Timeline of Sustainability Milestones
Explore our commitment to sustainability through our timeline of milestones. From converting to natural gas in 1998 to achieving a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in 2023, we continue to lead with eco-conscious practices across campus.

2022–2023
- The University engages in more than $100 million per year in groundbreaking sustainable research
- The University reaches a 50% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions per square foot since 1990
- Operations is awarded $11 million in incentives

2021
- Investment committee agrees to no new investments in fossil fuels
- University achieves a 46% reduction in food waste
- EcoReps organize Envision: Climate Summit
- The University joins a partnership with AMP Energy Community Solar Project
- Pollinator garden is installed at the President’s house

2019
- Students organize climate strike
- Campus Dining receives the Environmental Innovation Award from the Seneca Park Zoo Society
2020
- Facilities-Academic Collaboration Guide is published
- Spurrier Hall is upgraded from steam to hot water
- Rain garden is installed at the President’s house
- The University celebrates 10-year Tree Campus USA anniversary

2018
- The University of Rochester is recognized as a Bicycle Friendly University (Silver)
- Summer Community-Engaged Sustainability Fellowship program begins
- Center for Energy and Environment receives NYSERDA grant for solar installation
- Solar array is added to Goergen Athletic Center
- Campus Dining receives the Sustainability Gold Award for Outstanding Performance in Procurement Practices from NACUFS

2017
- “SUS” cross-listing is introduced to the course catalog
- Genesee Hall is certified as LEED Silver
- EcoReps program expands
- Ethical Investment Advisory Committee is formed
2016
- The University hosts second Genesee Workshop on Integrating Sustainability Across the Curriculum
- Baseline greenhouse gas emissions inventory is completed

2015
- Green Reps program is formed
- Biodigester is installed in Douglass Dining Hall
2014
- Environmental Humanities program is established
- The University receives APPA—Leadership in Educational Facilities’ 2014 Sustainability Award

2013
- The University receives Green Cleaning Award
- The University hosts first Genesee Workshop on Integrating Sustainability Across the Curriculum
2012
- Facilities Team Green is formed
- Saunders Research Building is certified as LEED® Gold
- O’Brien Hall is certified as LEED® Gold

2010
- EcoReps program is formed
2008
- Dining Services eliminates the use of Styrofoam
- Recycling Coordinator is hired
2009
- Fryer oil to biodiesel conversion program is launched
2007
- Dining Services begins composting through a pilot program with Freshwise Farm

2005
- Dining Services’ mission statement commits to conduct activities in an “ecologically sound, socially just, and economically viable manner”
- Cogeneration plant is installed
- Dining Services forms Team Green
1998
- Central Utilities converts to natural gas