Princeton University
PA-2: Sustainability Planning

Princeton University's 2019 Sustainability Action Plan sets out to achieve the following operational objectives:

Progress is measured by the Assistant Director of Impact Analysis in the Office of Sustainability. 

Please see Princeton's Sustainability Action Plan for an overview of the strategy and tactics to achieve each operational objective.

Princeton University aspires to be a truly diverse community in which individuals of every gender, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status can flourish equally. The University has launched many initiatives to enhance campus diversity, inclusively, and climate. Measurable objectives include:

Goal: "The University should aim for an undergraduate student body that is at least 70% eligible for need-based financial aid and at least 22% Pell Grant eligible." Source: 2024 Board of Trustees Report

• Climate and Inclusion within Academic Units-University-wide efforts to advance access, diversity, inclusion, and belonging within academic departments centers, institutes, and programs.

• College Access & Success-A range of programs to increase access and support for students from historically and economically underrepresented populations.

• Cross-Institutional Working Groups-A tool to improve campus climate, address diversity or equity issues, and provide feedback to Administration. 

• Diversity-Related Professional Development- a range of initiatives to create an inclusive and welcoming learning environment for all staff, especially those from historically marginalized and underrepresented backgrounds.

• Funding Opportunities-Opportunities to explore identity and culture or elevate campus conversations through public programming.

• Princeton Histories Fund-Examines Princeton’s history and its impact on the community, including overlooked aspects.

• Princeton-HBCU/MSI Partnerships-Meaningful partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs).

• Supplier Diversity-Practical tools, a strategic plan, and resources that support diverse suppliers.

Further information on these initiatives and more can be found here: https://inclusive.princeton.edu/initiatives/key-initiatives

Princeton's Sustainability Principles were endorsed by President Eisgruber and the Grounds and Building Committee of the Board of Trustees in February 2014

Princeton’s most meaningful global contributions will come from its research, the education of its students, and from the leadership of its graduates.

Princeton’s sustainability goal setting is informed by methodical, science-based, and multi-perspective analyses.

Near-term (2-10 yr) sustainability goals “stretch” beyond those that are currently achievable, and they exist within a visionary, aspirational framework.

Planning and development related to the physical campus have sustainability as a core priority.

Holistic benefits (educational, cultural, research) as well as financial considerations over multiple time horizons are integral components of Return-on-Investment analyses related to campus sustainability implementation.

Princeton carbon emission reductions produce results that are “additional” to regulatory or market driven reductions that would happen anyway, and are rigorously verifiable.

Princeton is committed to a “campus as a living laboratory” approach that engages the campus community in rigorous inquiry and demonstration of principled pathways to sustainability.

Princeton fosters community-wide awareness and action and is an exemplar of repeatable best practices for other institutions.

A dynamic and inclusive process that improves quality of life while regenerating ecological systems.