Sustainability planning helps make a greener campus
Learn more about the University's approach to sustainability. More »
Connect with Sustainability
The Office of Sustainability makes great strides towards reducing the environmental impact of campus operations with support from partners.
Sustainability gains foothold on campus
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Spring 2013
Uncle Sony wants YOU to get your Office, Undergraduate House, or Lab SAGE Certified
The Office of Sustainability has created a certification suite to recognize your efforts.
Spring Back into Biking
Only YOU can prevent bike accidents
Ask Ignacio: Something Noteworthy
Taking notes? Laptop or paper - what is more sustainable?
Winter 2013
Trees Rejoice as UChicago Reduces Paper Waste
Financial Services plans to reduce production of payroll documents.
Consider the Vegetable: A Pledge to Go Veg
SAGE Dining committee hosts Vegweek.
Bird is the word
What does UChicago do for birds?
Ask Ignacio: Spring Break edition
Going somewhere for Spring Break?
Setting our eyes on the local food prize
Research study to explore local food possibilities.
UChicago Dining: Reducing our carbon footprint one meal swipe at a time
Dining halls feature composting and other projects.
Ask Ignacio: Valentine's Edition
Can love kill? Dun dun dun...
Trash or Treasure
UChicago's first waste audit reveals that nearly half of our waste is misplaced.
Navigating the Winter Wonderland on Two Wheels
Stay safe on the icy roads - tips from Maalik, our resident bike mechanic.
It's Never too Cold for Veggie Tales
Bears may hibernate in winter, but veggies don't.
Ask Ignacio:Greenwashing
What does 'Green' really mean on a product?
Winter Break Power Down
Help UChicago reduce unnecessary energy consumption during Winter break.
E-Waste Results
The University came together to collect almost 16,000 pounds of e-waste!
recycles: Breaking for Winter and Returning in Spring!
recycles bike share is hibernating for the Winter.
Ask Ignacio: Natural vs. Plastic Trees
Which type of tree is better for Earth?
Fall 2012
E-waste Recycling: Coming to a box near you!
University-wide e-waste collection coming the week of Nov 12-16
SAGE Ambassadors are pumped up and ready for green action!
Back on campus and back in action, SAGE ambassadors are making a lean, green UChicago.
Office of Sustainability attends Higher Ed Conference in LA
The AASHE conference in LA provided great opportunities for the office to learn, network, and share its successes.
Ask Ignacio: Water Bottle Amnesia
What's better: reusing a disposable bottle vs. buying a reuseable bottle?
Meet the Office of Sustainability Team
Learn more about the winning team behind the scenes of sustainability on campus.
These Lanes Were Meant for Biking
Recent improvements to biking infrastructure in Hyde Park have made it easier than ever to get around on two-wheels.
Ask Ignacio: Is Organic Food Really Worth it?
Stanford study says, organic food is not more nutritious. Ignacio says, "SO?"
A 
Sustainable O-Week
The Office of Sustainability connected with over 100 different students through diverse programs during Orientation Week.
FS's Grounds Crew Volunteers at Local Farm
Members of Facilities Services' Grounds Crew visited Washington Park's Perry Street Farm and helped till soil with U of C alum and entrepaneur, Ken Dunn.
Spring 2012
511th Convocation to feature Lake Michigan's finest
Sustainable drinking water options will help to reduce bottled water purchases by 85% since 2010. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own reusable water bottle to fill at the water stations, which will be located throughout the Main Quad. More »
Third annual recycling event collects over 36,000 pounds of e-waste
Hundreds of University and community members brought e-waste to the event, from computers and vacuums to DVD players and cell phones. More »
Second Annual SAGE Social celebrates sustainability successes
SAGE Social honors sustainability supporters from across campus and recognizes the integration of sustainability into the University's values. More »
Van Jones urges students not to "overthink" activism
At a special session with UChicago student groups, Jones advised student activists and shared anecdotes from his own experience. More »
UChicago gears up for third annual Bike to Work Week and joins National Bike Challenge
This free event encourages employees to bike part or all of the way to work at least once during the week of June 9 - 15. UChicago participants will compete for a variety of prizes, including a one-year membership to Zipcar! More »
UChicago featured in "The Princeton Review's Guide to 322 Green Colleges"
Published each year, the guide profiles institutions of higher education that demonstrate a notable commitment to sustainability in four areas—their academic offerings, campus facilities, student activities, and career preparation. More »
Sun shines for Earth Fest 2012
More than 300 students, staff, and community members celebrated the annual festival with a photo booth, food trucks, a flash mob, and more! More »
Free campus-wide recycling collection May 14-18
Do you have an old TV sitting in your basement, a box of old cell phones, or some broken computer speakers? Bring these and many other items to one of our campus drop-off locations May 14–18, or our free recycling event on Friday, May 18th. Last year, we recycled over 43,000 pounds! More »
Earth Week 2012: Recreate
One man's trash is another man's treasure. What will you recreate during Earth Week this year? More »
Sustainability gains foothold on campus
The Office of Sustainability makes great strides towards reducing the environmental impact of campus operations with support from partners. More »
University bookstore to offer bike gear
In support of cycling, an assortment of bike supplies will be sold at the campus bookstore come spring. More »
Winter 2012
University publishes inaugural greenhouse gas inventory
