News Archives - Sustainability

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…

Aerial view of the University of Rochester River campus looking from Rush Rhees towards the Genesee River. An image of the STARS Silver metal is overlayed on top of the photo.

University achieves STARS Silver rating for sustainability

The University of Rochester has once again been recognized for its efforts in sustainability by being named a STARS Silver Institution by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability…

Solitary bee nesting structure on a display in a field. The bee domicile has several hexagonal nesting places and is accompanied by the word "Suboptimal"

Creating pollinator habitat through art

A new installation on the University of Rochester’s River Campus provides solitary bees with a place to nest while offering students and faculty an opportunity to reflect on the importance…

Photograph of front of the School of Medicine and Dentistry in summer

A fresh look at recycling at the School of Medicine and Dentistry

February 13, 2025

The Sustainability Office is pleased to announce a refresh of the recycling program currently underway at the School of Medicine and Dentistry (SMD). This initiative, run in collaboration with SMD…