Second Nature Awards Six Higher Education Institutions Pro Bono Consulting Services Valued at $30,000 Each

Consulting services provided by Brailsford & Dunlavey, ERM Coho, and Ever-Green Energy

Cambridge, Massachusetts (May 13, 2026) – Second Nature, a leading organization advancing climate action in higher education, is pleased to announce the six higher education institutions selected to receive pro bono consulting services valued at up to $30,000 as part of the 2026 Pro Bono Consulting Round VI opportunity. Offered exclusively to Climate Leadership Network member institutions, this initiative provides targeted technical expertise to accelerate campus climate action, planning, and implementation.

Through this round, participating institutions will receive customized consulting support from industry-leading partners to advance projects focused on decarbonization, energy systems planning, climate resilience, greenhouse gas reduction strategies, and institutional sustainability leadership.

“Second Nature is committed to ensuring our member institutions have access to the expertise and capacity needed to turn climate commitments into action,” said Steve Muzzy, Climate Programs Senior Manager. “The 2026 Pro Bono Consulting recipients represent the depth and diversity of leadership across higher education. We are grateful to our consulting partners for their continued collaboration and generosity in supporting this work.”

2026 Pro Bono Consulting Awardees and Project Summaries:

• University of Minnesota (Minneapolis, MN) – The University of Minnesota will use the pro bono consulting services to develop a comprehensive funding and financing framework to support implementation of its Climate Action Plans and Energy Utility Plans. The project will evaluate and prioritize a range of capital financing tools and approaches to enable large-scale decarbonization and infrastructure investment. By strengthening financial strategy, the University aims to accelerate progress toward its goal of carbon neutrality by 2050 or earlier. This work will help scale and advance implementation of the University’s climate commitments while serving as a model for peer institutions.

“This opportunity comes at a critical moment as we move further into implementation of our climate action goals. The University has set ambitious targets through our Climate Action Plans and our strategic roadmap, Elevate Extraordinary 2030, and this work will help us build the financial strategies needed to deliver on them. By strengthening how we fund and scale decarbonization efforts, we can accelerate meaningful, cross-campus impact. We look forward to partnering with Second Nature and Brailsford & Dunlavey to advance this work.” – Shane Stennes, Chief Sustainability Officer, University of Minnesota

• West Chester University of Pennsylvania (West Chester, Pennsylvania) – With the technical assistance of Brailsford & Dunlavey, West Chester University will evaluate select projects identified in its recently completed Campus Facilities Master Plan and assess opportunities to integrate decarbonization strategies on a project-by-project basis. The focus will be on meeting two core WCU commitments: to responsibly use limited financial resources and to effectively reduce carbon emissions from the construction, renovation, operation, and maintenance of campus buildings. Building on a 20-year track record of investments in geo-exchange heating and cooling systems, energy efficiency upgrades, and LEED-certified new construction and renovation projects, WCU will evaluate new design approaches, technologies, financial analysis tools, and funding opportunities for pursuing our ongoing project-specific climate action commitments.

“The resources Second Nature provides – webinars, workshops, Higher Education Climate Leadership Summits, decarbonization academies, and more – have supported our climate action initiatives resulting in significant and noteworthy reductions in Scope I emissions. Brailsford & Dunlavey have played a prominent role as a partner in Second Nature’s programming, we’ve benefited from their many contributions, and we look forward to working with them in this year’s round of pro bono consulting. With the participation of an interdisciplinary team of representatives of WCU Facilities, Administration and Finance, Sustainability, and faculty, we expect to learn from B&D’s team of experts, make good progress during the consultancy, and carry these lessons into our work in the coming years.” – Todd E. Murphy, Vice President for Finance and Administration

• Lane Community College (Eugene, Oregon) – Lane Community College (LCC) is excited to work with Ever-Green Energy to determine a technical roadmap, actionable within the next five years on how to significantly reduce carbon emissions related to fossil fuels used for campus heating and increase efficiencies. At the same time the plan seeks to improve the resilience and reliability of LCC’s main campus central plant. Scope 1 emissions from the natural gas used at the central plant boilers for heating buildings represents a significant source of carbon emissions for LCC. Hence, our urgent need to accelerate climate action in the form of central plant decarbonization leveraging the technical expertise of Ever-Green.

