What is Campus as Lab?
The Campus as Lab (CAL) program works with Princeton faculty directly to promote experiential learning and on-campus sustainability research with broader applications in support of University’s Sustainability Action Plan.
Independent Projects & Coursework
Integrating your research with the CAL Program is a way to demonstrate or showcase applications that go 'beyond academia' and have practical outcomes. Do you need real world examples and campus site visits to use in your courses or modules? You can work with CAL staff to have data and information made available to you.
The CAL program encourages faculty to become independent project advisors to students researching sustainability-related topics. Additionally, it supports faculty engaged in coursework and experiences to deepen student excitement in sustainability. Projects may include papers or internships that incorporate sustainability data in teaching and learning.
Operational Projects
Faculty can also partner with Facilities staff to design and implement operational projects to promote sustainable practices on campus. These projects can include volunteer opportunities, student group connections, and campus service projects. Interested faculty can begin by connecting with Ijeoma Nwagwu at [email protected]
Capital Plan
Princeton University considers its facilities, operations and capital projects to be seamlessly integrated in the teaching and learning mission of the institution. As the University continues to expand, both by population and by physical size, the CAL program works with faculty on the most advanced sustainable options for development and construction of new buildings and structures.
The 2026 Capital Plan is the University’s most ambitious expansion project in recent history. It presents significant opportunities to develop solutions to sustainability problems in a real-world setting. You can initiate research that contributes to a sustainable campus by collaborating with partners in Facilities on projects within the framework of plans implemented by capital project design teams.
Apply for Funding from The High Meadows Foundation Sustainability Fund for your CAL research.