An initiative of the National Council for Workforce Education, the Sustainability Education and Economic Development Center (SEED) supports community colleges and their partners with curriculum and resources to transform educational programs for a sustainable future.

Topic: Curricular Materials

Joint Office of Energy and Transportation

The Joint Office of Energy and Transportation is a collaboration between the U.S. Departments of Energy and Transportation to help create further progress on zero-emission transportation infrastructure. While there is

Fifth National Climate Assessment

Updated in 2023, this report details climate change impacts, government responses to the need to mitigate and adapt to climate change, efforts to build resilience, and detailed chapters for each

Resource Dashboard

A collection of resources and different department sites on building science and green building. This page is organized by topic areas including fact sheets, emerging technologies, commercial buildings, residential buildings, appliances, and building energy codes.

U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit

The U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit provides a guide of steps to build resilience, case studies, regional and national climate data, and information for different topic areas. It is geared towards communities, policymakers, and businesses, but all information is open source from the U.S. government and its resources would be useful to supplement climate and sustainability education

Advanced Energy Legislation Tracker

 The AEL Tracker database contains advanced energy legislation across all 50 states. Advanced energy encompasses energy efficiency, demand response, natural gas electric generation, solar, wind, hydro, nuclear, electric vehicles, biofuels

Smart Growth and Transportation Strategies

Transportation and land use patterns are inextricably linked. This article from the US EPA covers four transportation and land use strategies that enhance quality of life and protect human health

Natural Gas Vehicles for America (NGVAmerica)

Natural Gas Vehicles for America (NGVAmerica) is a national organization dedicated to the development of a growing, sustainable and profitable market for vehicles powered by natural gas or hydrogen. 

The Center for Agroecology & Sustainable Food Systems

This website provides hundreds of resources—textbooks, popular books, web sites, videos, PowerPoint presentations, and more—to identify the highest-quality and most relevant materials on sustainable agriculture available. This center has also

A Path to Sustainable Energy by 2030

 This essential material is for use in all energy related courses and informal energy education settings .  It describes how humans can move to a sustainable energy future via a complete conversion from the

NREL Publications Database

 The US National Renewable Energy Lab Publications Database includes technical reports, journal articles, conference papers, patents, presentations, books, fact sheets and brochures on green energy topics from 1977 to the

National Renewable Energy Laboratories (NREL)

Free information about renewable energies from this U.S. federal laboratory dedicated to renewable energies. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is the U.S. Department of Energy’s primary national laboratory for renewable energy

U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and the LEED System

The USGBC is a non-profit organization committed to a prosperous and sustainable future for our nation through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. LEED is an internationally recognized green building certification

2050 Energy Calculator

The 2050 Calculator allows users to create their own emissions reduction pathway, using scientific data to see the impacts. The Calculator is available in three versions to allow a range

AWEA Standards Program

Read about the emerging standards for wind power from the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA).

Energy Star: Higher Education Resources

Check out these great resources from Energy Star for higher education. On this webpage you will find reading lists, syllabi, funding guidance, and other helpful resources.

Department of Energy STEM Rising

STEM Rising is your go-to resource for all-things-STEM at the U.S. Department of Energy. Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, commonly known as STEM, are the essential building blocks to accomplishing the U.S.

Environmental and Energy Resources Library (EERL)

Free online collection of environmental and energy sustainablity resources for community college educatiors, sudents, practitioners and the public. EERL is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF).

American Solar Energy Society (ASES)

For more than 50 years, the nonprofit American Solar Energy Society has been leading the renewable energy revolution. Through their various programs and resources they are increasing the use of

The Climate Group

The Climate Group specializes in bold, catalytic and high-profile climate and energy initiatives with the world’s leading businesses and state and regional governments for net-zero’ emission economies and thriving, sustainable societies.

