Institute for Global Sustainability

Research News

Research Projects

At IGS, we're focused on equity and justice — from protecting the health of people and the planet to building sustainable energy systems. Explore our ever-evolving portfolio of projects and collaborations with BU faculty and partners.

Explore Current Projects

Latest Updates

Aerial view of BU campus looking down Commonwealth Avenue.
Campus Climate Lab

BU Campus Climate Lab Projects for Fall 2025 Focus on Reducing Waste, Making Campus Buildings and Operations More Sustainable

This fall, Boston University's Campus Climate Lab (CCL) awarded funding for three new and three continuing student-led projects focused on waste reduction and more sustainable buildings and operations. CCL research projects promote sustainability and climate action with real-world impact by supporting BU students and faculty in developing solutions that support the University Climate Action Plan […]

Read more
Glass skyscraper building with trees in front.
Research

Two New Studies From Schneider Electric and IGS Reveal 95 Barriers and 50 Risks Slowing Decarbonization in the Building Sector

By Laura Hurley In the race against time to meet 2050 climate targets, building decarbonization looms large—but high upfront costs and a lack of public awareness are two of the biggest barriers for many countries, slowing the adoption of energy efficiency and electrification technologies. The top risks center on performance and reliability. These findings come […]

Read more
A power plant beside a suburban neighborhood.
Research

Nearly 47 Million Americans Are at High Risk of Potential Health Hazards from Fossil Fuel Infrastructure

By Alison Gold Fossil fuels release pollutants into the air when extracted and burned, but there’s more to their production than massive oil rigs diving deep into the Earth and smoky power plants. Those processes are examples of only the first and last—and generally most visible—moments in a fossil fuel’s five-stage journey. Between the initial […]

Read more
Three BU students posing in green capes holding award certificates.
Events

IGS Announces IPCC Faculty Appointment and 2025 Sustainability Research Awardees at Annual Event

By Laura Hurley The inspiration for this year’s Boston University Institute for Global Sustainability (IGS) annual event theme, “From Local to Global,” is easy to find at Boston University (BU). Speaking to sustainability and climate researchers across the university at IGS's annual gathering, BU President Melissa Gilliam recognized BU for leading by example in challenging […]

Read more

Upcoming Events

Thursday, December 4, 2025

A Conversation & Lunch with Expert & Author Michelle Amazeen

12:00PM 111 Cummington Mall Suite 149, Boston, MA 02215
Details
View All

Spotlight on Faculty Research

The latest journal articles authored by IGS faculty leadership and core faculty.

View More

Expert Insights in the News

Worms-eye view of trees and skyscrapers.

Support IGS

No issue is more urgent than the sustainability challenges confronting the world today. Your contributions support research and engagement initiatives and help translate our findings into key policy changes that lead to transformative social action.

Learn More