Sustainability

Explore

Welcome to the Office of Sustainability! We collaborate with the Department of Sustainability Studies and the President's Committee on Sustainability to promote sustainability practices across Muhlenberg's campus. Our goal is to work together with students, faculty, and staff throughout the campus community to foster a culture of environmental awareness and social responsibility.

A young woman with shoulder-length blonde hair smiles at the camera.

A man dressed in a white chef's coat speaks to the camera in a dining hall kitchen.

A smiling young woman stands, hands in back pockets, on the shore of a beach.

A young man wearing a suit and glasses smiles at the camera.

A smiling man with a beard wears a green hat and striped scarf outdoors.

“The best first step to take toward sustainability is to ask questions. Especially at Muhlenberg, there will be someone who is passionate and eager to learn and grow with you.” — Lindsey Adler '24 , Environmental Chemistry Major (Self-Designed), Sustainability Studies Minor

“We were always actively listening to our students and they’re informing us about what we do. My cooks here also share a lot of the same views.” — Michael Brack , Executive Chef with Muhlenberg Dining Services

“Using practices of sustainability allows for creativity and positivity in so many ways, and I love the motivation sustainable thinking can bring to the table.” — Anna Shigo '24 , Environmental Science and Sustainability Studies Major

“I stay motivated and inspired to continue sustainability work, even when faced with challenges because I know I am helping to encourage others to make the world that they and I envision a reality.” — Ryan Steremberg '25 , Sustainability Studies Major, Political Science Minor

“I believe that my support and involvement [in sustainability efforts] contributes to mobilizing support, managing projects and educating peers. This builds capacity to drive change.” — AJ Lemheney , Vice President of the School of Graduate and Continuing Education

92%

of students engage in community service each year

Students in green t-shirts haul cardboard boxes on a college campus.

27

student organizations dedicated to social and environmental sustainability

The front of a modern building with a sign that reads

2

certified green buildings on campus

50+

water bottle filling stations on campus to reduce dependency on single use plastic

46%

reduction in potable water usage from baseline year 2013

A pair of people with hardhats work on a solar panel.

100%

of campus electricity is generated by onsite & offsite renewable energy projects

Muhlenberg Sustainable Walking Tour

At Muhlenberg College sustainability is a collaborative effort between students, faculty and staff. There are examples of their efforts all across our campus. The Sustainability Map is organized around the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and enables you to explore campus sustainability features such as solar panels, certified green buildings, cultural centers, water efficiency upgrades and sustainable dining.

Sustainable Campus

A Greener Muhlenberg

In and out of the classroom, Muhlenberg students, faculty, staff and alumni are committed to a more sustainable future.

Academics

Students can explore an interdisciplinary curriculum with faculty nationally recognized in sustainability leadership and academic innovation.

Engagement

Through a variety of programs and initiatives, Muhlenberg students, faculty and staff work to build a sustainable community.

Sustainable Campus

We ensure our building environments and grounds include energy planning efforts that conserve natural resources and implement sustainable practices.

Reuse and Recyling

We strive to reuse or recycle wherever possible and minimize our waste production.

Sustainable Dining

Waste reduction, local food sourcing and fair-trade vendor selection are among the ways Muhlenberg Dining practices sustainability.

Commitments

We affirm our sustainability values through public commitments and leadership.

NEWS AT MUHLENBERG

March 1, 2024

A Fashionable Way to Help the Environment

Popular clothing exchange events on campus allow students to educate their peers about the pitfalls of fast fashion.
December 8, 2023

Join Us: Community Open Day at Fahy Commons

Muhlenberg College invites the community to an information session and guided tour of The Fahy Commons for Public Engagement and Innovation on the evening of January 10 to learn about sustainable design and building practices.
August 28, 2023

“I Will Always Carry What I Saw and Felt in Bangladesh”

Getting to travel to Bangladesh with my classmates and professors after a semester-long course about climate change and sustainable development in the nation was such a unique and unparalleled experience.
August 9, 2023

Summer Check-in: Jayson Williams-Johnson '25, Researched Sustainable Food Systems

Jayson Williams-Johnson '25, a finance major and men's basketball player, was part of the Summer Seedbox program, which combines research in sustainability alongside innovation and entrepreneurship.