Growth Energy

Growth Energy represents the producers and supporters of ethanol and provides resources and material for use in the teaching and training in this field. View their Research & Reports as

Alternative Fuel Conversion

This page provides links to information about alternative fuel vehicle and engine conversions. You will find information for manufactures and consumers on regulations, information for manufacturers, compliance, and other helpful

Architecture 2030: Roadmap to Zero Emissions

This reports is a flexible plan that describes emissions reduction targets in the building sector required to avert dangerous and irreversible climate change, including the actions and financing instruments needed

Energy Literacy Videos & Guide

The Energy Literacy Initiative produced the Energy Literacy Video Series and the Energy Literacy Quick Start Guide aligned with the Department of Energy’s, Energy Literacy: Essential Principles and Fundamental Concepts for Energy

Footprint Calculator

 Use this tool to find out how much land area it takes to support your lifestyle. This ecological footprint tool will help you discover your biggest areas of resource consumption,

National Snow & Ice Data Center (NSIDC)

 The NSIDC provides arctic sea ice news and analysis, data and tools for researchers, a cryosphere glossary of arctic terminology and educational resources for teachers and students.

Higher Education Sustainability Review

 This yearly publication provides analysis of sustainability planning, campus living learning laboratory initiatives and regional drought response efforts at higher education institutions. It covers such topics as: academics, community engagement,

CLEAN Teaching Climate and Energy Science

Provides a guide for educators built off the original climate and energy literacy frameworks. The three key components of the CLEAN project are: The CLEAN Collection of Climate and Energy

Sustainability Advisory Committee Resources

 These publications, presentations and other resources useful to staff, students and educators focus on the successful design, implementation and evaluation of the triple bottom line of sustainability, including social justice

World Resource Data Maps (by Resource Watch)

Resource Watch features hundreds of data sets all in one place that inform about the state of the planet’s resources and citizens. Users can visualize challenges facing people and the

PBS Sustainability Classroom Resources

Video clips, essays, papers and more on sustainability topics. Great for incorporating into lesson plans, ranging from sustainable development to clean energy.

NOAA Climate Information

 Detailed information is provided and interpreted on a variety of climate-based subjects for a better understanding of climate change science and impacts. Reports, maps, papers, publications and research programs are

Scientific Visualization Studio

 This program works closely with scientists to create visualizations, animations, and images for a greater understanding of Earth and space science research activities at NASA and within the academic research

EnviroAtlas

 The EnviroAtlas provides users access to information that will encourage understanding of the benefits people receive from nature. Interactive tools and resources show how these “ecosystem goods and services” are

Low Impact Living

 This website provides information on sustainable living practices that minimize corporate reliance. Find information, training, products & services in over 200 topics, such as: green building, energy, land management, agriculture,

Green Scholarships

 Numerous scholarship providers are now awarding green scholarships and grant opportunities to environmentally-conscious students. This guide provides information on how to locate and apply for sustainability-based scholarships and includes a

The Story Of Stuff Project

 The Story of Stuff Project has engaging videos, podcasts, teaching tools and blogs about the unsustainable present day systems for producing and consuming goods.The resources provided assist students in analyzing

World Bioenergy Association (WBA)

The World Bioenergy Association (WBA) is dedicated to supporting the global bioenergy sector by promoting the global utilization of bioenergy in a sustainable and economical way. Find reports, news, and

Naturally, Danny Seo

 Naturally, Danny Seo is a publication that looks at living a sustainable lifestyle without sacrificing style. It covers everything from food to beauty, travel, home, and entertaining to help people

Transportation Energy Data Book

This publication provides policymakers and analysts with transportation data from diverse sources, including chapters on Alternative Fuel and Advanced Technology Vehicles and Characteristics, Energy, and Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

Rural Gateway

The Rural Gateway is an informational platform providing technical assistance, training workshops, and peer learning and resource sharing to support rural housing and economic development. It includes information on green

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This invaluable resource breaks down the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into manageable targets and provides in-depth information about specific topics related to each goal with links to timelines, events,

