FutureVu Sustainability

Things to Know:  Earth Hour began in Sydney, Australia, in 2007 when more than 2.2 million people turned off their lights for one hour.   In 2023, Earth Hour saw over 410,000 hours pledged to the Hour Bank. … Read More

The annual report provides an overview of progress around the core themes of connectivity and community enhancement, diversity and inclusion, accessibility, environmental sustainability and the preservation of the university’s historic, park-like setting.  Read More

The latest annual sustainability report, released by Environmental Health, Safety and Sustainability in the Division of Administration, details Vanderbilt’s fiscal year 2023 sustainability efforts that support the university’s overall sustainability goals.   Read More

Did you know Vanderbilt University is completely carbon neutral? Watch as Class of 2024’s Ari Sasson takes us behind the scenes of the Vanderbilt I Solar Farm that’s providing clean energy to the electrical grid.  Read More

Vanderbilt’s efforts in large-scale renewable energy are closely tied to the work of its alumni. Silicon Ranch co-founder and CEO Matt Kisber, BA’82, helped lead an important collaboration between his company and the university to build solar farms, which helped Vanderbilt achieve carbon neutrality years ahead of its original goal of 2050. Read More

Vanderbilt has collaborated with Spin to provide designated e-bike share parking on campus in support of Metro Nashville’s dockless e-bike share program. Read More

VandyRide shuttles are now all electric and have a new app available to see shuttle schedules and locations in real time. There will also be updated routes, stops and wait times, as well as a new feedback form. Read More

By minimizing plastic waste and encouraging reusable container usage, ReusePass, which replaces the Fill it Forward program, provides the latest example of Vanderbilt’s ongoing commitment to responsible consumption and environmental preservation.   Read More

Since the Bicentennial Oak’s fall in November 2022 due to age-related decay, Vanderbilt’s facilities team has taken every care to salvage its remains to preserve its important history to the university. Read More

The new all-electric shuttle fleet will provide eco-friendly vehicles for VandyRide, a nighttime shuttle service for Vanderbilt students, by the start of the fall 2023 semester. In addition to being environmentally friendly, the new shuttles are also quieter and smoother than traditional buses, providing a more comfortable ride for passengers. Read More

Vanderbilt University made significant progress toward its FutureVU goals in fiscal year 2022, with an increased focus on Campus Dining initiatives and an increased push toward sustainable mobility and transportation efforts. Read More

Vanderbilt University will further offset its carbon footprint by investing in the development of solar energy projects that will expand access to clean energy in the Southeast through a new, multiyear collaboration with Clearloop. Read More

The Vanderbilt I Solar Farm in Bedford County represents a significant step by the university toward an ambitious goal to power campus entirely through renewable energy.  Read More

Campus Dining is celebrating Earth Week April 17-21 by offering a special week of menu items that represent various principles of the Menus of Change, a groundbreaking initiative that aims to support healthier, more sustainable and more delicious food choices. Read More

In support of Vanderbilt’s sustainability goals, Campus Dining is excited to celebrate Earth Month throughout April. Join the Vanderbilt community at events all month long, including specialty menu events, sustainable product giveaways, guest speakers and the popular Rand Farmer’s Market.  Read More

Vanderbilt is a leader in developing ways to combat climate change through public-private partnerships—a model of innovation for other institutions. The Vanderbilt I Solar Farm in Bedford County, Tennessee, will mitigate approximately 70 percent of the university’s annual indirect greenhouse gas emissions. Read More

Vanderbilt University will participate in Earth Hour on Saturday, March 25, by turning off the exterior lights at West End Tower from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. Vanderbilt’s participation, in coordination with Nashville Mayor John Cooper’s office, is part of a Metro Nashville initiative to have businesses and organizations across the city collaborate to raise awareness about climate change.  Read More

Vanderbilt Campus Dining’s popular Farm to Campus menu series will return March 20 for a second year. The 2023 edition of Farm to Campus will include three unique events featuring chef-curated meals using local and artisanal ingredients. Read More

As a leader in sustainability practices in higher education, Vanderbilt University was invited to participate in Campus and Community-Scale Climate Change Solutions, a two-day workshop in Washington, D.C., co-hosted by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and the University of Washington. Vice Chancellor for Administration Eric Kopstain attended on behalf of Vanderbilt, which was the only institution in Tennessee to be invited. Read More

Campus planners have developed an official tree replacement policy to ensure that Vanderbilt’s tree canopy is preserved whenever building projects are initiated or trees die naturally. Read More