News Archives - Sustainability

Man digging with shovel in garden on sunny day.

Natural lawn care: A growing commitment

As the warmer months approach, the University of Rochester’s grounds are undergoing a quiet but meaningful transformation. Sustainability in lawn care, once seen as an optional enhancement, is now a…

Faculty and students take climate action through art

When the topic of climate action is mentioned, many acknowledge the effectiveness of legislation changes or climate data. However, climate action happens in a myriad of ways, including often…

Students in class studying solar panels outside on sunny day

Renamed department showcases sustainability focus in chemical engineering

After more than a century of existence, the Department of Chemical Engineering recently changed its name to the Department of Chemical and Sustainability Engineering. The department’s new name addresses a…

Woman handing plate of food to student in dining hall

University of Rochester makes strides to reduce food waste

Every year, the United States wastes an estimated 30-40% of its food supply, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This loss accumulates across each stage of the food production…

graph of recent energy use overlaid on image of snowy trees with powerline corridor

The energy spike: A conversation with the University’s energy engineer, Tim Vann

February 16, 2026

Energy costs are rising, spurring businesses and homeowners alike to think twice about their energy use. The University of Rochester is no exception; its Energy Services group has been…

New MRI scanner in patient care room.

Rebuilding MRI scanners reduces waste, boosts efficiency for UR Medicine

January 20, 2026

When UR Medicine Imaging Sciences faced the costly task of replacing several aging MRI scanners, they chose an unconventional path: rebuilding the machines onsite instead of buying new ones. The…

Pickup truck equipped with a plow and a tank for brine.

University earns recognition for commitment to winter environmental stewardship

December 2, 2025

As winter arrives, you may start noticing blocked off staircases or salt out on University walkways before the sun even rises. Though these may seem like typical winter management techniques,…

New energy project to cut natural gas usage and reduce carbon emissions

October 20, 2025

Nearly every building at the University of Rochester’s main campus is heated, cooled, and powered by the operations of the Central Utilities Plant. Now, a new optimization project by University…

Photo of Brownfield Cleanup Project notice put up by the City of Rochester at the Vacuum Oil Refinery site.

Beneath the surface: The cleanup transforming the Genesee Riverbank

September 22, 2025

Throughout the fall, students at Riverview Apartments and those walking the Genesee Riverway Trail may wonder what the absence of trees and bustling earthwork is all about along the riverbank.…

Man standing in front of 'Lab Sustainability' corkboard with posters about sustainable lab practices.

Reducing waste to move research forward

The University of Rochester, a leader in biomedical research, healthcare, and bio-solutions, is taking steps to integrate environmental responsibility in its everyday research practices. At the heart of this work…

Metal shelves with non-perishable food items like cereals, shelf-stable milks, and canned goods.

Move-out program concludes with over 20,000 pounds of donations

Spring cleaning efforts were in full swing last month as students leaving campus participated in move-out donation programs. Through these annual programs, unwanted items such as food, clothing, electronics, hygiene…

Collage of decorated eyeglasses collection boxes.

Eyeglasses collection event achieves unprecedented success

It can be easy to take strong eyesight for granted, but it is estimated that 64% of the global population having a distance vision impairment are living with poor vision…