Education for a Sustainable Future Blog Series

 This blog series discusses the vital role education needs to play in the global shift towards sustainability.  Some of the articles present the reader with facts on a variety of topics, from

Oberlin Environmental Dashboard

 This tool measures and tracks electricity and water usage in schools, businesses, public facilities and homes and is then able to translate this information into animated graphics. Each building has

Publications from the World Resources Institute

Educators and students can access these objective, academic publications for a variety of sustainability topics through research, reports, working papers, issue briefs, and fact sheets. For maps, charts, data sets,

Environmental Performance Index

 The Environmental Performance Index (EPI) is a resources that ranks countries across the globe on how well they perform with high-priority environmental issues. The two areas they are graded in

Global Flood Analyzer

 The World Resources Institute’s Aqueduct Global Flood Analyzer helps municipalities forecast and quantify the human and economic consequences of floods under a variety of scenarios. It also allows city officials

Creating Resilient Cities

 Arup, Siemens and RPA have conducted research and collected resources related to the role of technology in enhancing the resilience of cities and their critical infrastructure systems. Online resources include

Sustainable Cities Institute

The Sustainable Cities Institute provides vetted and practical resources to identify and implement solutions to advance cities and sustainability professionals’ goals and to help them strengthen their communities. This site

Sustainable Communities Initiative Resource Library

The Sustainable Communities Initiative Resource Library houses the products of HUD’s Sustainable Community Initiative Grantees. This online library catalogs local and regional comprehensive plans, model codes, tools, fact sheets, and

InTeGrate-Developed Modules and Courses

 This resource has teaching modules about sustainable futures for undergraduate courses. The content covers such topics as climate change, national hazard risks, geoscience methods, human interactions with the earth, and decision

Sustainable Food Laboratory

 The Sustainable Food Lab is a nexus of international organizations collaborating to expedite market-based solutions in a movement towards a more healthy and sustainable food system. They provide leadership networks,

Educating for a Sustainable Future

This site from UNESCO provides many useful resources for different audiences on education for sustainable development. The informational resources and current events provided may provide a base for discussion and

Greenbuild International Conference and Expo

 Greenbuild is a yearly event featuring workshops, lectures, research, and networking opportunities for students, professionals, and anyone else interested in sustainable building practices.

Campus and Course Conversations

These activities can be used by faculty as course assignments and by staff as campus or community activities. They will increase skills for civil discourse, reducing political polarization and stalemate,

Accenture Development Partnerships

 Accenture Development Partnerships can aid your college or university in piloting programs designed to innovate and assist in the development of international emerging markets. They work on a non-profit basis

Online Publications from DAI

 This resource provides a wealth of publications about global issues in social and economic development. Topics cover a broad array of interests including, but not limited to: economic and agriculture

Fueling a Nation, Feeding the World

 This booklet focuses on ethanol as a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, specifically in the production of food for human consumption and feed manufacturing for animals. This

U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit

 Use this tool when preparing climate change curricular materials or extra-curricular projects for your students. The climate Toolkit provides resources for understanding and addressing climate issues, focusing on climate stressors

Water: National Resource Defense Council

 Utilize this resource for classroom material on clean sustainable water supplies for the present and future. Study such topics as: water efficiency strategies, protecting current water supplies from pollution, ensuring

The Lexicon of Sustainability

Instructors should utilize the Lexicon of Sustainability website when preparing coursework for nutrition and food-related studies. This enterprise is based on the premise that if people are better educated in

Thomson Reuters Foundation

 Use this global news resource when building your curriculum to introduce or discuss current events in climate change. Through journalists who are experts in their fields, in-depth articles and analysis

White Papers on Green Business

 Review this great resource of in-depth research and analysis for materials as you develop your curriculum in sustainability and business. A wide array of research articles provide objective and verifiable

Sustainable FERC Project

The Sustainable FERC Project is a coalition of state, regional and national environmental and other public interest organizations working to expand the deployment of clean energy resources into America’s electricity

