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Ryan Todd shares his journey from Environmental Studies student to campus director of Sustainability and Energy
April 22, 2025
When Ryan Todd came to Sacramento State as a student some two decades ago, the idea of colleges and universities investing significant time and resources into sustainability was a concept still in its infancy.
But Todd liked the outdoors, so he decided to major in Environmental Studies. He left Sac State with not only his degree, but also a commitment to do his part to help the planet. Little did he know, he would one day return to his alma mater to do just that.
Today, Todd is Sac State’s director of Sustainability and Energy, leading a team of dedicated staff and students who are working hard to help the University achieve its ambitious climate goals: zero-waste by 2030, and carbon neutral by 2040. It’s important work, he says, that not only helps the environment but also uses the campus as a living laboratory for students to innovate and gain skills that will help them in their careers.
This Earth Day, he joins “Beyond J” to talk about Sac State’s latest sustainability initiatives and share some tips for how members of the campus community can reduce their impact on the environment.
