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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.

A group of students planting plants outside on the University of Rochester's 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
UR Sustainability Marketing Coordinator Zoë Bross ’23, who organized the event and was instrumental in obtaining the Bee Campus USA certification is pictured at left with incoming Bee Campus rep Sahara Walto ’24. // Students take part in planting a pollinator garden of mixed yaro, butterfly weed and grass at the intersection of Library Road and Intercampus Drive April 19, 2023. Sponsored by the UR Bee Campus USA committee, the event coincides with UR’s recent certification as a Bee Campus USA affiliate— a campus that protects and conserves pollinators in ways designated by the Xerces Society. // photo by J. Adam Fenster / University of Rochester
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
Solar panels atop Goergen Athletic Center, seen from drone
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
Team Green student employee tables at an event during Welcome Week.
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
Volunteers pose with Sunnking and truck during the annual E-Cycle Day event.
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
A truck loading documents to be confidentially shredded onto it
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
A tabling event where a student is learning about sustainability on the University of Rochester's campus
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
Employees participate in a tree tour as part of the Green Reps program’s Teas and Trees event.
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