Institute for Sustainability

Who We Are

Founded in 2008, the Institute for Sustainability works with stakeholders across campus to integrate sustainability into all aspects of the university from operations and infrastructure to outreach, education, and research. The Institute serves all the colleges of the university, working to increase interdisciplinary and cross-functional communication, education, and research on sustainability.

Institute for Sustainability Policy Brief #1: Gender, Education, and Sustainability at CSUN

March 24, 2025

At CSUN, building a sustainable future means recognizing how gender shapes environmental actions. This policy brief explores how women’s education, leadership, and perspectives drive sustainability on campus, aligning with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, particularly gender equality (SDG 5). It also connects to CSUN’s Sustainability Roadmap, showing how gender inclusion supports priorities like food systems, energy efficiency, and environmental advocacy — proving that empowering women benefits everyone. Read more

The Institute Priorities

Head up the development of sustainability curriculum collaboration with faculty. Assist with the coordination of SUST classes, the minor, and other formal Sustainability curricula.

Conduct outreach and events including the Footprint and social media; coordinate campus Sustainability Day and Water Day; participate in and support America Recycles Day and Earth Day; and conduct student and staff education through orientations, workshops, and tours.

Provide opportunities for students to participate in sustainability-related activities in the community through our partners. Conduct outreach and education about energy and water conservation and solar energy in the community.

Solicit external funds to expand education and outreach efforts and support interdisciplinary sustainability research. Encourage and support innovation and research in climate mitigation, adaptation, and resilience.

Provide leadership on campus, regionally and nationally in sustainability. Lead climate action and resilience planning and assist in implementation. Actively participate in AASHE, Second Nature and USU sustainability and resilience networks.

Sustainability