donahue, Steinbrenner Institute, Mellon College of Science, College of Engineering
Evan Feder, Vice President, Campus Affairs
Rayid Ghani, Machine Learning Department, School of Computer Science and Heinz College
Lauren Henry, Senior Director, Alumni and Constituent Engagement
Vivian Loftness, School of Architecture, College of Fine Arts
Nick Muller, Tepper School of Business, College of Engineering
Dan Nagin, Heinz College
Kathryn Posko, Heinz College graduate student
Elizabeth “Lib” Rosemeyer, Office of Title IX Initiatives
Edmund Russell, Professor of History, Dietrich College
Peter Scupelli, School of Design, College of Fine Arts
Liz Vaughan, Associate Dean of Student Affairs and Director of SLICE
Anna Siefken, Wilton E. Scott Institute for Energy Innovation
Rick Siger, Office of the President
M. Shernell Smith, Executive Director of the Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion
Deborah Steinberg, Green Practices and Sustainability Manager
Madeleine Timko, Director of Sustainability, Presidents Cabinet
Keith Webster, University Libraries