Sustainability News - University of Rochester

Check out the latest news and updates related to sustainability at the University, including University-wide news and updates from our office.

University sustainability news and research

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Al Uy looks at a small red bird that is perched on his hand during a research trip to the Solomon Islands.

Evolution’s moment of truth

Tue, 16 Dec 2025

Every year biologist Al Uy travels by plane, boat, and foot to remote corners of the South Pacific to answer one of evolution’s biggest mysteries: How do species originate?

Illustration of a Human head covered by smoke from factory chimneys to illustrate how socially responsible investors may do more harm than good.

When socially responsible investing backfires

Wed, 10 Dec 2025

A new study finds that investors may unintentionally give polluting companies a reason to delay going green.

Jessica Wang and Sophie Black ’27 examine a bottle of LB media, the standard liquid containing all the necessary nutrients to support bacterial growth used to grow bacteria in the lab.

URochester students engineer bacteria to build a future on Mars

Fri, 07 Nov 2025

Undergraduates turn Martian air into plastics and fertilizer—earning top honors internationally.

SMD Recycling Refresh

The Sustainability Office is coordinating an effort to improve recycling at the University of Rochester Medical Center, with the School of Medicine and Dentistry (SMD) as a pilot location. Find updates about the project here.

Calling all at SMD to help keep recycling clean

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

University earns recognition for commitment to winter environmental stewardship

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

Beneath the surface: The cleanup transforming the Genesee Riverbank

Reducing waste to move research forward

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

Eyeglasses collection event achieves unprecedented success

University achieves STARS Silver rating for sustainability

Creating pollinator habitat through art

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

Sustainability Office welcomes new sustainability programs specialist

Energy efficiency project expected to save $290,000 and 669 metric tons of CO2 emissions annually

Student employment teams strengthen sustainability objectives

Solar eclipse glasses repurposed for others

Former dining director recognized for accomplishments in food services

URMC undergoes retro-commissioning project to increase efficiency

Three decades of going green at URMC

Year-end collections and donations divert tons from landfills

Gather personal documents for Shred Fest!

Campus waste reduction partnerships blossom

Eyeglasses collection results sets new records on its tenth anniversary

End of year programs help students moveout without throwing out

University awarded nearly $3.9 million from NYSERDA for energy efficiency projects

University Students’ Association reinstates the Student Sustainability Council

University performs high in renowned sustainability global ranking

University leaders co-create decarbonization guide for New York hospitals

Eyeglasses collection and competition begins!

Power plant pilot concludes with strong energy savings results

15th annual Campus Race to Zero Waste begins

Supercomputer advances fusion research and efficient energy production

An ever-green season for an ever-better holiday

University collaboration provides free bikes to Rochester residents

Sustainability Office staff to focus on waste minimization

Another successful E-Cycle Day

Facilities staff and hydrology students expand Witmer House rain garden

Electric vehicles add to growing options for sustainable transportation

New URMC building on-track to receive LEED Certification

Announcing the 16th annual E-Cycle Day

Four big ways the University’s environmental stewardship and sustainable practices meet the mark

13th annual Shred Fest results

Sustainability Office welcomes new staff

Announcing Shred Fest 2023

Latest fusion milestone could hint the future of sustainable energy

Rochester receives bike friendly campus award

Ways to reuse newspapers

Wood chip driveways

An overview of federal environmental agencies in America

University earns first Carnegie Community Engagement Classification

6 ways to use old pens and pencils

Five definitions of sustainability

Keep water in your refrigerator – save water AND energy!