“Receiving this Pro-Bono award is crucial for Lane Community College to move forward with the current update process of the Climate Action Plan 2.0 and 2027 Strategic Plan. At this point, the college is in need of the technical expertise that Ever-Green’s engineers can provide regarding the most effective solutions to decarbonize our central plant to meet our goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. We are deeply grateful and excited for this opportunity and plan to take full advantage of it to help to ensure a sustainable future for the communities we serve.” – Luis Maggiori, LCC Sustainability Coordinator.

• Skidmore College (Saratoga Springs, New York) – Skidmore will partner with ERM Coho to identify additional renewable power solutions to support the college’s Strategic Plan, 2025-2030 commitment to environmental sustainability and climate action. Advisory services will provide the technical and financial analysis needed to assess and advance a renewables strategy as a key part of Skidmore’s ongoing decarbonization planning efforts.

“We are grateful to be awarded the opportunity to advance our sustainability goals through Second Nature’s pro bono consulting program. Working with experts to investigate renewable energy options will be a valuable and strategic step in our decision-making process.” – Tarah Rowse, Director of Sustainability and Environmental Initiatives

• Clark University (Worcester, Massachusetts) – This project will focus on a deep evaluation of Clark University’s central utility plant and existing cogeneration approach to determine its long-term viability. The university is seeking solutions that will support campus energy needs over the next 50 years while aligning with climate commitments. A key component of this work is ensuring that any path forward is both environmentally responsible and financially sustainable. The results will inform a long-term energy strategy that supports the institution’s mission and operations.

“The leadership at Clark University is thankful to Second Nature and Ever-Green Energy for their partnership and investment through this initiative. This opportunity aligns closely with the university’s commitment to be a leader in higher education in addressing climate change and taking responsibility for its environmental impact. Through this work, Clark will strengthen its approach to reducing its carbon footprint and advancing climate action on campus. This represents an important step in a long-term commitment to meaningful change.”
– JD Head, Associate Vice President for Facilities Management

• Western Michigan University (Kalamazoo, Michigan) – Western Michigan University will partner with ERM Coho to develop a decarbonization roadmap focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from campus energy systems. This work will align with the university’s strategic goal of carbon neutrality by 2050 and support ongoing campus planning efforts. The project will evaluate potential pathways for implementation, including considerations of cost, feasibility, risk and emissions impact.

“We are grateful to Second Nature for this opportunity to advance Western Michigan University’s sustainability goals. Partnering with ERM Coho will help us take an important step in developing a clear, actionable roadmap for decarbonization—particularly as we evaluate the future of our campus energy systems. This work aligns directly with our strategic plan and strengthens our ability to make informed, responsible decisions. Ultimately, it positions us to better serve our students and community as we work toward a more sustainable future.” – Chris Cheatham, Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

About the Consulting Firms:

• Brailsford & Dunlavey (B&D) – is a trusted advisor to colleges and universities nationwide, partnering with institutions to translate ambitious climate commitments into actionable, financially viable strategies. With deep expertise at the intersection of campus planning, infrastructure, and energy systems, B&D helps higher education leaders evaluate decarbonization pathways, align capital investments with sustainability goals, and implement solutions that reduce emissions while strengthening institutional resilience. Through data-driven analysis and an integrated approach to planning and execution, B&D supports campuses in advancing practical, scalable climate action. Learn more about B&D’s energy and decarbonization expertise at https://www.bdconnect.com/expertise/energy/

• ERM Coho – a division of ERM, is a trusted energy, climate, and water advisor that partners with impact-oriented clients to develop actionable strategies, implement tailored solutions, and optimize performance over time. ERM Coho specializes in renewable energy procurement, decarbonization planning, and sustainability strategy development.

