Sustainability

The Wond’ry, in collaboration with Clearloop and the Division of Administration, will host the inaugural Commodore Cup design challenge this September, with $10,000 worth of cash prizes up for grabs. Open to all students, staff, faculty and alumni, this year’s theme is sustainability. Applications close on Sept. 1 at midnight. 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

Engineer Shihong Lin leads research team developing cutting-edge process that can reduce energy consumption and cost of water desalination. Lin, a Chancellor Faculty Fellow, develops innovative technologies to address critical challenges in water and resource sustainability. 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 professor Kelly Haws’ GREEN scale evaluates the relationship between consumer commitment to sustainability and environmentally friendly product evaluations. 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

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

Learn more about the university’s new and continued efforts surrounding sustainability during an online conversation with Chancellor Daniel Diermeier on Wednesday, May 3, from 4:10 to 5 p.m. 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

Nashville Mayor John Cooper’s Sustainability Advisory Committee is seeking photographs that represent Nashville’s environmental successes and opportunities. Photos may include a range of environmental issues, impacts or solutions. Read More

Vanderbilt University is making extensive upgrades to its utilities and other infrastructure as it prepares for campus growth. The Central Utilities Initiative, scheduled to begin in February, will provide enhancements to support various Vandy United projects, the Highland Quad residential colleges to be built along 25th Avenue South, and other future projects. Read More

Bicycle safety has deteriorated according to the National Highway Safety Administration. Vanderbilt civil engineers identify and propose safety improvements applicable to all transportation in urban areas. Est. reading time: 2.5 mins. Read More

The Vanderbilt University MoveVU program received the Tennessee Sustainable Transportation Award at a special ceremony Nov. 9 during the Tennessee Sustainable Transporation Forum and Expo. Read More

Vanderbilt University is one of the nation’s most environmentally responsible colleges and on the “green honor roll” according to a new ranking by The Princeton Review. Read More

Vanderbilt University is set to co-sponsor the webinar “Youth Climate Action: How Local Governments Can Learn from Generation Z” on Tuesday, Nov. 15, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. CT. Read More