Watt’s Up? The Lowdown on Energy

From the American Geosciences Institute, is a portfolio of instructional modules on energy. Each module is approximately 30 pages and consists of classroom activities, teacher notes, background information, assessments, career

The Switch Energy Project

A film, web and education program to build energy awareness and efficiency. This project has a lot of short video clips on a wide range of energy topics that teachers

JASON Learning

A non-profit organization that connects students to science and exploration to inspire and motivate them to study and pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). For teachers and

Living Machine for Onsite Wastewater Treatment

The Omega Center for Sustainable Living (OCSL) is an environmental education center and natural water reclamation facility built to meet the highest standards currently available in sustainable architecture. It is

Sustainability and Curriculum Integration

This page from Santa Clara University provides excellent examples on how to integrate sustainability into your college curriculum. Review the list of resources and other guides to help you develop

Duke Sustainability – Campus as a Living Laboratory

The Duke University campus offers many living laboratories for diverse educational experiences in sustainability. Find a list of potential client-based projects for students on campus and highlighted living laboratories for

Building Science Corporation

Resources on this page provide objective, high-quality information to promote the design and construction of durable, energy-efficient and economical buildings that can prove useful in the development of your green

Alternative Fuels Data Center

The Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) from the DOE- EERE provides information, data, and tools to help fleets and other transportation decisions makers find ways to reduce petroleum consumption through

The SunShot Initiative

This initiative, by the United States Government, was implemented to reduce the cost of solar energy for all Americans, by making it cost competitive with other energy sources, without subsidies.

Planet Forward

Planet Forward is where experts and engaged citizens come together to find solutions to our shared challenges, specifically in the areas of energy, climate and sustainability. It is a dynamic

SmartGrid.gov: Gateway to Smart Grid Information

SmartGrid.gov is the gateway to information on federal initiatives that support the development of the technologies, policies and projects transforming the electric power industry. View this website for for access

North Carolina Solar Center

The North Carolina Solar Center, at N.C. State University, advances a sustainable energy economy by educating, demonstrating and providing support for clean energy technologies, practices, and policies. The N.C. Solar

EERE – Advanced Manufacturing Office

The Advanced Manufacturing Office (AMO) is the lead government program working to increase the energy efficiency of U.S. industry–which accounts for about one-third of U.S. energy use. ITP helps research,

Scientific American: Energy & Sustainability

Read and review recent articles on the environment, alternative energy technology, policy, technology, and other topics that will prove very useful in developing education materials and/or classroom resources.

Clean Fuels, Vehicles, & Technologies

This information covers a variety of different clean energy technolgies for vehicles, their benefits and properties, vehicle technology, vehicle choices, fueling infrastructure, safety, and resources and incentives. The Clean Transportation

LiFE Curriculum Series

The Science Education and Nutrition Education programs at the Teachers College at Columbia University collaborated to develop LiFE, a research-based science and nutrition curriculum. The LiFE Curriculum Series can be

Turfgrass Information File

Turfgrass alternatives are explored in a series of papers that could be of value in curricula about golf courses, sports fields and sustainable landscaping.

E3 Washington: Education Network

Educators can join this Network to connect with people building systems of Education for Sustainable Communities, organizations, and leadership teams. Network members can also search programs, events, curriculum, research &

Santa Cruz Agroecology Institute

The mission of the Center for Agroecology & Sustainable Food Systems is to research, develop, and advance sustainable food and agricultural systems that are environmentally sound, economically viable, socially responsible,

Shelburne Farms

Shelburne Farms offers a variety of professional development opportunities for both formal and non-formal educators. Each program is designed to give educators the confidence, motivation and skills they need to

Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE)

The Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) provides Fact Sheets, Curricula and Courses, Educator Curriculum Guides, and a National Continuing Education Program online course in Sustainable Agriculture. This program offers

Sustainable Table

Sustainable Table is an Australian site not affiliated with an academic institution but celebrates the sustainable food movement, provides information on sustainable food-related issues, and shares strategies to build community