• Ever-Green Energy – works across sectors to advance and operate energy systems with a commitment to financial and environmental stewardship. As an innovative utility system operator, Ever-Green Energy offers expertise in energy infrastructure planning and optimization.

Through the Pro Bono Consulting initiative, Second Nature has supported numerous colleges and universities in advancing their climate goals by providing direct access to technical expertise and strategic guidance. The program reflects Second Nature’s commitment to strengthening institutional capacity and accelerating climate solutions across higher education.

For more information about Second Nature’s Pro Bono Consulting opportunity, please visit the Second Nature 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.

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When wildfire smoke darkened the skies over Southern Oregon, daily life was abruptly reshaped. Extreme heat, power outages, and disrupted services revealed just how vulnerable communities can be and how essential trusted local institutions are in times of crisis. For Southern Oregon University (SOU), those experiences emerged as a turning point, clarifying its role not only as a place of learning but as a community anchor committed to resilience in practice.

That commitment is centered in the Institute for Applied Sustainability, which has developed as a hub for energy and local resilience work. During emergencies, the university operates under formal agreements with partners like the City of Ashland and local school districts, stepping in as essential regional infrastructure, feeding first responders, coordinating support, and providing safe spaces when other systems are strained. In Southern Oregon, resilience is not an abstract concept; it is a shared responsibility defined by lived experience.

That same philosophy guides SOU’s approach to energy resilience. The university has steadily expanded on-campus solar generation, currently supplying about 12% of campus electricity, with a long-term goal of reaching 100% daytime solar power. This progress puts them on track to be the first US public university to reach this goal. Battery storage is being integrated not just to reduce emissions, but to ensure continuity during outages. These investments are designed to function on both “blue sky days and gray sky days,” serving everyday needs while standing ready in emergencies. Even neighboring community assets, like a children’s science museum with solar panels owned by SOU, are being considered for inclusion in future emergency management plans, expanding shelter-in-place capacity for first responders and community residents alike.

Together, this infrastructure forms the backbone of SOU’s living laboratory, an experiential learning model that intentionally blurs the traditional walls of the classroom. In this environment, students, faculty, and community partners learn side by side, merging academic theory with real systems, real buildings, and real community knowledge. Solar arrays, battery storage, and emergency planning are not just topics of study; they are the curriculum.

Fundamental to this living laboratory is the Community Resilience and Leadership (CRL) Student Fellows Program. Designed as a cohort-based, interdisciplinary experience open to students across majors, the program focuses on systems thinking, leadership, and applied skill development. Fellows participate in hands-on projects such as powering down campus buildings to identify energy and resilience gaps, assessing how systems perform under stress, and translating their findings into actionable insights for policymakers and community partners. Learning flows in both directions: students receive practical experience, and the community benefits from student-led analysis and innovation.

The impact of this work reaches well beyond campus boundaries. Insights generated through the living laboratory inform local emergency managers, community organizations, and decision-makers, positioning SOU as a regional convener for resilience rather than a passive participant. Just as importantly, the model offers a blueprint that other institutions in disaster-prone regions can adapt.

What began as a response to wildfire has grown into a scalable vision for the future—one grounded in renewable energy, deep community partnerships, and education that prepares students for complexity and uncertainty. At Southern Oregon University, resilience is not built alone. It is taught, tested, and strengthened together with the community it serves.

The post From Wildfire to Living Laboratory: How Southern Oregon University Is Building Community and Energy Resilience Together appeared first on Second Nature.

Second Nature Launches “Unify for Climate” to Align Higher Education
Around Scalable Climate Solutions
A next-generation call to action to unify higher education’s diverse strengths for climate solutions at scale

Cambridge, MA ( March 31, 2026 ) — At a time when higher education faces mounting pressure—and the climate crisis demands faster, more coordinated action—Second Nature launched Unify for Climate, a sector-wide call to action to align colleges and universities around climate solutions with measurable societal impact, at the 2026 Higher Education Climate Leadership Summit earlier this month.

