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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

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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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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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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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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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Student Initiatives

At Susquehanna, students are the driving force behind campus sustainability efforts. They lead hands-on initiatives that make a real difference — on campus and beyond.

Whether reducing food waste, expanding EV charging infrastructure, or running our student-operated Hawk Stuff thrift store, students apply what they learn in the classroom to solve real-world challenges. Through both paid roles and volunteer opportunities, they develop leadership experience, gain practical skills, and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Our campus becomes a living learning lab — powered by students who care, take action, and create lasting impact.

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.

Princeton Review:

A “Green” COllege

Susquehanna University is one of the nation’s most environmentally responsible colleges, according to The Princeton Review.

Susquehanna was selected for its exceptional programs, policies and practices related to sustainability and the environment.

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Bee Campus USA:

Pollinator-Friendly Campus

Recognizing the importance of pollinator protection and thanks to the efforts of our student-run Beekeeping Club, we became the first university in Pennsylvania to become Bee Campus USA certified in 2018, demonstrating our commitment to protect pollinators and raise awareness about the challenges they face.

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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 university 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

Operations

Reduce environmental footprint through sustainability and energy efficient initiatives

Collaboration

Strengthen sustainability culture through relationship-building

Planning

Strategically use university resources to foster sustainability

Communication

Enhance knowledge-sharing and awareness of green initiatives

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.

Get SWTCH