Sustainability

Vanderbilt University today announced a new collaboration with the nonprofit organization Climate Vault that allows the university to address the full extent of its carbon footprint now, achieving carbon neutrality decades ahead of its initial goal. The new initiative will effectively remove carbon pollution permits from regulated carbon markets while simultaneously stimulating research into emerging carbon removal technologies.    Read More

The Vanderbilt School of Nursing will host “Green Recovery, Climate Solutions and a Just Transition,” a public webinar and discussion, on Thursday, April 8, from 1 to 2 p.m. CT. The free webinar, part of the  Solve Climate by 2030 project, will feature youth involved in climate issues and leaders in conservation and sustainability, including Vice Chancellor for Administration Eric Kopstain, who heads Vanderbilt’s FutureVU initiative. Read More

As part of Vanderbilt Campus Dining’s continued efforts to become a more environmentally sustainable operation, the nationally recognized food service provider has announced a strategic partnership with Middle Tennessee-based Hydrohouse Farms. Founded by Vanderbilt alumnus Hassan Sharaff in 2016, Hydrohouse Farms’ mission is to provide quality, healthy locally grown vegetables to the Nashville area. Read More

Vanderbilt Divinity School has received a LEED Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council for its renovation and addition project that was completed in 2020. LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, offers a framework for healthy, highly efficient and cost-saving green buildings. Read More

Owen Forward will present a half-day virtual conference on Monday, March 15, featuring Vanderbilt administrators, faculty and alumni in dialogue about sustainability leadership. “The Future of Sustainability” will begin at 12:15 p.m. CT and is open to the Vanderbilt community. Read More

Transformations of the West End and Peabody neighborhoods, pioneering solar energy partnerships, improved recycling and more sustainable transportation choices are among the achievements outlined in the latest FutureVU progress report. Read More

Vanderbilt University has been honored with a 2020 Leadership Award from the U.S. Green Building Council for the institution’s achievements in green building and its commitment to creating a healthy, sustainable future. Read More

Vanderbilt University and the city of Nashville, Tennessee, have announced a Green Invest partnership with the Tennessee Valley Authority and Nashville Electric Service—a collaboration that will allow the region to take a bold step forward in expanding availability and access to renewable energy at a critical time in global efforts to address the threat of climate change. Read More

Vanderbilt has announced that PepsiCo will serve as its official beverage provider for Campus Dining operations and vending locations. The new partnership addresses the university’s sustainability goals and changing student needs. Read More

Vice Chancellor for Administration Eric Kopstain and Vanderbilt Law School lecturer Linda Breggin, a senior attorney with the Environmental Law Institute in Washington, D.C., and project director for the Nashville Food Waste Initiative, have been named co-chairs of the Nashville Sustainability Advisory Committee.  Read More

Vanderbilt has established a new Sustainability Advisory Council to guide and support the university’s progress toward its comprehensive long-term sustainability strategy. The council will include students, staff and faculty selected by Interim Chancellor and Provost Susan R. Wente and Vice Chancellor for Administration Eric Kopstain. Read More

Remember to power down before you leave your residence hall for an extended period over Winter Break. Your reductions in energy use can have a large impact when aggregated across the entire university. Read More

Amanda Little, Steven Pinker and Carl Zimmer joined moderator Jon Meacham for the final Chancellor’s Lecture Series of 2019. The panel discussed how expanded access to data has changed human approaches to every part of our lives. Read More

This year, applications for the Vanderbilt Green Fund will be submitted via a special one-hour event: the Vanderbilt Green-a-thon. Read More

Sustainable building and landscape projects, safety and accessibility improvements and transportation and mobility accomplishments are just a few of the many achievements outlined in the first FutureVU progress report, released online by the Division of Administration. Read More

Amanda Little, Steven Pinker and Carl Zimmer will discuss with moderator Jon Meacham "2020 and Beyond: Tackling Global Issues in the Decades to Come" at the Dec. 3 Chancellor's Lecture Series event. Read More

Transparency keeps everyone informed so we can engage in meaningful debate and give input on actions, and it builds trust and teamwork by setting clear and consistent processes, writes Interim Chancellor and Provost Susan R. Wente in this week's column. Read More

Vanderbilt University’s Peabody Neighborhood project achieved a major milestone on Oct. 10 with the placement of the final steel structural beam in the new connector between the Home Economics and Mayborn buildings. The event included remarks from Interim Chancellor and Provost Susan R. Wente and Patricia and Rodes Hart Dean of Education and Human Development Camilla P. Benbow.  Read More

Robert Bullard, an award-winning author and distinguished professor of urban planning and environmental policy at Texas Southern University, described the economic and racial disparities inherent in environmental issues before a packed audience in Wyatt Rotunda Oct. 1. Read More

Vanderbilt’s E. Bronson Ingram College has been awarded LEED Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council, making it Vanderbilt University's 21st LEED-certified new construction or renovation project since 2007. Read More