The initiative was unveiled at the Summit in Chicago, where leaders from community colleges, research universities, HBCUs, Tribal Colleges, and other institutions gathered to chart the next phase of action for higher education’s climate leadership.

Unify for Climate represents a strategic shift from individual institutional efforts toward coordinated, sector-wide progress—designed to make climate action more visible, comparable, and scalable across higher education.

“Right now, when distrust is being manufactured and higher education is under coordinated attack, unification is not just a nice idea—it’s a strategic necessity,” said Tim Carter, President of Second Nature. “Unification isn’t uniformity. It’s recognizing that every institution—regardless of type, geography, or role—has a distinct contribution to make. A community college brings something a research university can’t. A rural institution sees what an urban one might miss. That diversity is our strength.”

“Unify for Climate is how we organize around that truth,” Carter added. “It’s about aligning our efforts so institutions can move faster individually, while demonstrating what higher education can achieve together at the scale this moment demands.”

Built on more than 20 years of sector leadership through the Climate Leadership Commitments, Unify for Climate introduces a next-generation framework to accelerate progress across higher education. The initiative is powered by:

• Updated, science-aligned climate guidance to make progress easier to track, compare, and communicate
• A new climate milestones program designed to integrate with existing institutional commitments without adding reporting burden
• Expanded pathways for institutions to engage based on their unique strengths, missions, and community contexts

Together, these elements are designed to reduce barriers to climate leadership while increasing the clarity, credibility, and collective impact of institutional action.

“Second Nature is helping higher education speak and act with greater coherence—linking campus efforts, community partnerships, and sector priorities so climate leadership becomes clearer, stronger, and easier to scale,” said Justin Schwartz, Chancellor of the University of Colorado, Boulder.

“By leveraging distinct institutional strengths across different types of colleges within a geographical region, Second Nature can help create a dynamic ecosystem for scaling climate solutions,” said Cynthia Larive, Chancellor of the University of California, Santa Cruz.

“This approach is valuable because it is not aspirational—it is an operating model,” said Michael Crow, President of Arizona State University. “Second Nature is translating sector-wide insight into actionable, unified pathways that help institutions move from ambition to measurable results, while amplifying collective impact.”

“This moment calls for unified climate action. Second Nature is strengthening the connective tissue that helps climate solutions spread across institutions and reinforces higher education’s ability to deliver public value at scale,” said Joanie Mahoney, President, State University of New York – College of Environmental Science and Forestry.

“The Unification Imperative combines two strengths of higher education,” said David Nelson, President, Catawba College. “Meeting one of the critical needs facing the communities in which we live and work, and by doing so learning and working together for the common good.”

Jonathan Koppell, President, Montclair State University also said, “Institutions of higher education have the resources and capabilities to address society’s greatest challenges, including climate change. Colleges and universities are already doing incredible work, but it is too often fragmented, lessening potential impact. 

The only way forward is together. The Unification Imperative brings coherence and momentum, connecting efforts that are siloed so we can learn faster, invest smarter and advance societal climate goals together. By working in close collaboration, institutions can merge innovation, uplifting one another rather than working on iterative projects concurrently.

Second Nature’s efforts will help higher education advance for the betterment  of not only our students engaged in hands-on learning, but the many communities we are a part of.”

The launch comes as institutions face increasing expectations to deliver climate solutions that extend beyond campus boundaries. Unify for Climate broadens what climate leadership looks like through higher education, creating meaningful contributions in communities and maintaining high standards for progress. The initiative is designed so each institution can lead in ways that reflect its distinct mission, context, and strengths, while contributing to a shared, sector-wide effort.

Institutions can engage immediately by aligning their climate leadership efforts with Unify for Climate guidance and milestones, with additional support and recognition available by becoming a member of  Second Nature.

For more information, please visit:

• Unify for Climate
• Climate Action Milestones

Media Contact:
Bari Samad
Communications & Marketing Director, Second Nature
bsamad@secondnature.org
619-343-6509.

