American University
IN-3: Innovation 3

American University's Environmental Collaborative ("ECOllaborative") is the gathering place for members of the American University community who are working to advance environmental protection and societal prosperity during a period of rapid global environmental change. The function of the ECOllaborative is to enhance and showcase American University's groundbreaking environmental and sustainability research, degree-granting programs, and campus infrastructure. Our efforts pull together the diverse perspectives and talents of more than fifty American University faculty and numerous staff and students. Our interests and our particular lines of inquiry are as varied as our backgrounds. We are united by considerations of justice, equity, and inclusion, as we work to develop new knowledge and insights to mitigate or reverse the effects of environmental degradation in the United States and around the world, and as we contribute to building more resilient relationships between human endeavors and the planet on which all life depends. The ECOllaborative Colloquium series brings together faculty conducting research in a specific field of sustainability to share findings, elevate each other's research, and bring greater awareness of sustainability to the campus community. Unlike other lecture series, this colloquium is specifically designed to have faculty share peer to peer while enlightening the community and driving forward not just campus sustainability but the greater movement. Series themes have included water, conservation, energy, climate. and environmental law and are widely attended by faculty, staff, and all levels of students.

As a result of the ECOllaborative group and colloquium series, there has been increased camaraderie and communication across academic schools and issue areas. It has been a driving force behind the fostering of sustainability in campus culture, especially among faculty.