Sustainability

As the alma mater of environmental icon Rachel Carson ’29, Chatham University aims to honor her legacy through our mission. In 2012, Forbes mentioned us as one of the places “contributing to Pittsburgh’s transformation as a destination for green living.” In 2014, we opened our Eden Hall Campus, the world’s first academic community built from the ground up to study and showcase sustainable learning and development.

Rachel Carson

Chatham’s commitment to sustainability is inspired by alumna Rachel Carson ’29, who launched the modern environmental movement—and changed the world—with the publication of her pivotal book Silent Spring.

Learn About Rachel Carson

Photo of a person in beekeeping clothes, opening a hive with bees buzzing around

Awards & Accolades

From routinely awarded honors to Chatham University’s Falk School of Sustainability & Environment at Eden Hall Campus to six years running as a Tree Campus USA, our initiatives have earned recognition–locally, nationally, and internationally.

View Awards & Accolades

Students work in a field at Eden Hall Campus

Campus Environmental Commitments

As a signatory of the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment, Chatham has pledged to work toward carbon neutrality. Chatham has many campus sustainability projects, working to initiate change to move Chatham to this goal.

Explore Our Initiatives

Eden Hall Campus

Eden Hall Campus is the world’s first university campus designed to be a showcase for sustainable solutions. With the campus serving as an educational canvas, faculty, students, and the public engage in a collaborative, hands-on approach to learning to develop tomorrow’s leaders in sustainability.

Explore Eden Hall

Rachel Carson Visiting Scholars Program

The Rachel Carson Visiting Scholars program is a short-term residency at Eden Hall Campus for leading scholars and professionals living the legacy of conservationist, public health advocate, and Chatham alumna, Rachel Carson. Hosted by the Falk School of Sustainability & Environment, the program provides an opportunity for scholars to spend a few weeks living at Eden Hall; engaging with Chatham faculty, students and partners; and sharing their work with local and regional leaders in Pittsburgh.

Explore the Scholars Program

Rachel Carson Healthy Planet Award

Named for Chatham's most famous alumna, environmental icon Rachel Carson ’29, the Rachel Carson Healthy Planet Award is awarded to deserving students nominated from high schools nationally and internationally who embody the spirit of Rachel Carson in their dedication to sustainability and community development.

Info on the Award

Photo of a student riding a bike on Eden Hall Campus

Bike Works

Need a bike? Have one already but need some help? Visit Chatham Bike Works in the basement of Woodland Hall behind the Book Store! Opened in 2010, Bike Works is a free work space available to all Chatham biking community members. Bike Works is currently on pause and looking for new leadership; contact osa@tamilfolksongs.com to apply.