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When Second Nature convened campus leaders two decades ago, climate action often lived at the margins of institutions, championed by a few dedicated individuals. While still constrained by limited resources, climate action in higher education is much more prevalent today because of the Climate Leadership Network. What began as the world’s largest and longest-standing voluntary carbon commitment has helped establish campus sustainability professionals as necessary changemakers.

Collective Action Is the Catalyst

The Summit reaffirmed what we knew, but needed to feel: higher education remains one of the most powerful drivers of climate solutions in our society. In the opening remarks for the Summit, Second Nature’s President Tim Carter acknowledged the headwinds facing the sector, including political pressure, cultural pushback, and uncertainty about funding, policy, and the pace of change. Yet he reminded attendees that headwinds only slow us down when we’re coasting. At takeoff, they create lift. They force momentum. Throughout the two days that followed, speakers and participants returned to the same reframing: even in this moment of turbulence, using disruption as an opportunity is the path forward for higher education.

Throughout the conference, a common truth surfaced: no institution can do this work alone. Climate action does not scale through isolation. Change happens when we share resources rather than compete for them, when knowledge is exchanged freely across campus types and disciplines, and when lessons learned in one place become a starting point for progress elsewhere. The Summit became a proving ground for that belief, showing what happens when community colleges, research universities, rural campuses, and Minority Serving Institutions are not just present, but aligned.

One of the Summit’s most powerful themes was that diversity, across geographies, institution types, roles, and lived experiences, is not a box to check but the engine of progress. The full breadth of institutions came together, shaped by wide-ranging perspectives and experiences. Students shared spaces with climate leaders, sustainability professionals exchanged ideas with presidents, and community voices stood alongside researchers and policymakers. This was not about offering a symbolic seat at the table but about ensuring all voices have the power to shape decisions, influence outcomes, and drive meaningful change together.

Voices Across Campus

Students profoundly reminded us why this work matters. Their stories were raw, hopeful, and urgent, rooted in lived experience, climate anxiety, and an unshakeable belief that systems change when those in power are willing to listen to youth leaders and act together. Faculty and staff echoed that call, naming the barriers posed by siloed infrastructure and sharing concrete strategies to break them down. Presidents reflected on responsibility, not just to their institutions, but to democracy, to their communities, and to the students they serve, both now and in the future.

This spirit of collective action was evident not just in who was present, but also in the varied conversations at the Summit. Sessions explored campus decarbonization, climate justice, community partnerships, workforce development, Indigenous knowledge systems, artificial intelligence, and democratic engagement, highlighting the interconnectedness of this work. 

In Indigenous Wisdom for Climate Action, speakers grounded climate solutions in relationships to land, culture, and ancestral knowledge, reminding participants that sustainability is inseparable from identity and justice. Accounting for Tech’s Emissions pushed institutions to confront the rapidly growing climate and public health impacts of artificial intelligence, calling for transparency, discernment, and collective pressure on industry. Unlocking Meaningful Community Engagement for Climate Action emphasized that trust, not transactions, is the foundation of lasting partnerships, and that climate solutions must be generated with communities, not prescribed to them. Together, these sessions illustrated the Summit’s core truth: there is no single pathway to climate leadership, only a shared commitment to learn from one another and act together.

The need for unified effort came into sharp focus through Unify for Climate, Second Nature’s call to action to align the sector’s strengths without erasing its differences. Through a new milestones program, updated guidance and programming, and additional transparency and accountability, Second Nature is signaling support for institutions at every stage of their climate action journey. Unification does not ask institutions to look the same or move at the same pace, but to share the commitment to lead on climate action, with our success defined not just by reduced emissions, but by trust built, capacity strengthened, and communities served.

From Momentum to Movement

The Summit closed with a feeling of momentum. Attendees reflected a renewed sense of clarity and collective resolve. In a time when it would be easier to retreat, higher education is choosing to advance, to collaborate, and lead.

Second Nature is committed to carrying the Summit’s momentum forward through Unify for Climate. By aligning with one another, while recognizing that alignment does not mean uniformity, we can collectively amplify student leadership, embrace the full breadth of institutions and communities, and champion climate action at local and national levels, turning today’s headwinds into shared momentum for a sustainable future.

