Engage in campus sustainability topics this April Earth Month
Earth Month in Student Housing
Student Sustainability Ambassadors are leading
- Electronic waste recycling collections
- Plastic bag recycling collections
- Reusable clothing collections
- Book collections for the Harper Free Book Corner
- Energy and water conservation education
The Science and Policy of the Just Energy Transition
Joint Colloquium and Reception: Mansueto Institute for Urban Innovation & Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth
Thursday, April 3, 3:30–5:30 p.m. (Reception 4:30–5:30 p.m.), 1155 E. 60th Street, Room 101
Daniel Kammen, the James and Katherine Lau Distinguished Professor of Sustainability at the University of California, Berkeley, former U.S. Department of State Science Envoy, and former Chief Technical Specialist for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency at the World Bank will discuss the challenges and advancements in the science and policy of a just energy transition, with a reception to follow. The demand for smart, just and accessible housing and transportation for all is a core issue in the needed green transition. The recognition that social injustice is in many ways tied to our existing, fossil-fuel intensive economy has led to important calls for a ‘climate-justice’ nexus to protect the planet, people, and nature. The challenge is to turn that vision into clear initiatives programs, and social movements. Register to attend.
Office of Sustainability Meet and Greet
Sustainability Meet and Greet
Fri., April 4, 2–4 p.m. Regenstein Library Lobby
Chat with The Office of Sustainability about progress, ways to get involved, and research opportunities. Pick up a Sustainability Pledge bookmark and campaign pin. Tea and treats!
Inaugural Undergraduate Energy Conference: Bridging the Gap: Policies, Technologies, and Investments Needed for A New Energy Age
Sat., April 5, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Ida Noyes
UChicago Energy and Climate Change Club and Northwestern University are gathering experts to discuss clean hydrogen, nuclear energy, critical materials, grid reliability, energy finance, the Global South, and more. Free for students, faculty, and staff. Tickets and more info.
Art and the Environment: A conversation on different ways of observing, measuring, and interacting with environments
Thurs.. April 10, 6:00 p.m., Gray Center for Arts and Inquiry, 929 E. 60th St.
For this event, we have gathered three scholars and practitioners who work in different ways and to different degrees with aesthetic/artistic and environmental issues. Liz McTernan (artist and Visiting Assistant Professor of art at the University of Iowa) will give insights into the interdisciplinary and research-oriented process of her art practice, in particular her conception of “anti-map.” By (anti)mapping environments, she problematizes and plays with methods of empiricism and media ecologies. David Keith (Professor of Geophysical Science and Founding Faculty Director of the Climate Systems Engineering Initiative, University of Chicago) brings his perspective from his research on climate science, energy technology, and public policy, in particular his research on public and expert perceptions of risky technologies. Jennifer Scappettone (Professor of English, University of Chicago) will speak about her scholarship on ecopoetics, environmental justice, the environmental humanities, and art and activism. We look forward to a lively discussion about how our thinking about and acting in environments is influenced by phenomenological encounters, scientific models, and communal practices.
Food and drinks will be served from 6-6:30 p.m. Register.
ENERGY STAR® 2025 Battle of the Buildings
April 15–April 30
Residence hall communities at the University of Chicago will compete to conserve as much energy and water as possible! Who will win? Max Palevsky Residential Commons, Renee Granville-Grossman, International House, Burton-Judson Courts, Campus North Residential Commons, Woodlawn Residential Commons, or Snell-Hitchcock? Learn more.
Sustainability Meet and Greet
Wed., April 16, 1–3 p.m., Reynolds Club
Chat with The Office of Sustainability and students on the USG Committee on Sustainability about the Sustainability Pledge and pick up a bookmark and campaign pin. Tea and treats!
Ancient Earth Day
Presented by Institute for the Study of Ancient Culture Museum
Sat., April 19, 1155 East 58th Street, 1 – 3 p.m.
