BisonGREEN

Together, We Are BisonGREEN

Sign the Pledge
What is BisonGREEN?

BisonGREEN is Howard University's comprehensive sustainability initiative, building a greener campus and a stronger community for generations of Bison to come.

Launched in Fall 2026 BisonGREEN brings together students, faculty, staff, and DC community partners to transform how Howard approaches sustainability across every dimension of campus life.

BisonGREEN is not just a program. It is a movement. It encompasses the BisonGREEN Challenge (a gamified engagement platform), the BisonGREEN Pledge, eight initiative areas spanning waste, energy, transportation, food, water, green space, and climate action, and a growing ecosystem of 90+ partners.

Sustainable Today. Stronger Tomorrow. For Generations.

Our Five Pillars

Image of female teacher teaching students about plants and sustainability

Growing Communities

Working together to create healthier, stronger, and more resilient campus and neighborhood spaces we call home.

Image of student holding a growing plant with its roots placed inside of a water bottle

Restoring Environments

Protecting natural resources and caring for the spaces we share across Howard's campus and the DC community.

Image of scholarly female students posing for picture while holding a book

Educating Leaders

Learning continuously, sharing knowledge, and inspiring sustainable action through scholarship and service.

Image of professor standing in front of whiteboard with notes scribbled on the background

Empowering Innovation

Advancing research, embracing creativity, and developing solutions that build a more resilient future.

Solar panels

Net-Zero Future

Making responsible choices that reduce our environmental impact and move Howard toward measurable carbon reduction.

Take the BisonGREEN Pledge

As a member of the Howard University community, I pledge to help build a sustainable Howard for generations to come.

I commit to:

  • Growing Communities : Working together for healthier, resilient campus and neighborhood spaces
  • Restoring Environments : Protecting natural resources and shared spaces
  • Educating Leaders : Learning, sharing knowledge, and inspiring sustainable action
  • Empowering Innovation : Advancing research and creative solutions for resilience
  • Advancing a Net-Zero Future : Making responsible choices that reduce our environmental impact

Together, we honor Howard University's legacy and create a greener future for generations of Bison to come.

Together, We Are BisonGREEN. #HUBisonGreen

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Close up Image of Howard logo etched into gate
Our Ecosystem

BisonGREEN connects six stakeholder communities into a unified sustainability network: the campus community (students, clubs, residence life, dining), academic faculty and research centers, university administration (Physical Facilities, Procurement, Transportation), external DC government and nonprofit partners, peer HBCUs and academic institutions, and our funding ecosystem. Over 90 organizations and individuals contribute to BisonGreen's mission.

Wangari Maathai

It's the little things citizens do. That's what will make the difference. My little thing is planting trees.

BisonGREEN Partners

Campus Community

Student Organizations: Howard University Green Coalition, Halo Garden, HUSA Sustainability Department, Engineers Without Borders, HUWE, HU Marine Biology Club, Theta Eta Epsilon, Howard Energy and Environmental Law Society, FAUNA Pre-Veterinary Club.\n\nCampus Operations: Residence Life, Dining Services (AMARK), Physical Facilities, Transportation & Parking, Public Safety.\n\nRole: Engage, participate, and lead sustainability on campus and in the community.

Academic Faculty & Research

Key Research Centers:

  • Howard University Climate Research Center, 
  • EWRE Group, 
  • CEINT, 
  • SIGMa Lab, 
  • Environmental Biotechnology Lab.

Schools & Colleges: 

  • College of Engineering & Architecture (CEA), 
  • College of Arts & Sciences (COAS).

12+ faculty researchers across disciplines contribute expertise in climate science, environmental engineering, urban ecology, and public health.

External & Community Partners

DC Government: DOEE, DDOT, DPW, DC Water, DC Food Policy Council, DC Parks & Recreation.

Community/Nonprofit: Rock Creek Conservancy, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, DC Central Kitchen, Capital Area Food Bank, DC Mutual Aid Networks, Gumbo Garden.

Funding Ecosystem

Federal targets: 

  • EPA Environmental Justice Grants, 
  • DOE Building Efficiency Programs, 
  • NSF HBCU-UP, 
  • USDA Community Food Projects, 
  • HUD Community Development, 
  • FHWA.

Foundations: 

  • HBCU Green Fund, 
  • Chesapeake Bay Foundation, 
  • NFWF, 
  • National Geographic, 
  • Bloomberg 
  • Philanthropies, 
  • RWJF

Sign the pledge, join the challenge, attend an event, or share your data. Every contribution moves Howard closer to a sustainable future.

Join the Movement