About the Joslyn Castle Institute Created in 1996 by the University of Nebraska College of Architecture, the Joslyn Castle Institute focuses on the built environment to promote sustainable development.  Today, the Joslyn Castle Institute (JCI) works independently from the University in its advocacy and modeling of  sustainable design and development. Sustainable design is the promotion of human systems in balance with the natural environment. The Joslyn Castle Institute was established to promote an integrated approach to issues of sustainability and to facilitate this process. In our educational programs and pilot projects, the Institute provides an opportunity to explore the broad concept of 'sustainable development' and look further at specific applications on a project-by-project basis. Each project is different in order to cover a range of issues. Though these issues are interrelated, they still need to be integrated in an ongoing community development process. The Institute brings an architectural design and planning perspective to its projects, ranging in scale from building design to regional planning. These projects have resulted in schematic designs and studies which show how to implement principles of sustainability. The purpose of both educational programs and projects is to inform professionals and concerned citizens of how sustainable design and development concepts are being implemented and to look at local issues that need to be addressed. By providing various examples, the broader concept of sustainability becomes evident. Joslyn Castle Estate The Institute is housed on the estate of George and Sarah Joslyn, a prominent family in the history of Omaha. The buildings and grounds have been entered into the National Register of Historic Places by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The Institute is charged by the State of Nebraska with managing and preserving the estate. The castle and grounds provide an ideal setting for the Institute's educational programs and preservation efforts. JCI's projects, research, and educational endeavors are supported from specific applications to foundations and units of government for grants and contracts. The operations and maintenance of the Castle buildings and grounds are primarily supported through fees-for-use and rents for business, social and educational purposes. The Institute also strives to support much of its work with the assistance of educational interns and citizen volunteers. The Institute also operates a promotional program for gifts and bequests through its Sponsorship Program.