The post Reflections from the 2026 Higher Education Climate Leadership Summit appeared first on Second Nature.

Six Colleges and Universities Recognized with Climate Luminary Honors for Exemplary Climate Leadership
Higher education climate awards spotlight impactful climate action in decarbonization, justice, community, workforce, research, and climate resilience 

Cambridge, Massachusetts (March 10, 2026) – Second Nature, a national nonprofit dedicated to accelerating climate action in and through higher education, proudly announces the 2026 recipients of its Climate Luminary Honors program. Six colleges and universities are recognized for their leadership and innovative approaches to addressing the climate crisis across six categories: Decarbonization, Justice, Community, Workforce, Research, and Climate Resilience.

The annual awards program celebrates member institutions of Second Nature’s Climate Leadership Network that are advancing bold, effective, and equitable climate solutions on their campuses and in partnership with surrounding communities. Honorees will be formally recognized at the 2026 Higher Education Climate Leadership Summit, where they will share their work and lessons learned with peers from across the higher education sector.

“Climate Luminary Honors recognizes what’s possible when institutions pair ambition with action,” said Tim Carter, President of Second Nature. “This year’s recipients reflect the diversity of the higher education sector and demonstrate that impactful climate leadership can take many forms, across institution types, geographies, and focus areas. We are proud to celebrate their work and the real-world impact they are creating.”

The 2026 Climate Luminary Honors recipients are:

DECARBONIZATION: Miami University (Oxford, OH)
Miami University’s Sharon and Graham Mitchell Sustainability Park supports the institution’s 2040 carbon neutrality goal through the first co-located solar and geothermal project on a college campus, generating approximately 2,000 MWh of clean electricity each year. Made possible by a $5 million alumni gift, the park combines renewable energy infrastructure with accessible educational and community spaces.

JUSTICE: Mt. San Antonio College (Walnut, CA)
The Mt. San Antonio College Sustainability Launchpad prepares students for sustainability and environmental justice careers through hands-on internships, externships, and fellowships that translate classroom learning into real-world climate action. Centering equity and community partnership, the program equips students with practical skills, professional experience, and mentorship to advance inclusive and resilient climate solutions.

COMMUNITY: Bowie State University (Bowie, MD)
Bowie State University’s Peace Park Restoration Project transformed a neglected memorial site into a vibrant, solar-powered green space that advances climate justice, stormwater management, and community healing. Led by students and campus partners, the project integrates education, native landscaping, and community engagement to deliver a scalable model for inclusive campus climate action.

WORKFORCE: Indiana University (Bloomington, IN)
Indiana University’s McKinney Climate Fellows program connects undergraduate and graduate students with paid, full-time summer placements where they support real-world climate, sustainability, and resilience projects for public, private, and nonprofit partners across Indiana. Since 2017, more than 250 fellows have contributed over 100,000 hours to climate action, building a strong in-state sustainability workforce and multisector professional network.

RESEARCH: University of Virginia (Charlottesville, VA)
The University of Virginia’s Decarbonization Academy is a paid, full-time summer program that brings students, faculty, and staff together to advance real-world campus decarbonization projects. Faculty contribute research-driven perspectives and mentorship, guiding students through ideation, research, and implementation. Academy projects expand on research and climate action efforts that are already under consideration or in place at the University.

CLIMATE RESILIENCE: Agnes Scott College (Decatur, GA)
Agnes Scott College and the City of Decatur’s joint Climate Resilience Plan builds local capacity to address climate impacts like extreme heat and flooding through collaborative planning and implementation. The initiative leverages shared resources to advance both institutional and community priorities, creating scalable solutions, new partnerships, and opportunities for student workforce development.

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.

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Read More here:
Impact of EPA’s Decision to Rescind the 2009 Endangerment Finding on Higher Education

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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.

The post Statement: The EPA’s Decision to Rescind the 2009 Endangerment Finding appeared first on Second Nature.