The Food Project

Free information to help others start their sustainable youth gardening and food projects, including Summer Youth Program Manual, Academic Year Program Manual, Volunteer Manual, Farmers Market Manual, Urban Agriculture Manual,

The Land Institute

The Land Institute has worked for over 30 years to develop an agricultural system with the ecological stability of the prairie and a grain yield comparable to that from annual

Wallace Center at Winrock International

The Wallace Center focuses on developing market-based solutions that link a larger number of people and communities to “good food”- food that is healthy, green, fair, and affordable. They aim

WhyHunger Publications and Resources

WhyHunger brings you into the food security movement, a movement that shows how our food system is connected, how our food grows, how it’s processed, who grows it, what we

Shelburne Farms’ Sustainable Schools Project

The Sustainable Schools Project works with schools to cultivate responsible, informed citizens, engaged in building sustainable communities. On the website you can find curriculum for K-5 schools and downloadable resources

The Northeast’s Food and Farm Network

NESAWG is the Northeast’s food and farm network. Activities are based on a systems approach, recognizing the interdependence of government, market, and civic arenas for social change. They maintain an

World Agroforestry Center

The World Agroforestry Centre is part of the alliance of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) centers dedicated to generating and applying the best available knowledge to stimulate

Advanced Biofuels Association (ABFA)

Enhance both the technology and the policy sections of your course through this site. The ABFA supports and advocates public policies to ensure all viable advanced biofuels can compete with

Advanced Biofuels USA – Biofuel Basics

This section of Advanced Biofuels USA is specifically designed for those who want to learn and teach the basics about biofuels and advanced biofuels. Materials in this section will be

Advanced Biofuels USA – For Teachers

While this section of Advanced Biofuels USA provides information for K-12 education, it also serves as a great resource for educational materials. Educators will find useful links and information on

Agriculture of the Middle

Agriculture of the Middle has produced three sets of curricular resources on value-based food supply chains for university-level business and economics courses. Course instructors can use these curricular resources to

Biodiesel Magazine

A monthly trade journal dedicated to coverage of biodiesel news, events and information relevant to the global industry. With editorial focus on U.S. and international methyl ester manufacturing, trade, distribution

BioRegional: Solutions for Sustainability

Help your classroom be more global and more engaged in practical solutions. This entrepreneurial charity initiates practical sustainability solutions and delivers them by setting up new enterprises and partnerships around

Center for a Livable Future: Eating for the Future

From John Hopkins University, explore these resources connecting healthy eating and sustainability. The link for the JHSPH Open Courseware project connects to lecture materials and other resources on Food Production,

Center for Ecoliteracy

The Center is best known for its pioneering work with K12 integrating ecological principles and sustainability into school curricula and working with schools gardens and food systems. The Center for

Cornell Garden Based Learning

This site from Cornell University’s Cooperative Extension provides educators with inspiring, research-based gardening resources and professional development to support engaging, empowering, and relevant learning experiences for children, youth, adults, and

Diesel Technology Forum

The Diesel Technology Forum is an industry-based forum that highlights cleaner technology for diesel engines. View their resources for multiple case studies, state fact sheets, and other information for policymakers

Ecology Center

The Ecology Center provides information that can assist in the education of environmentally and socially responsible practices. View their resources page for events, directories, and useful Fact Sheets.

Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Energy Association (FCHEA)

The Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association (FCHEA) is an advocacy organization dedicated to the commercialization of fuel cells and hydrogen energy technologies. View their Policy Page or their Regulations,

Green For All: College Ambassador Program

The Green For All College Ambassador program provides a focused vehicle to foster young, green-economy champions. The program follows the academic calendar and runs on the campuses of fifteen historical

Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture

This center explores and cultivates alternatives that secure healthier people and landscapes in Iowa and the nation. They offer information on marketing trends, policy, and ecology, provide links to news

Methanol Institute

The Methanol Institute (MI) serves as the global trade association for the methanol industry. The website provides multiple reports, data sheets, and other resources on Methanol Basics, Technical Information, Energy,

Tools and Guides for Educators from Oxfam

This Oxfam website provides activities and other resources to educators looking to teach about a variety of sustainability topics, including civic engagement and support for teachers. Also see: Youth Involvement

Report (SARE) – What is Sustainable Agriculture?

