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In addition to the effective resources for climate action planning such as the Solutions Center, networking and national engagement opportunities, and cutting edge research and publications, Climate Leadership Network members have access to the full set of exclusive member benefits.
We are thrilled to announce that registration is now open for the 2027 Higher Education Climate Leadership Summit, taking place in the mile-high city of Denver, Colorado, March 7-9, 2027. Since our first Summit in 2008, Second Nature’s annual gatherings remain a critical space where the sector convenes across institution types, roles, and circumstances to find common ground and solutions.
Register by September 18 and receive $100 off your Summit registration.
Use the code early_discount_100 at checkout.
Second Nature is inviting higher education to engage with the Climate Action Milestones Program.
This program was developed to more fully recognize the climate action journey, mobilize a broad suite of higher education’s influence, and turn up our ambitions as a sector.
There are 14 milestones in different categories from decarbonization to governance, education to community collaboration. It’s important for higher education to upskill ourselves, our students, and our communities to address the climate emergency. This program is one way we endeavor to drive necessary change to meet those aims.
Submissions are reviewed on a rolling basis. To be considered for this year’s cycle and recognized at the 2027 Higher Education Climate Leadership Summit, applications must be submitted by October 23, 2026.
We are pleased to announce that the seventh round of Catalyst Grant funding is now accepting applications. Second Nature will award up to $5,000 per institution for projects that will be the “spark” that jumpstarts climate action activity on campuses.
The grants will provide a much-needed boost to build capacity for our member institutions’ work to reduce emissions, increase resilience, prepare students for clean energy careers, and advance environmental justice.
The application period closes September 24, 2026.
The 2027 Climate Luminary Honors applications are open. The application period closes on October 31, 2026, at 11:59 PM PST.
Apply now.
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Climate Luminary Honors is a recognition program open to all active Second Nature member institutions that are engaged in impactful climate action work on their campuses and in their communities.
The program will recognize a diverse range of climate action initiatives in the following seven categories:
We are pleased to announce the six higher education institutions selected to receive pro bono consulting services.
About Pro Bono Consulting
This is a network exclusive to colleges and universities that are active Climate Leadership Network. Those members who have not previously received pro bono awards are eligible to apply for an opportunity to receive up to $30,000 in pro bono consulting services.
The Carbon Credit and Purchasing Program (C2P2) is an initiative supporting colleges and universities in developing and marketing innovative carbon offsets to the Verified Carbon Standard as a way to accelerate their progress towards campus decarbonization. Eligible schools can develop carbon offsets on their campuses through energy conservation, energy efficiency, renewable energy, and LEED certified buildings. Second Nature provides technical and logistical support to schools participating in the program.
Second Nature’s new partnership with Calyx Global grants our members exclusive, free access to high-quality carbon offset ratings valued at $8,000. Through Calyx’s comprehensive rating system, Second Nature Signatories, Affiliates, and University Climate Change Coalition (UC3) members can make informed decisions about carbon offset projects based on both greenhouse gas (GHG) integrity and alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This collaboration allows institutions to confidently navigate the carbon market and select credits that drive genuine impact and mitigate environmental risks.
Second Nature and GreenerU are excited to announce the recipients of their first Zero-Cost Building Decarbonization Assessment. This initiative offers selected New England campuses a zero-cost, building-level decarbonization assessment valued at $10,000. Five campuses were selected to receive a customized “zero-over-time” plan for one building.
Join up to 350 Climate Champions at the
2027 Higher Education
Climate Leadership Summit
March 7-9 | Denver, CO
Get the latest on Discounts, Specials, and the Program
