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Sustainability at AU

The entire American University community contributes to sustainability progress. From sorting waste correctly to building sustainable buildings, and from choosing to bike to managing our grounds sustainably, we all play an important role.

Culture of Sustainability

American University is proud to be a leader in sustainability. Sustainability is a culture that's visible the moment you step onto campus. Green buildings incorporate energy efficient technologies and a focus on human health. Environmentally conscious grounds management means we plant local and adaptive species. We use solar energy, strive for zero waste, and work with community partners to offer sustainable transportation. The culture of sustainability is evident through faculty research efforts, student involvement, and staff practices. These are just some of the elements that contribute to American University's commitment to having a small footprint. 

Learn more about these and other factors that contribute to the greening of AU and learn how you can engage in sustainability on campus by exploring our website. 

🏅 Recognitions

      

  • Clean Energy DC Award, 2026 (learn more)

  • #2 Top 50 Green Colleges, The Princeton Review, 2025 & 2026 (learn more)

  • #3 Top Performer Doctoral Institutions, #2 Top Performer Energy & Climate, #3 Top Performer Transportation, AASHE Sustainable Campus Index, 2025 (learn more)

  • #3 Food Organics category, #7 Game Day Waste Diversion category, #9 Game Day Per Capita Recycling, #29 Waste Diversion category, Campus Race to Zero Waste, 2025 (learn more)

  • Gold Sustainability Tracking, Assesment & Rating System (STARS), Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), 2011-2027 (learn more)

  • Bronze Bicycle Friendly University, League of American Bicyclists, 2017-2029 (learn more)

  • People's Choice, District Sustainability Award, 2016 (learn more)

  • Tree Campus Higher Education, Arbor Day Foundation, 2012-2026 (learn more)

Project Move In Friday, August 28 & Monday, August 31, 2026

Project Move In 2025

Stop by Project Move-In to shop (for free!) for residence hall décor, storage, and other must haves. The items were donated by students during the spring semester when they moved out of campus residence halls. More than 17 tons of great finds are stored over the summer for students returning in the fall, so before you buy new, see what new-to-you items you can find for free.

You will find thousands of clothes hangers, lots of storage containers, desk organizers, lamps, trash cans, coffee makers, plastic plants, wall hangings and artwork, and much, much more. Items go quickly when we open. 

Learn more here

Campus Initiatives

Waste Reduction Campaign

EcoPledge Program

Commit to making sustainable choices on campus and in your life and earn sustainable prizes.

Take the EcoPledge

Meltzer Center Areial Draw Up

Alan and Amy Meltzer Center for Athletic Performance

Learn about AU’s first building to earn LEED v4 Platinum certification.

Learn More

Screenshot of Sustainability Tour Map

Take a Virtual Sustainability Tour

Explore sustainable features of AU’s campus through our online story map.

View the Map