The full report provides a comprehensive review of the results of the University's first greenhouse gas emissions inventory. More »
University encourages more sustainable drinking options
New water supplier supports University-wide effort to address environmental impacts of water consumption. More »
On the Grounds in the winter
University Grounds Crew uses sustainable products to keep paths clear of snow and ice, protecting plants and people. More »
Students green Chicago restaurants in new environmental economics course
Through rigorous research, review, and analysis, students create a green certification for the Chicago Green Restaurant Coalition. More »
Facilities Services announces updated Abandoned Bike Policy
As a part of the University's commitment to become a more bicycle-friendly campus, Facilities Services has established an updated Abandoned Bike Policy. More »
Revamped Sustainability Council gets to work
The Council discusses the strategic sustainability plan, their vision for the recently revamped advisory body, and projects they would like to work on this year, particularly climate planning. More »
Fall 2011
Electric vehicles added to University fleet
Facilities Services replaced three gasoline-powered vehicles with Neighborhood Electric Vehicles, the first to come to UChicago's campus. More »
Campus collection sites overflow with e-waste
University staff, faculty, and students recycled over 16,000 pounds of e-waste during the University's weeklong e-waste recycling collection in November. More »
2011 Winter Break Power Down
For the third consecutive year, UChicago powers down electronics during Winter Break to reduce unnecessary energy consumption. More »
Compost 1, Landfill 0: the story of composting at Homecoming
Student volunteers and UChicago Dining staff diverted approximately one-third of the total waste that would have otherwise ended up in a landfill during this year's annual Homecoming event. More »
Free campus-wide e-waste recycling November 7th - 11th
Do you have old calculators or computer cords stashed in your desk drawer, an old refrigerator, or some broken computer speakers? Bring these and many other items to our campus recycling collection taking place November 7th-11th. Drop off locations include Ratner Athletics Center, Regenstein Library, and Social Service Administration. More »
University honored for Grounds Management
UChicago recognized for grounds maintained with a high degree of excellence, including demonstrated sustainable practices and methods. More »
New role for Sustainability Council, new opportunities to get involved
Council's role expands to include advising the Office of Sustainability on strategic initiatives, programs, and policies. More »
recycles celebrates second birthday
Entering its second year of operation, the UChicago bike share program expands fleet and opens program to alumni. More »
Summer 2011
23 UChicago teams compete in Bike to Work Week
UChicago saw a 77% increase in department participation from last year. More »
Spring 2011
Bike commuter benefit offers half-priced gym membership
The Bike Commuter Benefit Pilot Program offers half-priced three-month gym memberships to faculty, staff, and other academic personnel who bike to work. More »
SAGE spreads culture of sustainability
First annual SAGE Social celebrates campus sustainability champions and recognizes the growing culture of sustainability on campus. More »
E-waste recycling event sets record
University and community members recycled over 43,000 pounds of electronic waste at May event. More »
Don't trash that! Donate reusable items during move out
Moving out of the House System? Through Friday, June 10th, simply drop off unwanted items in your dorm and they'll be donated to the Salvation Army. More »
Bike to Work Week 2011
Challenge your department to participate in Bike to Work Week, June 11th -17th! More »
New life for an old building
A case study of the Young Memorial Building renovation project: How a seven-month long project breathed new life into an old building, making it a happier, healthier, and more sustainable place to work. More »
Free campus-wide e-waste recycling event May 13th
Do you have an old TV sitting in your basement, a box of old cell phones, or some broken computer speakers? Bring these and many other items to our free recycling event on Friday, May 13th in the Kimbark Gravel Lot (located between 60th and 61st on Kimbark Ave.) between 8am – 1pm. Last year, we recycled over 20,000 pounds! More »
Earth Week 2011: Children of the Corn
This year's theme was Food: You are what you eat. Do you know what you are? Playing off the horror flick "Children of the Corn," we highlighted the prevalence of corn in our food. More »
UChicago honored for bicycle friendliness
The University receives Honorable Mention in the first-ever Bicycle Friendly University designation. More »
Winter 2010
House System simplifies recycling
When students return from Winter Break, they will be greeted with a new-and-improved recycling system in the House System. Beginning January 2, 2011, all recyclable items may be deposited into any recycling container on campus or in the dorms. More »
Fall 2010
University approves Sustainable Building Policy
Effective immediately, the University policy requires that all new campus and medical center buildings over $5 million be LEED certified by the U.S. Green Building Council. More »
Winter Break Power Down
The University of Chicago Power Down is a University-wide initiative to reduce unnecessary energy consumption over winter break. More »
University bike program celebrates first anniversary, expands online outreach
recycles, the University bike share program, has peddled its way into its second year, expanding online outreach and its community partnership. More »
From trees to furniture
A case study of how trees from the Mansueto Library construction site were put to purposeful re-uses in the Regenstein. More »
Students launch composting pilot in Cobb Café
