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Environmental Adaptions / Adaptive Environments

How do we design spaces that evolve with us—shaping, shifting, and adapting to the conditions, behaviors, and needs of those who inhabit them? Adaptive Environments explores how architecture can move beyond the static, making adaptability a core principle in creating resilient, future-ready environments that respond dynamically to their users and surroundings. This symposium, brings together leading voices in architecture and design—including keynote speaker Kjetil Thorsen, Founding Partner of Snøhetta—delves into the dynamic interplay between people, nature, and built environments. We will examine how architectural concepts rooted in an understanding of spatial and material knowledge from the past, combined with emerging technologies, can enable environments that enhance inhabitants’ well-being, extend longevity, and support sustainability by responding intelligently to their surroundings. Discussions will focus on design principles that engage with outdoor conditions, prioritize environmental responsibility, and foster spaces that adapt intuitively to changing needs. We will explore how emerging technologies—IoT, AI, and automation—can enhance scalability and real-time adaptability, creating more efficient, responsive, and human-centered spaces across diverse contexts.

Green AI Summit 2025

The Green AI Summit, hosted by Harvard Undergraduate AI and Sustainability Group, co-sponsored by Boston University Center for Information and Systems Engineering (CISE), brings together global leaders, researchers, and innovators to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and sustainability. As AI technology continues to shape the world, the Green AI Summit serves as a critical platform to address the environmental and social impacts of these advancements and to champion responsible development practices.

Algamatrix Exhibition – The Future of Homes: Algae, Sensors, and the Next Generation of Domestic Space

Kirkland Gallery 40 Kirkland Street, Cambridge, MA, United States

What if future homes responded to nature and the material intelligence of living systems? This exhibition explores emerging approaches to domestic space that prioritize sustainability, adaptability, and sensory engagement. Featuring inflatable algae-based modules, the installation explores responsive interiors. Sensor devices suggest how future homes might intuitively engage with their environment.

Students, Schools and Our Climate Moment

Attend this talk in which Laura A. Schifter and Jonathan Klein highlight the many ways in which K-12 schools and students have tremendous potential to advance solutions on environmental issues, and they provide frameworks for enacting change, in Students, Schools, and Our Climate Moment. Schifter and Klein demonstrate how the effects of climate change intersect with US public schools on multiple levels—for example, schools must prepare students to face the challenges of an uncertain future, accommodate disruptions brought about by extreme weather conditions, and evaluate their systems’ energy consumption and carbon emissions.

Springtime & Sustainability at the Arnold Arboretum

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Building 2, Room 102

Learn about Harvard’s “Museum of Trees” and what it takes to keep North America’s first public arboretum open to all. Presented by Danny Schissler, Head of Operations and Project Management at the Harvard University Arnold Arboretum. Join us on Wednesday, April 20, from 2-3 pm at the Harvard University T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Building 2, Room 102 (Harvard ID required), or join via Zoom at hsph.me/arnoldarboretumsustainability.

Apply by May 21: Harvard Climate Entrepreneur’s Circle

Building a climate venture? Harvard-affiliated? The Harvard Climate Entrepreneur’s Circle is a selective, year-long incubator program for high-potential ventures addressing climate change. We offer tailored support, including expert office hours, pro-bono legal assistance, and media support. Prior ventures range across a range of technology and business solutions, including XCharge, Subject2Climate, EarthAcre. Eligible ventures must demonstrate one or more key milestones: active users, written partnerships, funding/donations, or established intellectual property. Apply now by May 21. Questions? Please mail i-labclimate@harvard.edu 

Apply by Sept. 4: Harvard Business School Student Sustainability Associates (SSAs)

The Harvard Business School (HBS) Student Sustainability Associate Program, founded in 2006, is the school’s peer-to-peer education program that promotes sustainable behavior on and off campus. An SSA is hired from each RC section to connect with their classmates on how key sustainability topics impact business. These topics have included climate change, social equity, environmental justice, transportation, energy, food, and water.

Fall 2025 Information Session for Council of Student Sustainability Leaders (CSSL)

Zoom

CSSL provides an opportunity for Harvard students to work together with other students from across the University’s Schools on sustainability projects, to connect and network with sustainability leaders (including faculty, and administration), and to provide feedback and recommendations on Harvard’s sustainability initiatives.

Salata Institute Student Ambassador Info Session: 2025-2026

Virtual Event Virtual Event

The purpose of the Salata Student Ambassador Program is to build a vibrant, student-led, interdisciplinary climate community across Harvard’s many schools. Ambassadors serve as connectors—engaging in peer-to-peer outreach, engaging with students, faculty, and staff involved in climate and sustainability work on campus, and contributing to the advancement of the Salata Institute’s mission. Tune into the info session to learn more.

Event Series Freecycle Events

Harvard Parents Freecycle

Smith Campus Center

Harvard Commons Spaces and Harvard Recycling are hosting a Harvard Parents Freecycle event on September 9 on the first floor of the Smith Campus Center! Donations can be dropped off any time after 11:00 a.m. and the event will run from 12-2 pm. Drop off reusable goods you no longer need, and browse a fantastic selection of items brought by others. Find new homes for kids' clothing, books, and toys, from newborns to teens!

Event Series Freecycle Events

Freecycle at Smith Campus Center (SCC)

Smith Campus Center

Stop by the Smith Campus Center for a September Freecycle! Drop off reusable goods you no longer need, and browse a fantastic selection of items brought by others. Find some secondhand items to gift this year. Popular items include books, clothes, and working household goods.

Everyone is welcome, and no donation is necessary to shop.