Directory
Aaron N. Durnbaugh, LEED AP & ISSP SEA
Title/s: Director of Sustainability
Specialty Area: Energy Efficiency, Strategic Planning, Public Outreach
Office #: BVM Hall 209
Phone: 773.508.7558
Email:
About
Aaron Noble Durnbaugh, Director of Sustainability, supports the 17,000 students and 4,000 faculty and staff across Loyola’s campuses and academic centers in creating the most sustainable and transformative education experience possible. The Office of Sustainability works across the curriculum, culture and campuses of Loyola to build innovation and efficiency into the University’s programs and student experience focusing on climate action, water protection, and mission-driven social justice. Loyola has been consistently recognized as a leader in higher education and in the Chicago-region for their work to address climate change and mission-aligned sustainability efforts.
He currently serves as the Chair of the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning’s (CMAP) Climate Committee, and is a member of the Illinois Green Alliance’s Steering Committee, and the Mayor’s Nature and Wildlife Committee. He recently completed a 2022 research fellowship with Second Nature supporting the Climate Commitments program and continues to advise their commitments and reporting programs, was a member of the City of Chicago’s Building Decarbonization Working Group, and is the past Chair of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education’s Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating Systems (STARS) Steering Committee.
Previously, he served as the Deputy Commissioner leading Chicago Department of Environment's Natural Resources and Water Quality Division (NRWQ). The Department of Environment was the lead agency developing and implementing the Chicago Climate Action Plan. During his time in City government, Durnbaugh oversaw the City of Chicago’s climate adaptation strategy engaging stakeholders in built environment, public health and the natural environment.
He holds a Master's Degree in Geography and Environmental Studies and is a LEED™ accredited professional and a Sustainability Excellence Associate with the International Society of Sustainability Professionals (ISSP-SEA).