Sustainability

Sustainability

  • Lehigh University Has Addressed 100% of its Electricity Consumption with Renewable Energy Certificates
    Lehigh’s on-site solar array is operational.
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  • Lehigh Joins Partnership with Eight Colleges and Universities to Bring Large-scale Solar Facility Online
    The Sebree Solar II project is considered one of the emissions reduction strategies supporting Lehigh’s Climate Action Strategy.
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  • 2022 Progress Report for the Sustainability Strategic Plan 2030 Released
    Two years after its release, Lehigh’s second Sustainability Strategic Plan 2030 Progress Report shows key progress towards goals.
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  • Lehigh Releases Climate Action Strategy
    The Climate Action Strategy establishes a goal of achieving net carbon neutrality by 2040.
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  • Striving for Sustainability
    Lehigh has a bold 10-year plan for sustainability on campus. As the university addresses its environmental impact, we take the opportunity to highlight 6 alumni who are doing their part for a more sustainable planet.
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Overwhelming scientific evidence suggests the impacts of climate change will be dire if left unaddressed. Universities must play a key role in building a better global future and Lehigh is uniquely positioned to make significant contributions to address this enormous challenge.

Sustainability Strategic Plan 2030 Focus Areas

Climate Action

Seeking innovative solutions to address climate change and resiliently adapting to its effects

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Educational Experience

Developing and empowering tomorrow’s leaders by integrating sustainability into the university’s educational experience

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Campus Operations

Seeking and embracing innovative ways to enhance operational efficiency, save money, and increase the overall well-being of the university and the community

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Culture and Engagement

Fostering a “One Lehigh” culture of sustainability that incorporates diverse perspectives and cultivates environmental stewardship through sustainable practices across all levels

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Health and Wellness

Promoting improved health and wellness throughout our community with healthy food options, employee wellness programming, and purposeful landscape and building designs

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Focused Leadership

Leading the way in becoming a model sustainable campus by seeking and embracing new solutions that support long-term sustainable change

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By the Numbers

93.55%
Of research-producing departments are engaged in sustainability research
~$25,000
Awarded for piloting innovative campus sustainability solutions via the Sustainable Initiative Grant, formerly known as GreenFund, since 2010
2.3 million
Plastic bottles diverted since 2014
25%
Reduction in total waste generated on campus between 2010-2011 and 2018-2019