Princeton University endeavors to cultivate a sustainable, just and inclusive culture on campus and accelerate meaningful sustainability action at all scales, from personal to global. This University-wide initiative encourages participation in sustainability as service to human and ecological health through teaching and research, practice of sustainable behaviors, operations and administration, multi-sector partnerships and communication.

Building on its 2008 Sustainability Plan, Princeton released an updated comprehensive Sustainability Action Plan in April 2019, supporting Princeton’s 30-year Strategic Plan Framework and its 2026 Campus Plan. Highlights include a target of net-zero carbon emissions by or before 2046 through direct reduction in fossil fuel use and other initiatives. Over the past decade and in response to escalating global challenges, Princeton has tracked substantive improvements across a number of systems including energy, transportation, food systems, construction waste management, stormwater management and green building; as well as expanded sustainability-focused academic research and teaching; increased student and staff engagement; and applied behavioral initiatives.