Iowa State University’s campus-wide commitment to sustainability is implemented through the Live Green initiative, launched in 2008. The initiative encourages all students, faculty and staff to actively engage in creating a greener, more sustainable campus. Guided by the principle of meeting present needs without compromising future generations, Live Green fosters environmental, economic and social sustainability across campus operations and initiatives. Collectively these efforts ensure ISU’s commitment in working toward a sustainable future.
Office of Sustainability
Sustainability at Iowa State University
Defining Sustainability
Achieving true sustainability requires the comprehensive and simultaneous integration of environmental, economic and societal components. Each component supports and influences the others, and only by addressing them collectively can we ensure sustainable solutions.
Featured
Dining's efforts to reduce waste go beyond the clean plate club
With 20 service locations on campus, preventing and managing food waste always is a goal for ISU Dining. By getting the most out of purchased ingredients, menu planning, composting and partnerships with campus and Ames community groups, the dining team maximizes its resources while helping others.
November 05, 2025
