“We think that a system is sustainable when it is expected to continue supplying services to humanity through time,” says Distinguished Sustainability Scientist Osvaldo Sala, who discusses his research and the nature of sustainability science in this month’s Q&A.

ASU offers new Certificate in Food System Sustainability

Reflecting the breadth of food system issues researched and taught at ASU, the School of Sustainability now offers a 15-credit interdisciplinary Certificate in Food System Sustainability – a comprehensive, sustainability-oriented introduction to food systems for undergraduate students.

Study finds link between excess nutrients and ecosystem impacts

A study led by ASU sustainability scientist Arianne Cease demonstrates how an excess of nutrients like phosphorous used in human food production can enter the water supply, having a profound impact on ecosystems.

Online education is key driver in university sustainability strategies

A new report from the Rob and Melani Walton Sustainability Solutions Initiatives indicates that the development of online education programs can be a significant component of an institution’s sustainability strategy based on greater socio-economic impact for a smaller environmental footprint per degree.

Annual review demonstrates ASU’s operational sustainability progress

ASU’s newly-released 2014 Sustainability Operations Annual Review shows that the university has made major strides toward its goals of minimizing consumption, maximizing efficiency and reassessing the traditional way of functioning in order to be more sustainable.

Study explores heat-mitigating technologies for urbanizing region

Using computer simulations of rural to urban land conversion, a study led by sustainability scientist Matei Georgescu reveals some of the dynamics at play as one region of the country, the Central Valley of California, braces for substantial population growth.

New finding: trees grow on money

School of Sustainability Dean Chris Boone is among the authors of a study, recently published in PLOS ONE, that establishes a correlation between low-income neighborhoods and low-density tree cover.

Project aims to strengthen resilience of Southwest infrastructure

Using a three-year $600,000 grant from the Water Sustainability and Climate program, a team led by sustainability scientists is working to provide a guide to boosting the resilience of infrastructure systems against potential climatic threats.

Scientist honored for advancements in solar research and education

In recognition of her contributions to the performance of solar energy systems, both as a researcher and educator, sustainability scientist Christiana Honsberg was presented the 2014 Outstanding Faculty Award by the Phoenix Section of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers.

ASU engineer works to improve computer sustainability

Rather than allowing the superfluous heat generated by devices to reduce their performance speed, computer scientist Carole-Jean Wu decided to harvest it using a thermoelectric generator, which converts heat into electricity.

ASU’s sustainability headquarters goes zero waste

Now equipped to compost, TerraCycle, and recycle plastic film and bags in addition to traditional materials, the ASU Wrigley Institute is piloting ASU’s efforts to achieve zero solid waste – defined as 90 percent diversion from landfills.

ASU initiatives honored with President’s Award for Sustainability

The Seville Orange Juicing Partnership, which harvested 10,000 pounds of Seville oranges from ASU’s Tempe campus and bottled 380 gallons of juice in the last year, was among the recipients of the President’s Award for Sustainability at the April 14 President’s Recognition Reception.