Check out USDA supported “What is Sustainable Agriculture?”, Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education’s (SARE’s) free award-winning, 12-page sampler of best practices in sustainable agriculture, including profiles of the men and

Solutions from the Land

Solutions from the Land (SfL) was conceived and led by a cross-sector team of respected agriculture, forestry, conservation, academic, and industry leaders, who came together in 2009 based on clean

American Farmland Trust

American Farmland Trust is a conservation organization dedicated to saving America’s farm and ranch land, promoting environmentally sound farming practices and supporting a sustainable future for farms. View their Publications

Biofuels Digest

The Biofuels Digest newsletter covers producer news, research, policy, policymakers, conferences, fleets and financial news. It is home to: the Biofuels Digest Index, a Biofuels Job Board, the Quarterly Biofuels

EcoAgriculture Partners

EcoAgriculture Partners works to enhance rural livelihoods, conserve biodiversity and ecosystem services, and sustainably produce crops, livestock, fish, and fiber. The nonprofit supports individuals and organizations at the local, national

Life Lab

Life Lab has created curricula and workshops for K12 educators interested in bringing learning to life in gardens nationwide. Some of these may be applicable to college classrooms. On the

Report – 2016 U.S. Billion-Ton Report

The report examines the nation’s capacity to produce a billion dry tons of biomass resources annually for energy uses without impacting other vital U.S. farm and forest products, such as

Report – U.S. Dairy Sustainability Report

This report from the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy focuses primarily on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy impacts — the first challenges to be addressed through this industry wide

The Sustainable Michigan Endowed Project (SMEP)

The Sustainable Michigan Endowed Project (SMEP) serves as a catalyst and convener of interdisciplinary dialogue and research around existing and emerging sustainability topics. It has developed in depth conceptualizations about

Professional Development Opportunities from AASHE

See conferences, workshops, webinars and discussion forums on sustainability. Some of the resources are for implementing sustainability on campus and some are for including it in the curricula. There is also an

Higher Education Associations Sustainability Consortium

Listing of resources from individual national higher education associations that are members of the Higher Education Associations Sustainability Consortium, helping to promote sustainability to each other and their constituents. Discover

Energy Star Training

ENERGY STAR offers free online training to help you improve the energy performance of your organization. See how EPA can help you lower operating costs, improve your energy management program,

Illinois Green Economy Network (IGEN)

The Illinois Green Economy Network (IGEN), formerly known as the Illinois Community College Sustainability Network, is a vibrant and growing collaboration between the state’s 48 community colleges. An initiative of

IREC Renewable Energies Key Publications

Here you’ll find easily downloadable IREC papers, reports and other publications, all designed to help advance renewable energy in your community. Contains information that educators can use as they develop

Solar Living Institute

The Solar Living Institute offers courses and other resources in Solar PV and Storage, Solar Finance & Marketing, Green Building, and HVAC. Course curricula are developed to address North American

Commercial Buildings College Course from ENERGY STAR

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) college-level course on commercial building efficiency for students and professionals in the field of energy and facility management. Available at no cost as an off-the-shelf

National Green Building Standard

Link to order the 20012 National Green Building Standard. Chapters 7 (Energy) and 9 (IAQ) of this standard would pertain to home energy performance. This is an approved American National

Wind Industry Standards

ACP (formerly AWEA) is the lead organization for the development of U.S. industry consensus standards in liaison with a variety of professional organizations. View this page for Industry Standards as

Open Energy Information initiative (OpenEI)

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has supported the development of the Open Energy Information initiative (OpenEI), which is a platform to connect the world’s energy data. It is a linked