Impact on sustainability

From carbon neutrality to campus-wide conservation, NAU is taking bold steps toward a more sustainable future, right here in Arizona, and far beyond.

Located in one of the most climate-vulnerable states, NAU is taking action. From water scarcity and heatwaves to wildfires and health impacts, the challenges are real but so is our resolve. As a university rooted in stewardship and innovation, we’re committed to bold, science-driven solutions. Our goal? Achieve carbon neutrality by 2030.

Researcher Abe Springer working with a student on a water research project.

Our 2030 carbon neutrality goal

NAU’s path to carbon neutrality by 2030 includes bold, campus-wide transformations, from switching to renewable energy and electrifying buildings and vehicles to supporting sustainable behaviors across the Lumberjack community.

Key sustainability initiatives

  • Green Fund: This student-led program has invested more than $3 million in 110+ sustainability projects including campus solar panels, the Yellow Bike Program, and upgraded recycling.
  • Reusable dining programs: Through our partnership with USEFULL, students can enjoy meals in stainless steel, tech-enabled reusable containers, cutting down dramatically on single-use plastic waste.
  • Energy and water conservation: Year-over-year, we’ve reduced natural gas use by 13%, cut water usage by 14%, and decreased electricity consumption by 4.6%.
  • Sustainable transportation: We’re expanding bike-sharing and electrifying our shuttle fleet to support cleaner, greener campus travel.
  • LEED-Certified buildings: With 14 LEED-certified buildings and more on the way, NAU’s campus is a model of sustainable design and construction.

Learning, research, and engagement

Sustainability is part of what we teach and how we learn. Students engage in hands-on research and degree programs focused on climate and environmental science. Through initiatives like the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP), we collaborate with tribal nations to address the local and global impacts of climate change.

Join in the movement

Whether you’re biking to class, launching a new Green Fund project, or exploring sustainability in your coursework, your choices make a difference. Together, we’re building a more sustainable future one step, one idea, and one action at a time.

Support sustainability at NAU

NAU is leading the way through innovation, education, and community collaboration. Want to help shape a greener tomorrow? Support our sustainability mission and expand our impact across Arizona and beyond.

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