FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bari Samad, Communications & Marketing Director, Second Nature;
[email protected]; 619-343-6509.
Six Colleges and Universities Recognized with Climate Luminary Honors
for Outstanding Climate Action Efforts
Higher education climate awards highlight decarbonization, justice, community, workforce,
research, and climate resilience.
Cambridge, Massachusetts (January 28, 2025) – Second Nature, a national nonprofit dedicated to accelerating climate action in and through higher education, proudly announces the Climate Luminary Honors recipients. Six colleges and universities are recognized for their leadership and innovative approaches to addressing climate challenges across five categories—Decarbonization, Justice, Community, Workforce, and Research—alongside a Special Award for Climate Resiliency in Action.
Climate Luminary Honors celebrates member institutions of Second Nature’s Climate Leadership Network that exemplify bold and effective climate solutions, partnerships, and equitable climate action on their campuses and surrounding communities. Next month, honorees will be recognized at the 2025 Higher Education Climate Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C., where they will share their impactful projects with peers from across the higher education sector.
“Second Nature is excited to announce the recipients of our inaugural Climate Luminary Honors initiative. The range of institutions selected and the amazing projects they have developed reflect the diverse strengths of the higher education sector to create impactful climate solutions,” said Tim Carter, President of Second Nature. “We congratulate the award recipients on their exemplary efforts to accelerate climate action in the sector. Through initiatives such as Climate Luminary Honors, Second Nature recognizes that holistic solutions can be accomplished regardless of institution type, geography, or cultural context.”
The Climate Luminary Honors recipients are:
- DECARBONIZATION: Carleton College (Northfield, MN)
Carleton College has long been a leader in renewable energy and sustainability, significantly reducing campus carbon emissions through pioneering initiatives, including district geothermal energy and on-campus wind turbines. The college’s new Sustainable Futures Framework integrates education, action, and environmental justice, providing a replicable model for decarbonization that prepares students as climate leaders. - JUSTICE: Emory University (Atlanta, GA)
Emory University is addressing food justice and climate resilience through local, sustainable food sourcing. Partnering with The Conservation Fund, Emory supports diverse new farmers in rural Georgia, strengthening local food systems, reducing emissions, and promoting equitable economic growth. - COMMUNITY: University of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh, PA)
The Appalachian Bridges to the Future project at the University of Pittsburgh brings together students, faculty, and community partners in Fayette County to advance sustainability, workforce development, and regional resilience, creating opportunities in underserved Appalachian communities. - WORKFORCE: Central Community College (Hastings, NE)
Central Community College is equipping students with skills to meet the growing demand for renewable energy careers. Through its energy technology program, the college trains future professionals to install, maintain, and repair wind and solar systems, fostering a sustainable workforce. - RESEARCH: University of Toronto (Toronto, ON)
The University of Toronto’s Project Leap will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 50% by the end of 2027 through campus-wide sustainability solutions. Part of the university’s climate-positive plan, this innovative project combines research, action, and engagement to drive measurable climate progress. - SPECIAL AWARD – CLIMATE RESILIENCY IN ACTION: Warren Wilson College (Asheville, NC)
Warren Wilson College’s Center for Working Lands is a model for climate resilience, blending research and practice in land management. The Center integrates microgrid technology and electric equipment to enhance resilience while educating the next generation of climate leaders.
For more information on the Climate Luminary Honors initiative, visit Second Nature’s website.
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About Second Nature:
Second Nature is committed to accelerating climate action in and through higher education. By mobilizing a diverse array of higher education institutions to act on bold climate commitments, Second Nature scales campus climate initiatives and creates innovative climate solutions. Learn more at secondnature.org.
