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.


Report offers options for achieving carbon neutrality by 2035

The Senior Leaders Climate Action Group's report includes a financial analysis and feasibility study that would allow the university to make decisions based on costs and benefits in the context of its academic mission.

Roundtable to explore potential of geothermal energy

An Oct. 17 roundtable discussion will drill deep into the promise of geothermal energy at a time when Cornell is considering a groundbreaking project of its own at 4:30 in 155 Olin Hall.

Wildlife program gets $4.8 million to track NYS disease

The New York State Cooperative Wildlife Health Program – a partnership among Cornell and New York state to track and manage wildlife diseases – will receive $4.8 million over the five years.

Lessons learned after historic flooding topic of summit

On the anniversary of two devastating Southern Tier floods, local leaders will convene at the Living with Water summit Oct. 7-8 to review community resilience and the region's economy.

Sedimental journey: Scientists tackle toxin particle capture

As lakes and waterways are threatened by end-of-summer blue-green algae that produce cyanotoxins, new Cornell research shows how water chemistry controls toxic molecules captured by sediment.

Campus labs find ways to curb water use during drought

Cornell's laboratories have jumped into the water-saving pool, as building managers and campus wet lab technicians face the drought.

Engaged Curriculum Grants support courses, curricula

Fourteen new projects funded with 2016 Engaged Curriculum Grants are underway. With an additional eight teams receiving renewal funding, the grants involve 93 faculty and staff team members, and 29 departments.

In drought, Cornell Dining serves up water savings

As the university remains at a second-stage drought level, Cornell Dining has developed a new recipe to curtail water use. The effort is paying off, while the system saves 30,000 gallons on water each day.

Campus groups pool efforts to save more water

As the drought continues, Cornell's Residential Programs and the Office of Sustainability are launching “Energy Smackdown: Every Drop Counts,” a six-week conservation competition among residence halls.