A New Vision for Sustainability at Bryn Mawr

Neha Sood, who joined the College this fall after seven years in Rochester Institute of Technology’s sustainability office, is leading efforts to weave sustainable thinking into every aspect of Bryn Mawr’s Comprehensive Campus Plan. Here, she tells us about her vision for the future of sustainability at Bryn Mawr.

Tell us a bit about yourself and your office. 

My name is Neha Sood. I grew up in Kolkata, India, and I’ve wanted to be a changemaker in the environmental field since I was ten years old. That passion brought me to Rochester, NY, where I spent many years as a student and sustainability professional. Today, we’re navigating complex global and local environmental challenges. My work centers not on doom and gloom but on action, agency, and possibility – and I truly feel I’m in the right place at the right time. 

What inspired you to take on this role at Bryn Mawr?

My connection to Bryn Mawr began when I visited a friend during my freshman year of college—I still remember walking across campus and thinking how special the place felt. Bryn Mawr is full of passionate student changemakers, inspiring faculty, dedicated staff, and alumni making meaningful impacts worldwide. Sustainability requires collective effort—and this community is the ideal place to build solutions that are collaborative, creative, and lasting.

"Students don’t just learn about sustainability here—they live in a community that models it."

What does sustainability currently look like at Bryn Mawr? What excites you about the future? 

Bryn Mawr has a strong sustainability foundation. The College committed to carbon neutrality in 2008. Many “low-hanging fruits” have been picked over the last two decades. Now we’re entering a bolder phase of climate action.

My vision is to work collaboratively with people across campus so sustainability becomes something everyone can see, feel, and be proud to support. Current initiatives include: 

• Seed grants that empower students, staff, and faculty to design and implement new sustainability solutions.
• A campus-wide evaluation of waste practices, focused on reducing waste at the source and strengthening reuse and recycling.
• An updated Climate Action Plan, which will map out our transition to renewable energy and reduced reliance on fossil fuels.
• Living our values, including supporting fair trade, uplifting local businesses, and integrating social justice into everyday operations.

Long-term, I envision Bryn Mawr as a destination for students, faculty, and staff who want to lead purposeful, sustainable, and socially just futures. Students don’t just learn about sustainability here—they live in a community that models it.

What are some ways students experience Bryn Mawr’s commitment to sustainability in their everyday campus lives?

Students encounter sustainability throughout daily life. The campus has a lot of green spaces which make it easy to immerse in nature. Dining services offer plant-forward menus, use reusable takeout containers, and compost kitchen scraps. Residence halls have free exchange bins where students can swap clothing and household items, reducing purchases and waste.

Academically, students engage with sustainability through classes, research, and the Praxis program. Throughout the year, the College hosts events and workshops focused on environmental action, climate justice, and sustainable living.

How can students get involved in sustainability work at Bryn Mawr? 

There are many paths to get involved, depending on interests and capacity. Students can take sustainability-related courses such as the Climate Change 360° cluster, which approaches climate action through policy, math, and film. Each residence hall has Green Ambassadors who promote sustainable living. Student interns help maintain the community garden and coordinate volunteer tree-planting efforts. Students can also apply for sustainability seed grants to bring their ideas to life. Beyond campus, many take part in internships and research with Philadelphia community partners. There’s no single “right” way to participate—every effort contributes to meaningful change.

How can students shape the future of sustainability on campus?

Students have a powerful voice at Bryn Mawr. They can:

• Model sustainable habits within social circles, clubs, and residence halls.
• Lead or participate in pilot projects that can scale across campus.
• Advocate for climate action and justice-centered initiatives.
• Collaborate with faculty and staff to integrate sustainability into coursework, research, and operations.
• Share ideas and feedback through forums, surveys, and events. · Connect with the sustainability team anytime at sustainability@brynmawr.edu.

Sustainability thrives when it’s community-driven—and students are often the spark that brings new ideas and momentum to life.