Sustainability

NAFSA is committed to proactively developing, supporting, and integrating sustainable practices into our work as international educators. We accept the shared responsibility to protect, preserve, and wherever possible, improve our environment by integrating this commitment into our programming, teaching, research, scholarship, and other practices.

CANIE Accord

NAFSA is proud to be an official signatory of the Climate Action Network for International Education (CANIE) Accord, a grassroots initiative to foster environmentally sustainable practices throughout the international education sector.

Press Release

Greening the Conference

NAFSA continues to strengthen our commitment to sustainable practices at the Annual Conference and Expo.  

Sustainability SIG

The Sustainability Special Interest Group (SIG) is a forum for international education professionals to come together to discuss, learn about, and address the environmental and social impacts inherent in how we create and manage programs as well as opportunities we have to educate our students on these issues.

Sustainability SIG

Featured Resource

Global Goals, Global Education: Advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals offers a comprehensive guide on how higher education institutions worldwide can contribute significantly to the advancement of the 2030 Agenda.

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Sustainability at Work: NAFSA’s Office Environment

NAFSA embraces a holistic approach to sustainability in the workplace, drawing from the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in recognizing the social, economic, and environmental components of building a sustainable future — including the health and well-being of its employees. 

NAFSA is proud to call a LEED Gold-certified building home, earning the highest possible rating for its sustainable design and operation. 1425 K Street NW is in the heart of Washington, D.C.’ s central business district, offering convenient access to multiple transit options, including bike lanes and bus and subway lines. The building’ s location earns a Walk Score of 99 out 100. 

The property also earned a top-rating from Fitwel, a “healthy building” certification standard that prioritizes the health, safety, and well-being of occupants and the surrounding community. Building amenities include a mother ’ s room, a secure bike parking facility, and a free onsite fitness center. The property management company is committed to continuous improvements in its green policies, including energy and water efficiency, single-stream recycling, green cleaning, sustainable purchasing, and integrated pest management. 

NAFSA supports and contributes to these efforts. In addition to its own actions to reduce overall resource consumption and e-waste — including donating refurbished laptops to low-income public school students in the metro DC area — NAFSA provides its staff generous compassionate leave plans, pre-tax benefits that reward public transportation, and a retirement plan that includes a significant employer contribution. All staff are also encouraged to work remotely two days a week, which reduces the carbon footprint of their weekly commute and lessens the building’s energy and water consumption.

Programs and Resources