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.

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Latest Updates

From left to right: Speakers Pamela Templer, Kevin Gallagher, Lucy Hutyra, and Rebecca Pearl-Martinez.

Recap: Finance and Ecology Converge at IGS Event on Scaling Nature-Based Solutions for Economic Development

Experts discuss solutions to boost investment in ecosystems while advancing economic development at the first “Convergent Conversations” event.   By Alison Gold The Catskills, a tree-covered mountain belt in upstate New York, supply 90% of New York City’s drinking water. In this rich ecosystem, Professor Pamela Templer completed her early work in science as a […]

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Convergent Conversations: New IGS Event Series Invites Interdisciplinary Experts to Synergize on Global Sustainability Challenges

By Alison Gold A global policy researcher, an urban ecologist, and a former White House advisor walk into a room. The conversation may start on the topic of financing sustainable development in Brazil, then bounce to the best modeling tools for assessing urban heat islands, before turning to tropical forest conservation efforts. The speakers identify […]

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Aerial view of BU campus looking down Commonwealth Avenue.

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 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 using […]

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Upcoming Events

Boston University's Computing & Data Sciences building.
Thursday, April 9, 2026

ENERGIZE NRT Annual Symposium

9:00AM 665 Commonwealth Ave 17th floor
Data center storage.
Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Lunch Seminar: Can We Ever Have Enough AI?

12:00PM IGS Office | 111 Cummington Mall, Suite 149
A bridge with polar panels in the foreground.
Thursday, April 16, 2026

IMAP Lunch Seminar - The CELT Project: Data & Stories for a Clean Energy Transition in Massachusetts

12:30PM BU Campus & by Zoom
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Spotlight on Faculty Research

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

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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.

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