Sustainability
Featured News
Sustainable Winter Solstice
November 20, 2024
The solstice marks the longest and shortest days of the year, reminding us of Earth’s natural cycles and how they shape our lives. The winter solstice, with its long nights and short days, highlights challenges like increased energy use and light pollution, while also inspiring innovations in renewable energy and sustainable living. This turning point in nature encourages reflection on how we can live in harmony with the planet through eco-friendly traditions and practices. Read more
The Sustainability Program at CSUN is comprised of various departments, working groups, academic centers, and individuals dedicated to achieving the campus’ immediate, mid-term and long-term sustainability and climate goals. Sustainability is a key priority at California State University, Northridge, integrated into all aspects of the university from operations and infrastructure to outreach, education, and research. CSUN's Road Map to Sustainability lays out our goals and activities in ten functional areas. Everyone at the university – administrators, staff, faculty, and students – is an integral part of these efforts. We are a proud signatory to Second Nature’s Presidents’ Climate Commitment and are following a Climate Action Plan that will guide us towards climate neutrality by 2040. Find out how to get involved.
CSUN recognizes and acknowledges the Sesevitam, the first people of this ancestral and unheeded territory of Sesevenga that is now occupied by our institution. We honor their elders, past and present, and the Sesevitam descendants who are citizens of the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians. CSUN recognizes that the Sesevitam are still here and we are committed to lifting up their stories, culture, and community.
Three Arms of Sustainability
FPDC: Energy & Sustainability Team
Facilities Planning, Design and Construction houses the Director of Energy and Sustainability, the Energy and Sustainability Coordinator and the Campus Energy Manager. These roles are charged with implementing the Sustainability and Climate Action Plans, making facility efficiency upgrades, growing renewable energy projects and improving the sustainable attributes of the campus’ physical infrastructure.
Institute for Sustainability
The Institute for Sustainability spearheads educational engagement efforts through curriculum development, events, tabling, social media, and digital newsletters. The Institute operates the campus food garden, which serves as a tool to educate campus and community members on the benefits of gardening, composting, and healthy dietary habits.
Associated Students Sustainability
ASSR coordinates the Sustainable Office Program, as well as campus recycling programs for bottles and cans, paper, cardboard, pallets, electronics, toner cartridges and more. Associated Students also houses the Associated Students Sustainability Committee charged with engaging and educating the campus on issues related to sustainability.