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Join us as we create solutions, drive strategies and integrate efforts across our campus.
The Sustainability Initiative is Carnegie Mellon University’s commitment to fostering a sustainable future for all by integrating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), or Global Goals, into education, research, and practices. The initiative goes beyond environmental concerns to include social and economic justice, centering equity.
Established in 2019 with a Steering Committee and Advisory Council, the Sustainability Initiative hired an executive fellow and published the world's first Voluntary University Review (VUR) in 2020. The executive fellow became the director of the Sustainability Initiative in 2022 with the opening of the Sustainability Studio in Hunt Library.
In 2023, the Advisory Council transitioned into three working groups focusing on climate action, measuring engagement, and thematic programming, and formalized an internship program led by the director that places students at the forefront of the Sustainability Initiative. The Sustainability Initiative team divides responsibilities based on individual interests and values, with community engagement, programming strategies, and cross-campus collaborations being shared efforts.
Alexandra Hiniker, Director of the Sustainability Initiative
As director of the Sustainability Initiative at Carnegie Mellon University, Alexandra Hiniker is responsible for implementing the Provost’s commitment to the Global Goals. She is an internationally-recognized policy leader with 20 years of experience advocating for, creating, and implementing equitable policies and programs at local and global levels. Hiniker also serves as a member of the Sustainability Initiative Steering Committee.
Interns
Purva Bommireddy is a senior from South Plainfield, New Jersey. She is double majoring in civil engineering and statistics & machine learning and is the community engagement intern. She provides resources, mentorship, and support to campus groups and individuals interested in the Sustainability Initiative. In this role she also works to develop and strengthen sustainability programs within CMU academic departments.
You can connect with Purva on Tuesdays from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. in the Sustainability Studio.
Cristina Goeller, a masters student studying public policy and management in Heinz College, serves as the Heinz DICE liaison. From Long Beach, New York, she conducts qualitative research for the annual Voluntary University Reviews, assists in event creation, and serves as a general counsel for ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion topics are included in practices of sustainability.
Aleena Siddiqui is a junior double majoring in materials science and engineering and environmental and sustainability studies. From Grosse Pointe, Michigan she is the outreach & programming intern. She focuses on finding meaningful ways to engage with the campus community and shares resources that allow for connections between students, staff, and faculty in our collective efforts toward sustainability. She is expanding on the team's work with the Youth Sustainability Network that serves as a landing point for students across Pittsburgh colleges to connect and lead in efforts together.
You can connect with Aleena on Fridays from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. in the Sustainability Studio.
Ameena George is a freshman from Pasadena, California studying business administration and environmental and sustainability studies. As an intern for the Initiative she hopes to focus on making an impact on individuals around campus in a way that allows everyone to see themselves in the sustainability movement. She wants to inspire members of the community to carry the Global Goal framework into the rest of their lives, beyond their time at CMU, to understand how they impact the world around them.
You can connect with Ameena on Wednesdays from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. in the Sustainability Studio.
Steering Committee
Alexandrea Hiniker
Director of the Sustainability Initiative
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
Keith Webster
Helen and Henry Posner, Jr. Dean of the University Libraries