Celebrate Earth Day at the ISAC Museum! Come learn about ancient plants, animals, sustainability, and more! Enjoy a family friendly talk all about the ancient environment, make fun Earth Day crafts, and try your hand at a scavenger hunt. Then, listen to ancient legends about the Earth and learn from Museum Educator-led Discovery Carts throughout our galleries! The event is designed for grades K-5, but all ages are welcome! Drop in any time from 1pm – 3pm to learn and explore. Register.
Perspectives in Sustainability: A Virtual Fireside Chat with Blair Swedeen, ’03, Global Head of Net Zero and Sustainability, Meta
Presented by Chicago Booth Rustandy Center for Social Innovation
Mon., April 21, Zoom, 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. CT
Meet Blair Swedeen, MBA ’03, Meta’s Global Head of Net Zero and Sustainability and hear him discuss Meta’s sustainability goals and reflect on his career journey. The event is open to UChicago students. Register.
Community Voices: Earth Day Panel
Presented by UChicago Community Service Center
Wed., April 23, Edelstone Center, 6030 S. Ellis Ave., 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Featuring local groups advancing sustainability and environmental justice initiatives on the South Side. Registration coming soon. View the UCSC page.
Students at a park clean up led by the UChicago Community Service Center
Student Earth Day of Service
Sat., April 26, 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
UChicago Community Service Center is bringing students to South Side neighborhoods for eco-focused service projects. Register.
Spring Community Shred Fest
Mon., April 28, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.,1427 E. 60th Street (behind The Press building)
In recognition of Earth Month, IT Services is partnering with the Office of Sustainability, Facilities Services, and the vendor R4 Services to host a Spring Shred Fest on April 28. This event is free and open to all faculty, staff, students, and local community members. Join us to safely and securely destroy unwanted documents and e-waste. IT Services team members will be on site to offer tips on how you can protect yourself against identity theft. More info.
Take a Tour
Take a self-led Garden Tour or Sustainability Tour. Explore the campus-wide botanic garden and learn about sustainability features throughout campus.
Coming in May…
Botany Pond at the University of Chicago is open again after an extensive renovation of the beloved space, photographed on October 16, 2024. (Photo by Jason Smith)
Alumni Weekend
May 1–4, 2025
Tour campus, enjoy the campus-wide botanic garden, and see our sustainable renovations of the Main Quad and Botany Pond! More info on events.
Is Global Cooperation on Climate Change Possible?
Presented by the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth
Thurs., May 1, 5:30 – 7:00 pm, Winter Garden, The Study Hotel
One of President Trump’s first actions when he entered the White House this year was to again remove the United States from the Paris Agreement, the treaty that has served as the core framework for international cooperation on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate impacts. The administration argues that the agreement economically disadvantages the United States. The agreement’s supporters argue that there is no path to avoiding disruptive climate change without international cooperation, and that the United States is an indispensable leader in fostering global coordination on climate.
In the absence of U.S. leadership, at least at the federal level, what will happen to global cooperation on climate? Is there any international cooperation on climate that would be supported by both sides of the debate? Is this a four-year bump in the road that is reversible or the beginning of a more global shift? What role will China play going forward?
Join the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth as we host a conversation with a group of recognized leaders on these issues, including former Foreign Minister of Pakistan Hina Rabbani Khar, former lead U.S. climate lawyer and Principal Deputy Special Envoy for Climate Sue Biniaz, and former climate advisor to President Donald J. Trump George David Banks. The conversation will be moderated by Amy Harder, executive editor of Cipher.
Reception to follow. Register.
Campus Farmers’ Market
Sat., May 10, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Main Quad
All welcome to a farmers’ market arranged by the Phoenix Sustainability Initiative.
Goodwill Donation Campaign in Housing
Last week of May
Students in Housing can donate reusable clothes, books, and homegoods to Goodwill through onsite donation bins.
To have your event considered for inclusion, contact Officeofsustainability@uchicago.edu.