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Sustainability

Sustainability Starts With SU

A sustainable and vibrant planet begins on campus by minimizing the environmental impacts of our operations and cultivating a resilient community through our curricular and co-curricular experiences.

Sustainability isn’t a buzz word or catch phrase here — it is our responsibility. From a solar array that provides 30% of the electricity consumed on campus to student-first learning opportunities like our Beekeeping Club, our commitment is strong. Students can not only work on sustainability projects but can propose their own and get funding through our Green Fund.

View live data of production from our solar array.

living laboratory for hands-on learning

Empowering Students through Sustainability

Outdoor Recreation

Our 297-acre campus is full of green spaces perfectly suited to relax or play. Enjoy the sunshine with various lawn games and equipment available to loan. We also sponsor trips to local attractions including hiking trails, ski resorts, indoor rock climbing and more!

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People are gathered outdoors at a community or school event. A table labeled "Service Clubs" is set up with various items on display. Attendees are interacting, and the scene is lively with trees and buildings in the background.

Environmental Clubs

With more than 30 recognized special interest clubs, many of which with environmental focuses, there are plenty of options to keep you busy.

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A wooden beehive box with multiple frames is shown, filled with a large number of bees. The bees are actively moving across the frames, with some flying in and out. Sunlight illuminates the scene, highlighting the natural activity of the bees.

Beekeeping

In 2018, Susquehanna became the first university in Pennsylvania to be certified as an affiliate of Bee Campus USA. Since then, seven other colleges and universities throughout Pennsylvania have followed Susquehanna’s lead.

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Person crouching in a garden, using a small tool to work the soil. They wear a maroon t-shirt and gray shorts, with white sneakers. Green plants surround them, and they are holding a bottle in one hand. The setting is sunny and outdoors.

Sustainability Initiatives

We don’t just talk the talk. Our strong commitment to sustainability is demonstrated through various sustainability initiatives which guide campus operations.

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A group of people stand indoors, engaged in listening to a man in a maroon shirt presenting a research poster. The setting appears to be a conference or academic event, with a Starbucks visible in the background.

Research Opportunities

At Susquehanna University, research is more than an opportunity — it’s an integral part of your academic journey. From your very first year, participate in hands-on projects and contribute meaningfully to research that impacts both local and global communities.

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Student Engagement

Sustainability OFfice

Established in January 2018, the Sustainability Office is the driving force behind environmental action at Susquehanna University. The office, which is primarily student-led, facilitates campus-wide initiatives, educates the community on pressing sustainability issues, and builds partnerships that embed sustainability into everyday campus life.

Through paid positions and volunteer opportunities, students take the lead on real-world sustainability projects—turning campus into a living learning laboratory where they gain hands-on experience that extends far beyond college. Whether it’s reducing waste through Food Waste Diversion, advancing EV charging infrastructure, or managing our Hawk Stuff thrift store, every initiative provides students with practical skills, leadership experience, and the power to create tangible change.

Two women sitting on a wooden bench outdoors. The one on the left holds a small goat, smiling, while the other gently touches the goat. Several people in the background are seated on grass, interacting with more goats. Sunny day.

Four people are installing solar panels on a metal frame in an outdoor setting. They are wearing hard hats and casual clothing. Lush green trees are visible in the background.

Energy

Solar arrays and EV chargers are just the start!

A modern white brick building with large windows and a metal roof is partially visible. Adjacent is a covered walkway. Two people are walking along the path. The background shows trees and a partly cloudy sky.

Green Buildings

A commitment to LEED standards.

Recycling

Keeping the landfills less full.

Pollination

It’s awesome to Bee here!

Two people sitting on a bench outdoors, both in bright orange shirts, share smiles and cups of ice cream. About them: the person on the left flaunts long blonde hair, while the one on the right sports a maroon cap. Grass and a tree create a perfect backdrop.

Food

Greener eating.

A person with wavy brown hair wearing a black shirt leans forward in a garden. They are surrounded by green plants and orange flowers, tending to the plants with focus on sustainability. The scene is bright and outdoors.

External Recognition

Award-winning sustainability practices.

Four women are gardening in a sunny park, pulling weeds and tending to plants. They are casually dressed in t-shirts and shorts, working together near some greenery and trees, with a small structure visible in the background.

Peer Educators

Student-Led Initiatives: Getting involved with sustainability!

A group of sheep grazes on green grass beneath rows of solar panels. The panels are elevated, allowing the sheep to move freely underneath. The setting is outdoors with a mix of cloudy and sunny weather.

Behind the Scenes

Efforts to reduce our environment footprint.

All Initiatives

The College Tour

Immerse yourself in sustainability

A woman in a red shirt explains succulent plants to two people, one with a camera, in a greenhouse. Various potted plants and gardening tools are on the tables around them.

Research Opportunities

@SusquehannaU

Sustainability GOvernance

Susquehanna University is always forward-looking when it comes to minimizing our operational impacts, expanding sustainability education, and further embedding a culture of sustainability within our campus community. All campus offices, academic departments, students, and individuals are invited to play a role in furthering our sustainability efforts.

We achieve these goals through:

Academics: Integrate sustainability into curriculum and scholarly programs.
Collaboration: Strengthen sustainability culture through relationship-building.
Communication: Enhance knowledge-sharing and awareness of green initiatives.
Operations: Reduce environmental footprint through sustainability and energy efficient initiatives.
Planning: Strategically use university resources to foster sustainability.
Student Engagement: Provide meaningful sustainability-focused opportunities for students.

Each area strategically incorporates ideas like social justice, global citizenship, environmental health and sustainable economics.

EV charging stations

Charge your electric vehicle conveniently at Susquehanna University with access to four public EV chargers. Located in the parking lot next to the Admission House, these chargers exemplify Susquehanna’s comprehensive commitment to clean energy practices.

To charge, simply enter in the Charger ID found on the front of a SWTCH EV charger into the app and click START CHARGING.

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