Academics
Students can explore an interdisciplinary curriculum with faculty nationally recognized in sustainability leadership and academic innovation.
Welcome to the Office of Sustainability! We collaborate with the Department of Sustainability Studies and the President's Committee on Sustainability to promote sustainability practices across Muhlenberg's campus. Our goal is to work together with students, faculty, and staff throughout the campus community to foster a culture of environmental awareness and social responsibility.
Sustainability at Muhlenberg
“We’re trying to educate in a way that empowers and doesn’t scare.”— Maddie Davidson '25 , Sustainability Studies Major, Creative Writing Minor
“We were always actively listening to our students and they’re informing us about what we do. My cooks here also share a lot of the same views.”— Michael Brack , Executive Chef with Muhlenberg Dining Services
“Using practices of sustainability allows for creativity and positivity in so many ways, and I love the motivation sustainable thinking can bring to the table.”— Anna Shigo '24 , Environmental Science and Sustainability Studies Major
“I stay motivated and inspired to continue sustainability work, even when faced with challenges because I know I am helping to encourage others to make the world that they and I envision a reality.”— Ryan Steremberg '25 , Sustainability Studies Major, Political Science Minor
“I believe that my support and involvement [in sustainability efforts] contributes to mobilizing support, managing projects and educating peers. This builds capacity to drive change.”— AJ Lemheney , Vice President of the School of Graduate and Continuing Education
“The best first step to take toward sustainability is to ask questions. Especially at Muhlenberg, there will be someone who is passionate and eager to learn and grow with you.”— Lindsey Adler '24 , Environmental Chemistry Major (Self-Designed), Sustainability Studies Minor
of students engage in community service each year
student organizations dedicated to social and environmental sustainability
certified green buildings on campus
water bottle filling stations on campus to reduce dependency on single use plastic
reduction in potable water usage from baseline year 2013
of campus electricity is generated by onsite & offsite renewable energy projects
At Muhlenberg College sustainability is a collaborative effort between students, faculty and staff. There are examples of their efforts all across our campus. The Sustainability Map is organized around the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and enables you to explore campus sustainability features such as solar panels, certified green buildings, cultural centers, water efficiency upgrades and sustainable dining.
Designed by Lindsey Adler ‘24
Students can explore an interdisciplinary curriculum with faculty nationally recognized in sustainability leadership and academic innovation.
Through a variety of programs and initiatives, Muhlenberg students, faculty and staff work to build a sustainable community.
We ensure our building environments and grounds include energy planning efforts that conserve natural resources and implement sustainable practices.
We strive to reuse or recycle wherever possible and minimize our waste production.
Waste reduction, local food sourcing and fair-trade vendor selection are among the ways Muhlenberg Dining practices sustainability.
We affirm our sustainability values through public commitments and leadership.
After a summer searching the job market, environmental science and sustainability studies double major Anna Shigo ’24 began her role as the open space coordinator for Carbon County, Pennsylvania. Now she’s working to preserve the environment she grew up in, just north of Muhlenberg.
“The Princeton Review Guide to Green Colleges: 2025 Edition” includes a Green Rating for each of the 511 schools profiled. Muhlenberg earned a score of 98 out of 99.
Maddie Davidson ’25 received a Youth Climate Action Fund Grant from the City of Allentown to create a tree science and stewardship project at Allentown School District’s Muhlenberg Elementary School. She will also present at a worldwide conference called CityLab being held October 14-16 in Mexico City.
The College is among just 15 percent of higher education institutions to make the list. Muhlenberg is also ranked #6 for Best College Theater and #12 for Best Campus Food and is included on the Best Mid-Atlantic and Green Colleges lists.