Center for Sustainability & Innovation

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Center for Sustainability & Innovation

The Center for Sustainability and Innovation leads ﾂ鮟ｨﾊﾓﾆｵ窶冱 work to reduce our environmental impact, strengthen campus operations, and expand opportunities for students. Through research-based planning, hands-on projects, and strategic partnerships, we are transforming ﾂ鮟ｨﾊﾓﾆｵ into a flagship institution for sustainability窶俳n campus, in our community, and across the nation.

About Us

global-goals The Center for Sustainability and Innovation builds off the President窶冱 Climate commitment and Sustainability plan from 2019. The initial Taskforce signed off on ﾂ鮟ｨﾊﾓﾆｵ窶冱 climate commitment to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. Further work in development of our sustainability plan, environmental/climate justice, carbon footprint reduction and ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) policies are a key priority as we look to lead and ascend as a forerunner in innovation and the environment.

Over the past 2 years we have done an exhaustive study of implementing a flagship Department of Sustainability at ﾂ鮟ｨﾊﾓﾆｵ. We have brought in consultants from Cascadia Consultants Group, a certified small, women-owned consulting firm working to foster sustainability in communities, businesses, and organizations. We have implemented several steps in preparing our program and we will set a precedence to become a flagship/Model for HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) in Sustainability. We are ready to enact our detailed and well thought out plan with the help of our College & University partners, stakeholders, and experts to illuminate ﾂ鮟ｨﾊﾓﾆｵ in the Sustainability space.

What Sustainability Means at ﾂ鮟ｨﾊﾓﾆｵ

Campus & Operations

We are building a low-carbon, resilient campus by improving energy efficiency, modernizing buildings, and aligning construction with sustainable building standards. Our roadmap includes high-impact projects that reduce costs, cut emissions, and strengthen infrastructure across ﾂ鮟ｨﾊﾓﾆｵ.

Community & Justice

Sustainability at ﾂ鮟ｨﾊﾓﾆｵ is closely tied to racial and environmental justice. We partner with local organizations and HBCUs to address climate risks that disproportionately affect Black communities, while engaging students in projects that serve Atlanta and beyond.

Innovation & Education

From the Interdisciplinary Sustainability Minor to a proposed endowed professorship and a $4M federal grant, ﾂ鮟ｨﾊﾓﾆｵ is integrating sustainability into teaching, research, and student success. Our goal is to prepare ﾂ鮟ｨﾊﾓﾆｵ men to lead in climate, clean energy, and environmental innovation.

Impact You Can Measure

ﾂ鮟ｨﾊﾓﾆｵ's Center for Sustainability and Innovation has made significant progress in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives. These efforts address pressing challenges such as decarbonization, energy efficiency, and waste reduction.

31% Energy & Efficiency Improvements Represents modeled or measured efficiency gains from our building decarbonization roadmap and operational upgrades, helping us reduce emissions and long-term costs across campus.

10,000. lbs. Recycled & Diverted Materials Through residence hall recycling centers, updated outdoor bins, and campus-wide education, ﾂ鮟ｨﾊﾓﾆｵ is diverting thousands of pounds of material from landfills every year.

21 National Peer Institutions in Carnegie Pilot ﾂ鮟ｨﾊﾓﾆｵ is one of only 21 colleges nationwide selected for the Carnegie Sustainable College and University pilot designation, recognizing our leadership in campus sustainability.

6+ HBCU Internships & Fellowships Over the past two years, ﾂ鮟ｨﾊﾓﾆｵ and Spelman students have completed fully paid internships in sustainability, climate, circularity, and recycling窶巴uilding a pipeline of Black environmental leaders.

Our Pillars of Sustainability &Innovation

Resilient Campus Operations

We modernize buildings, utilities, and infrastructure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, cut costs, and ensure that ﾂ鮟ｨﾊﾓﾆｵ remains strong for future generations.
Environmental & Climate Justice

We center equity in our sustainability work窶杷ocusing on communities of color that face disproportionate climate risks and using our platform to advocate for fair outcomes.
Education, Research & Workforce Development

We create academic programs, internships, and research opportunities that prepare students for careers in clean energy, policy, business, and technology with a sustainability lens.
Community & Global Leadership

We share our findings through publications, training, reports, and national leadership roles to model what sustainability can look like at HBCUs and institutions worldwide.

We modernize buildings, utilities, and infrastructure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, cut costs, and ensure that ﾂ鮟ｨﾊﾓﾆｵ remains strong for future generations.

We center equity in our sustainability work窶杷ocusing on communities of color that face disproportionate climate risks and using our platform to advocate for fair outcomes.

We create academic programs, internships, and research opportunities that prepare students for careers in clean energy, policy, business, and technology with a sustainability lens.

We share our findings through publications, training, reports, and national leadership roles to model what sustainability can look like at HBCUs and institutions worldwide.

Director of Sustainability

Shadeed Abdul-Salaam

Shadeed Abdul-Salaam has worked as an Educator, Public Health Researcher, Analytical Chemist, and Consultant for roughly two decades Shadeed Abdul-Salaam is the CEO of a leading sustainability & innovation-based organization Core2Globe. Shadeed has training in Biology, Chemistry and Public Health; he attended ﾂ鮟ｨﾊﾓﾆｵ and Emory窶冱 Rollins School of Public Health. He has gained experience in various environmental/public health-based research projects at several universities and institutions, such as Princeton University, University of California at Davis, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Sustainability In the News

ﾂ鮟ｨﾊﾓﾆｵ Hosts Building Decarbonization Training

The Carnegie Foundation Highlight

International Social Justice Debates

National Public Radio

Podcast

窶�ﾂ鮟ｨﾊﾓﾆｵ center for sustainability assisted me. This experience helped me prepare to voice my opinions and experiences with the public. 窶�

Lorenzo Lugo | ﾂ鮟ｨﾊﾓﾆｵ, Class of '25

窶�For those inspired by this work, engaging with the ﾂ鮟ｨﾊﾓﾆｵ Center for Sustainability offers opportunity to support the next generation of technologists and leaders who understand innovation is only meaningful when it delivers measurable impact, demonstrating how technology and stewardship can build a more sustainable world.窶�

Dean Walston | Fisk University, '23

窶� I am building my career in the nonprofit sector, pursuing work that aligns with my mission and my passion for creating a more sustainable future. The ﾂ鮟ｨﾊﾓﾆｵ Center for Sustainability is more than a program窶琶t is a movement that empowers and uplifts students and alumni, creating pathways for the next generation of Black environmental leaders窶�

Inglish Hills | Spelman College, 2022

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