Reflections on United Nations SDGs:
n.6 Clean Water and Sanitation

 

Boston College has realized this insight through the written article of  Hanqin Tian, Director and Professor of the Center for Earth System Science & Global Sustainability, and the video of Cyrus Rosen, undergraduate student of Engineering 

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015 with the goal of providing a path for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. The core of the Agenda is represented by the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which represent an urgent call for action by all countries – developed and developing – in a global partnership to adopt strategies that aim to end poverty and other deprivations, improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth. The Strategic Alliance of Catholic Research Universities is collecting insights from SACRU experts and students on the SDGs. This contribution is by Boston College on SDG n6: Clean Water and Sanitation.

Advancing Sustainable Water Management and Global Sanitation

Written by Hanqin Tian, Director and Schiller Institute Professor, Center for Earth System Science and Global Sustainability

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 aims to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all by 2030. Boston College has undertaken notable initiatives to advance this goal through extensive water conservation measures, sustainability practices, research endeavors, and community engagement. The university has implemented campus-wide initiatives such as upgrading toilets, showerheads, and faucets with low-flow fixtures, utilizing weather-responsive sprinkler systems, harvesting rainwater, and reusing gray water to mitigate stormwater runoff. These measures have earned Boston College a Silver Rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), reflecting its integration of water conservation into daily operations.

Faculty and students actively participate in research and educational programs that promote sustainable water practices. Projects like the “Social Justice Through Hydroponics” initiative demonstrate innovative approaches to reducing water usage while educating participants about sustainability. The newly established Center for Earth System Science and Global Sustainability focuses on interdisciplinary research addressing critical issues such as the food-energy-water nexus and sustainable nitrogen management. The Schiller Institute for integrated Science and Society supports local and global research on water sustainability, particularly in underserved communities.

Boston College also extends its efforts beyond campus through community and global engagement. Service-learning projects improve water quality in urban areas, while public workshops raise awareness of conservation practices. Participation in UN Climate Change Conferences enables the university to contribute to international discussions on climate resilience and water security. Through global partnerships, such as the Global Ethics and Social Trust Program, the university addresses the impacts of climate change on water and food security and their implications for migration.

Boston College’s initiatives reflect a deep commitment to environmental sustainability and social justice. By integrating innovative water conservation practices, fostering interdisciplinary research, and engaging with communities globally, the university plays a vital role in ensuring clean water and sanitation for all while addressing long-term sustainability challenges.