The Office of Sustainability is uniquely positioned to fortify the culture of sustainability in university academics and operations. Through strategic partnerships and planning with campus stakeholders, the Office of Sustainability mobilizes sustainable ways of being and enhances business practices at Georgetown. Georgetown’s Sustainability Strategic Plan outlines the strategic priorities that will advance Georgetown toward a more sustainable future and the strategic initiatives required to address these priorities through 2031. The Office of Sustainability, in collaboration with various internal partners (such as campuses, schools, and operational teams), will work collaboratively to address the strategic priorities.
- Laudato Si’Actions: Mobilize and measure the actions identified in the Laudato Si’ Action Plan.
- Climate Change: Minimize environmental impact by reducing greenhouse gas emissions to the maximum extent possible and modifying other harmful behaviors.
- Built Environment: Construct and maintain university buildings and physical infrastructure to be healthy for all while minimizing environmental footprint.
- Biodiversity: Manage Georgetown land and activity to promote biodiverse and ecologically sustainable habitats.
- Sustainable Economy: Maximize the positive impact of university procurement while minimizing negative impact to communities in the supply chain.
- Culture of Sustainability: Fortify the culture of sustainability in university academics and operations.
Strategic Initiatives
On an annual basis, The Office of Sustainability in partnership with Campus Partners, will identify Strategic Initiatives to take impactful action to address the university’s Strategic Priorities. As initiatives are completed, initiatives will be updated. The list below represents the FY26 strategic initiatives that are in progress or will be operationalized this fiscal year.
- Mobilize and Measure Progress of the Laudato Si’ Action Plan Targets (Laudato Si’)
- Enhance Building Hot Water Infrastructure (Climate Change)
- Reduce Energy Use (Climate Change)
- Reduce the Procurement of Single-Use Plastics (Sustainable Economy)
- Implement Compost Operations (Built Environment)
- Standardize Waste Receptacles (Built Environment)
- Reduce Construction-Related Scope 3 Emissions (Climate Change)
- Reduce Scope 1 Emissions from Stationary Fuels (Climate Change)
- Implement Sustainable Air Travel Program (Climate Change & Sustainable Economy)
- Plant More Native Species on our Campuses (Biodiversity)
- Manage Campus Grounds Organically (Biodiversity)
- Support the Development and Implementation of Living Labs (Culture of Sustainability)
External Commitments
Georgetown has made commitments at the local, sector, and global levels. There are external expectations for Georgetown to plan, implement, and report on its progress against these commitments.
Learn More
For more information or questions, email sustainability@georgetown.edu