Sustainability

Sponsored by the Institute for a Sustainable Earth (ISE) and the Business for a Better World Center, the 17 Rooms-U produced dozens of ideas, some of which were combined during follow-up conversations. Groups championing those ideas are now receiving up to $5,000 in seed money to implement their sustainability plans.

Mason professor Kerri LaCharite writes and teaches about sustainable food systems, urban agriculture and the effects of agriculture-based learning on eating behaviors.

Graduate students in the MBA elective class help companies examine their impact on the environment and offer solutions to reduce their environmental footprint.

The Honors College class on the “100th Meridian Project” involves a multidisciplinary investigation into the water crisis in the American West.

George Mason students, staff and faculty got their first looks at the newly renovated greenhouse that’s part of the school’s push toward improved sustainability.

Since Michael Riggi was about six years old, his father and brother would take him to a “Cars and Coffee” show in Great Falls, Virginia, on weekends. Being around classic automobiles and luxury vehicles, Riggi said he developed an appreciation for cars, and other machines that go fast, including planes, boats, and rockets.

Now, as a junior at George Mason University, his career path has also been racing forward.

Meet the MPA student who works to keep space sustainable—outer space, that is.

Mason senior Eva Noroski spent a month assisting alumna and Elephant Trails keeper Ashley Fortner at the National Zoo, researching elephant sleep patterns.

Solving climate change is a grand challenge facing the planet. As more individuals and leaders are recognizing the need to switch to environmentally friendly practices, George Mason University’s Local Climate Change Planning Initiative (LCCPI) is helping make that a reality for counties across Virginia.

“Our vision is to have Mason be the lead university in helping counties that lack the resources and expertise in [addressing climate change] get this done,” said Paul Bubbosh, a 1988 Mason alumnus and adjunct professor at the Schar School and College of Science.

Kirin Furst believes a systems approach is the best way to solve the world’s safe water problems. Her research lab is primarily focused on removing organic contaminants in drinking water systems and potable reuse systems.