UVM. Green Since 1791.
At the University of Vermont, progress for the health of environment and communities is the result of decades of efforts. Our national acclaim, the Gold STARS ratings and the #1 Green MBA set UVM apart and demonstrate what the work of our students, faculty, staff and alumni can achieve. Many people who are drawn to UVM for work, study and community engagement are sustainability changemakers of the highest order.
The team at the Office of Sustainability has the gratifying job of nurturing these sustainability initiatives on a campus where so many people are willing to take action. Our office's role is to foster sustainable development and promote social and environmental responsibility. Learn more about our office.
Topic Areas:
Sustainability News and Changemakers
Measuring Progress
The UVM Office of Sustainability tracks and reports on various University goals, commitments, policies and programs relating to sustainability. Two key reporting platforms are through STARS and the Carbon Commitment.
STARS
Since 2014, the Office of Sustainability (OoS) has coordinated extensive data collection and reporting on UVM's sustainability performance through STARS, the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System. In 2020 UVM achieved its third gold rating, the highest score ever. Read about this designation.
Carbon Commitment
Our office coordinates annual data collection, analysis, and reporting of campus greenhouse gas emissions through Second Nature's Carbon Commitment, a high-visibility effort to address global climate disruption by committing to neutralize campus greenhouse gas emissions and accelerate research and education to restabilize the Earth’s climate.
Catalyzing Change
Since 2008 the Office of Sustainability has served as a catalyst, and partner with many others on campus, to introduce, pilot and help implement new programs and ideas. including:
- Green building policy
- Sustainability Faculty Fellows Program
- Sustainable Campus Fund
- Comprehensive Sustainability Plan
- Ending bottled water sales
Our current initiatives include participation in working groups on climate and energy, waste, transportation, and community education. See our newsletter for updates.
Our Outreach Programs
Eco-Reps — Peer-to-Peer Network
Our office runs the Eco-Reps program, one of the oldest and most respected of its kind in the U.S. Our 20 Eco-Reps provide outreach, education and leadership.
Professional Development Classes
The Office of Sustainability now offers employees classes about campus sustainability through Professional Development and Training. Completion of a Campus Sustainability Series creates eligibility to become a Sustainability Ambassador.
Sustainability Ambassadors
Sustainability Ambassadors are faculty and staff who promote responsible practices in the workplace and act as a catalyst for culture change at UVM. Our office helps them connect with peers and provides support. Get involved.
Sustainability fact:
100%
of undergrads take sustainability courses