Symposium on Sustainability

The Symposium on Sustainability is an annual event held each February dedicated to the celebration and showcasing of ISU student, faculty and staff sustainability commitment, initiatives and accomplishments.

Iowa State University's Live Green Initiative provides a call to action to all students, faculty and staff to be fully committed and engaged in ensuring our next sustainable decade. Through our actions and decisions regarding our campus, its operations and initiatives we can make efforts to support our next sustainable decade.
 
Initiated in 2009, the Symposium on Sustainability features a keynote speaker highlighting excellence nationally and/or internationally in environmental, economic or social sustainability. Accompanying the Symposium is the annual Sustainapalooza event. Spearheaded by The Green Umbrella student organization, Sustainapalooza offers interactive GIY "Green-It-Yourself" Centers, opportunities to explore and pledge individual sustainability commitment, sustainably-minded giveaways, as well as local food and food ingredient refreshments. A poster and tabling reception highlights each years event, showcasing campus and community dedication to and engagement in sustainability, as well as offering opportunities for dialogue and connections. Each year’s event also features additional opportunities for education, engagement and empowerment either through panel discussions, documentary screenings or dialogue sessions.

2027 Symposium on Sustainability

The 2026 Symposium on Sustainability will be held February 22-23, 2027 in Memorial Union.

To view photos from last year's event visit our photo gallery.

Symposium Overview

The 2027 Symposium on Sustainability will celebrate the sustainability efforts and initiatives taking place within our campus community focusing on supporting and nurturing enablement and empowerment toward a sustainable future that extends into the Ames community, as well as communities across the state and throughout the world. Features of next year’s event will include a keynote speaker, sustainability tabling and art exhibits and the accompanying multi-faceted, interactive event, Sustainapalooza.

Keynote Speaker

Check back soon for more information!

Sustainability Tabling and Artwork / Research Exhibit

Check back soon for more details!

To view photos of last year's event visit our photo gallery.

Live Green Awards for Excellence in Sustainability

These awards are to recognize Iowa State University faculty, staff, and students who are currently making an impact on the campus’ sustainability efforts by generating awareness and interest through initiatives that focus on teaching, research, outreach and/or operations. Nominees may be an individual faculty member, staff member, or student; or a group/team comprised of any combination of faculty, staff or students. In addition, for consideration, demonstrated evidence of impact (research results, behavioral change, occurrence of an event, etc.) must have occurred (at a minimum) between January 1, 2026, and December 31, 2026.

Learn more about how to nominate a student, staff or faculty member!