Louisiana State University (LSU) System
Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (2023-2024)
Reporting Period: 2023-2024
Environmental Metrics
ESG Focus Areas
- Research and Innovation
- Workforce Development
- Economic Development
- Student Success
- Cybersecurity
- Health
- Environmental Sustainability
Environmental Achievements
- Developed a new, eco-friendly method for oil spill cleanup using lignin nanoparticles.
- Received $5 million from NOAA to install high-frequency radar systems for coastal monitoring.
- Research on biofilters for nutrient capture and water quality improvement in urban areas.
- Research to mitigate damage by invasive species.
- Developed a bait using sodium nitrite to control feral hog populations.
Social Achievements
- Record-setting freshman class with high average ACT scores and GPAs.
- Record-sized graduating classes across all campuses.
- Launched Cybersecurity Clinic to help Louisiana small businesses prevent cyberattacks.
- Developed a new, non-addictive, non-toxic painkiller.
- Improved stem cell delivery with a new syringe.
- Developed an innovative screening tool to detect endometrial cancer early.
- Addressing health disparities related to nutrition, physical activity, and obesity in rural parishes.
- Partnership with Ochsner Lafayette General for a Respiratory Therapy Apprenticeship program.
- LSUS recognized as a hunger-free campus.
Governance Achievements
- Released Scholarship First: The Strategic Framework, a system-wide planning document.
- Secured $160 million NSF Engines grant for energy innovation (FUEL partnership).
- Designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations.
- Increased federal funding for Scholarship for Service CyberCorps program.
- LSU’s Security Operations Center (SOC) provides cyber protection to Louisiana universities.
- Collaboration with NATO on cyber defense training.
Climate Goals & Targets
Environmental Challenges
- Addressing the opioid crisis.
- Combating student hunger.
- Cybersecurity threats to small businesses and universities.
- Health disparities in Louisiana, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
- Damage caused by invasive species and feral hogs.
- Water quality issues in urban areas.
Mitigation Strategies
- Developed a new, non-addictive, non-toxic painkiller.
- Established a food pantry and other support services for students.
- Launched Cybersecurity Clinic to help small businesses.
- Secured funding for programs addressing health disparities in rural areas.
- Research and development of methods to control invasive species and feral hogs.
- Research on biofilters for water quality improvement.