Julie Huang ’12 and Claire Feinberg ’12 have used money awarded to them by the Uncommon Fund to a very trashy end. The two friends are committed to bringing composting practices, already in the residential dining halls, to the student body. More »
The greening of AEPi
Student SAGE Ambassador Ari Epstein is making inroads in his effort to make the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity more sustainable. More »
recycles reaches first anniversary
Marking its first anniversary, recycles got a brand new website, a new bike share location, and improved bike maintenance thanks to a new intern from Blackstone Bicycle Works. More »
Office of Sustainability unveils upgraded newsletter
The Office of Sustainability has upgraded its monthly newsletter in an effort to provide more information in an easy-to-read format. With our newsletter’s bright new look, the Office has expanded options that will enable recipients to specify the types of sustainability communications that they would like to receive. More »
Campus Gardens Fulfill Olmsted's Vision
Campus botanic gardens showcase the beauty of biology. Learn about their history and take a tour of our lush, biologically-diverse campus. More »
recycles re-registration required
All recycles users will be required to re-register for the program with their CNetID beginning Monday, September 20th. Re-registration takes less than two minutes; please note that you will be unable to check out a bike until you have re-registered. More »
Summer 2010
UChicago Magazine feature: Green Evolution
With some catching up to do, the University brings Chicago-style rigor to an environmental movement taking root in the groves of academe. More »
University departments compete in Bike to Work Week
A total of 13 teams from the University of Chicago participated in this year’s Bike to Work Week, the most of any university. Despite the sporadic thunder storms and humid temperatures during the week of June 12 - 18, over 100 employees cycled to work at least once during the week. More »
UChicago’s first e-waste recycling event
University and Community Members Recycled Nearly 23,000 Pounds of E-Waste and Other Items at May Event. Read more »
Uncommon Garden Project
Construction and planting is already underway for the first Uncommon Garden at the Snell-Hitchcock dormitory on the main Quad. More »
Bike to Work Week: June 12th-18th
Jump start your day! Challenge your department to compete with other Chicago organizations. To support and celebrate your two-wheeled trip, commuter stations throughout the city and at Metra Stations across the region will provide free air, chain lube, Clif bar and coffee. More »
Spring 2010
Earth Week 2010 recap
They Came From the Canal - Invasion of the Asian Carp! focused on water issues around the world and in our region. Along with the support of our partners and the participation of numerous speakers, Sustainability at the University of Chicago hosted over a dozen events during the week. Read more and view photo highlights on our new blog, Dirt »
Science of Sustainability
How do advances in technology affect approaches to sustainability in building design? Visit the John Crerar Library exhibit, “The Science of Sustainability,” to answer this question and learn more about sustainable building practices. Learn more at the John Crerar Library »
UChicago featured by the Princeton Review and U.S. Green Building Council in their just-published “Guide To 286 Green Colleges”
The University of Chicago is one of the country’s most environmentally-responsible colleges according to The Princeton Review. The nationally-known education services company selected the University of Chicago for inclusion in a unique resource it has created for college applicants - “The Princeton Review’s Guide to 286 Green Colleges.” More »
Free campus-wide recycling event May 7th
Do you have an old TV sitting in your basement that you’ve been waiting to get rid of? Or perhaps some broken computer speakers that you didn’t know how to dispose of? Bring these and many other hard-to-recycle items to our free recycling event on Friday, May 7th, 8am-2pm in the Pierce Parking lot (located at E 55th St and S Greenwood Ave). More »
Earth Week 2010 is coming!
Taking inspiration from the Asian carp invasion, water is the focus of this year’s Earth Week festivities. We hope that the events will foster awareness of water and personal actions, as well as probe policy questions while providing background from a humanities perspective. More »
Winter 2010
Hammond Project to turn waste into wealth
The Hammond Water Reuse Project, a collaboration between alumnus Jack Sheaffer and Geophysical Sciences professor John Frederick, would recycle approximately 40 million gallons of wastewater daily, enough to fill more than 6,500 tanker trucks. More from the News Office »
What is a CSA?
Buying a share in Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a great way to receive fresh produce while supporting local farmers. More »
Financing Farm to Fork Conference: March 11th
The March 11th conference sponsored by the Booth School of Business aims to grow the sustainable and local foods movement by encouraging investment in farm and food production, processing, and distribution businesses. More »
UChicago alums assist disaster relief in Haiti
EarthSpark is working to mobilize over 20,000 solar lamps to be distributed by on-the-ground relief organizations in Haiti. More »
Sustainability Council holds Indoor Gardening and Sprouting workshop
Julia Govis, Master Gardener and International Organic Farm Inspector, demonstrated last week how our University could be a little greener even in the depths of Winter. More »
U.N. Copenhagen Climate Change Conference: report-back from Harris School student Kyle Gracey
Having attended the U.N. Copenhagen Climate Change Conference in December, Kyle Gracey – a dual master’s student in The Harris School of Public Policy Studies and the Physical Sciences Division– reports back on the experience and offers his perspective of the conference’s outcomes. More »
