Energy, Environment & Sustainability

Cornell is a global leader in sustainability and climate change research, teaching and engagement. Our campuses are living laboratories for developing, testing and implementing solutions that address these most challenging issues.


Smart parking software could ease congestion, save time

New smart parking software developed by Cornell researchers could reduce congestion and emissions while saving drivers the time of circling to look for available spots.

Refugee children get better health, nutrition via e-vouchers

Electronic food vouchers provided young Rohingya children in Bangladeshi refugee camps with better health and nutrition than direct food assistance.

16 faculty, staff members receive SUNY Chancellor's Awards

Sixteen faculty and professional staff members in state contract colleges at Cornell are receiving the 2019-20 State University of New York Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence.

Staff News

Students seize sun’s blaze to wring out its power in contest

A team of Cornell students found an artful way to snare the sun’s energy and optimize it for the U.S. Department of Energy’s inaugural Solar District Cup collegiate design competition.

Saving the planet, one shade-grown cup at a time

Ecologist and conservation biologist Amanda Rodewald studies birds and the ecosystems on which they depend, looking for the best outcomes for people and the planet. This approach turned her attention to coffee farms.

Cornell announces moratorium on fossil fuel investments

With support from the Cornell Board of Trustees, the university has instituted a moratorium on new private investments focused on fossil fuels and plans to grow the endowment's investments in alternative energy technologies.

Cornell farm tractor gets clean, green biodiesel makeover

A week before Cornell's campus shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, members of an engineering student group converted a university-owned diesel tractor into a clean, green farming machine.

Complex dynamics of water shortages highlighted in study

A mathematical model developed by Cornell engineers uses advanced methods to assess how water users in the Colorado River basin might be individually affected by changes in climate and demand, and how their water shortages might differ.

Students reflect on engaged experiences, leadership

Students reflected on their learning experiences and future goals in community engagement as they completed a leadership certificate program this spring.