Portland State's sustainability commitments, values, and culture translate to actual work on the ground in classrooms and labs; and in our buildings and communities. This work and the outcomes that come from it can be tracked, benchmarked, and reported. As a result of this, PSU has received and maintains a variety of awards and certifications. These span from one-time awards for an innovative project to long-standing rankings and campus-wide designations.
Every member of the PSU community plays a role in each sustainability-related award, certification, and designation that PSU receives. In addition to PSU receiving awards and recognitions, the Sustainability at PSU network also gives out awards and recognition. Every year, the Planning & Sustainability Office, Student Sustainability Center, and Institute for Sustainable Solutions take nominations for the Excellence in Sustainability Awards, which recognize students, faculty, and staff.
Campus-wide certifications and designations
On this page, you will find information and links to several campus-wide certifications and designations related to social innovation, sustainable campus operations, engaged research and learning, and the University as a testbed for climate action and resilience.
The Miller Gift
In 2008, PSU was awarded a $25 million challenge grant from the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation. The impacts and outcomes from this significant 10-year grant are still being realized at PSU and in the community. PSU's Institute for Sustainable Solutions (ISS) was formed to oversee the grant. Today, ISS continues to support many of the initiatives launched with the grant's support.
Special awards
In addition to the awards and ranking listed on this page, PSU has received other special awards based on specific initiatives and programs.