The University of Vermont has a history of sustainability leadership in higher education. The Office of Sustainability amplifies sustainability work happening across our campus, leads strategic sustainability planning, implements initiatives, tracks progress, and supports sustainability research and learning.

Sustainability at UVM. For People and Planet.

The team at the Office of Sustainability connects with students, faculty and staff to support and lead work in several key areas. 

About our office

For People and Planet

rainbow over campus

Sustainability Planning

In April 2023, UVM announced that it has committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030 as the cornerstone of a Comprehensive Sustainability Plan (CSP) that lays out strategies for increasing energy efficiency and reducing emissions.
students recycling

Engaging Students

Our Eco-Reps program is one of the oldest and most well-respected programs of its kind in the country. Eco-Reps are student employees who help their peers make more sustainable choices on campus while building an environmental justice ethic that lasts a lifetime.
man standing in front of solar panels

Measuring Performance

Since 2014, the Office of Sustainability has coordinated extensive data collection and reporting on UVM's sustainability performance through STARS, the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System. In 2023 UVM achieved its fourth gold rating, our highest score ever. 

Our Work

Our Work

Sustainable Transportation

Our campus is bicycle and pedestrian-friendly and the shuttle, bikeshare, bus and car share program mean many of our community members don't need a car to get to campus.

Recycling and Zero Waste

UVM has been recycling for nearly 40 years and in 2022 was listed as one of Post Landfill Action Network's Top Ten Zero Waste Campuses. 

Employee Engagement

We offer a Campus Sustainability Series each fall and many participants go on to become Sustainability Ambassadors who promote sustainable practices in their campus units.

Sustainable Solutions Lab

Our collaborative research and action hub address sustainability challenges by bringing knowledge from the classroom to our campus operations.

Renewable Energy

UVM is committed to advancing renewable energy generation and research in the state. We have installed multiple solar arrays and begun assessing campus for geothermal compatibility.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory

We report emissions to Second Nature's Carbon Commitment, a high-visibility commitment to neutralize emissions and accelerate research and education to restabilize our climate.

In the news

Students

Earth Week 2024

Digging Deep: UVM Explores Geothermal for Campus Buildings

Access Granted: Closing the Outdoor Accessibility Gap in Centennial Woods

Annual Winter Bike to Work and School Day on February 9

Adopting e-bikes the latest step in electrifying UVM Police Services' fleet

How Panels Prevail: New Solar Research Facility to Study Effects of Challenging VT Conditions