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.


Sustainable sipping: New York produces eco-friendly wines

Cornell is teaching students and producers how to incorporate sustainable practices in growing grapes and developing wines through a course for students and workbook for professionals.

Big Idea winner: Solar cell phone charger that only works when malaria net is used

The big winner of the Big Idea competition went to two juniors for a technology-enhanced bed net that helps prevent malaria while using solar power to help residents charge cell phones and run fans. (April 18, 2011)

New Cornell corn available for nationwide sale

A new Cornell organic corn hybrid, bred to thrive in the Northeast, has been licensed and is available for sale. The hybrid is resistant to many diseases and has big seed ears. (April 15, 2011)

Senior develops clothes that can trap poisonous gas

A student has used Cornell technology to make a mask, hooded jackets and shirts that can trap and decompose harmful gases for military applications or for people living in smog-choked cities. (April 12, 2011)

Unilever CEO says company will double its growth with sustainable practices

Paul Polman, CEO of Unilever, said that his company, which sells in some 180 countries, plans to double its growth while drastically reducing its environmental impact during the Durland lecture April 11. (April 12, 2011)

CU dairy expertise attracts Colombian company to upstate

Cornell dairy expertise has attracted a company from Colombia to open its first North American plant in upstate New York. (April 11, 2011)

$1M will launch 70 school garden programs, 23 in N.Y.

Cornell University Cooperative Extension in New York City will co-lead a $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to launch 70 school garden programs, including 23 in New York state. (April 8, 2011)

Unilever CEO to speak on sustainable business models

Paul Polman, CEO of the multinational conglomerate Unilever, will give the 23rd annual Durland Memorial Lecture in Ives Hall, presented by the Johnson School. (April 7, 2011)

Cornellians to share sustainability successes in China

Cornell faculty and administrators have been invited to China to talk about Cornell's Climate Action Plan and sustainability efforts and share their achievements and findings to date. (April 6, 2011)