Office of Sustainability

Comprehensive Sustainability Plan Commits UVM to Carbon Neutrality by 2030
In April 2023, UVM announced that it has committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030 as the cornerstone of a CSP that lays out strategies for increasing energy efficiency and reducing emissions.
89%
of students primarily use sustainable transportation to and from campus.
July 2023
is the deadline to fully divest from public investments in fossil fuels.
28%
reduction in energy use per square foot of campus building space since 2007.
100%
renewable electricity purchased since 2015.
16
LEED certified buildings and counting.
50%
of campus waste is diverted from the landfill through recycling, composting, donating or re-selling.

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.

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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 2023 UVM achieved its fourth 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.

Mapping Our Efforts

Campus is a living laboratory for sustainability. Click the map below to explore some of the physical sustainability features of campus virtually.

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:

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

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