Northwestern won the 2018 Illinois Sustainability Award, which recognizes organizations that “have implemented outstanding and innovative sustainable techniques or technologies” in the state of Illinois.

In the past, McDonalds, University of Illinois and United Airlines have won the award.

The program honored NU for progress toward reducing its environmental footprint, which has been a focus since Northwestern released its Strategic Sustainability Plan two years ago. Since then, the University has acquired 16 electric vehicles, cut waste to landfills by 38 percent and received its first LEED Platinum building certification.

The Strategic Sustainability Plan “sets goals for encouraging the participation of academic and operational stakeholders in the University community” and is planned out through fiscal year 2021. NU is also aiming to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

“This award is a true testament of what an engaged campus community can accomplish,” Kathia Benitez, Northwestern’s sustainability director, said in a news release. “We are honored to win the award, competing with local government leaders committing to reduce their environmental impact.”

Members of SustainNU accepted the award on Tuesday night.

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