Sustainability and Justice in the
Heart of New York City
Washington Square Park.
Nestled in the vibrant streets of Greenwich Village, New York University (NYU) is not only a global leader in education but also a trailblazer in sustainability. Committed to reducing its carbon footprint, NYU has pledged to reach carbon neutrality by 2040 and has already made significant strides through energy efficiency upgrades, renewable energy purchases, and waste reduction initiatives. Just a few of this premier institution’s impressive feats include: Over 3.2 million square feet of LEED certified building space, over 500 courses on sustainability topics offered to students, and a track record of over 100 climate-related events held every single academic year. With one of the most extensive university building emissions trackers, NYU continues to set the standard for sustainability in urban higher education.
Tovar teaching NYU honors students.
Diego Tovar, Associate Director of Campus and Civic Engagement for the Rachel Carson Council (RCC), visited NYU, hosted by Joann Lee, Assistant Manager for the Office of Sustainability.
Tovar had the unique opportunity to meet with the Sustainability Leaders Fellowship program, a year-long initiative where students from diverse backgrounds and majors develop sustainability projects both on campus and in their communities. Engaging with these passionate students, Tovar highlighted how the RCC National Environment Leadership Fellowship (NELF) could serve as an extension of their work, allowing them to continue their projects into the next academic year, and share ways urbanization and climate solutions correlate.
Madison Square Park.
Later on, Tovar delivered a presentation on the importance of a justice-oriented mindset in sustainability, drawing from Rachel Carson’s intersectional approach to environmentalism—research, policy advocacy, and storytelling. The discussion explored how local, grassroots organizing can be a powerful force for systemic change, inspiring NYU’s sustainability leaders to think critically about their advocacy work. As the presentation wrapped up, students and NYU more broadly expressed enthusiasm for collaboration with RCC, eager to deepen their engagement through the RCC NELF fellowship, coalition building, and community action.
We are proud to welcome New York University as our 77th Rachel Carson Campus Network member, joining a national movement of student and faculty environmental leaders committed to justice-driven sustainability.
