We live, work and play in a special place.
This ground was stewarded by the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois), who believed “We must consider the impact of our decision on seven generations.”
Today, UB stewards key parts of the watershed that encompass
95% of U.S. surface water
and flow over world-famous Niagara Falls
70%
of students applying to college care about the institution’s commitment to sustainability; it saves UB thousands of hours—and millions of dollars—every year and it’s the right thing to do
Sustainability is central to RENEW and our other Communities of Excellence
UB is addressing the global challenges that society is facing, from the environment and manufacturing, to providing equity and excellence in health
UB Stadium is
zero waste
for game days
(A practice we’re working to incorporate throughout the campus)
The waste we recycle each year weighs more than a dozen
blue whales
(But we only divert one third of our total waste from landfills)
UB is a recognized leader in sustainability
EPA Environmental Champion Award
US Green Building Council “Best of Green Schools”
Finalist for Second Nature Climate Leadership Award
AASHE STARS Gold
UB’s Letchworth Woods is
a living forest
unique among colleges, and recognized by the National Wildlife Federation
“Landscape architecture at its most forward-thinking”
– The Wall Street Journal, describing UB’s Solar Strand
Lowering emissions, raising expectations
Solar Strand provides countless benefits to the entire community
The League of American Bicyclists called us a
“bicycle friendly university”
With UB Bikeshare, electric vehicles and public transportation, we’re reducing our dependence on cars for commuting
(That’s going in the right direction)
By working directly with local farms to design menus around harvest dates, we’re supporting the
farm-to- table
movement and serving meals that are healthier for everyone
(including Mother Nature)
100% of dining center food waste is composted on campus, keeping it out of local landfills
In fact, UB composts 38 pounds of food waste for every student, faculty and staff member, every year
At UB, endangered species soar
20 peregrine falcons
have been born on campus
You’ll find
9 LEED- certified buildings
on campus, with more on the rise
(as we work to conserve energy in all of our buildings)
The new Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences is being built with sustainability in mind (that’s something everyone can feel good about)
9.4%
less energy is used in our buildings compared to just a few years ago, and we’ve doubled the amount of electricity we get from renewable resources (knowledge is power)
Our campus is
a living laboratory
In one award-winning project, student researchers found that high-speed hand dryers are six times cleaner, produce 42 percent less carbon dioxide, and cost $872 less per year than paper towel dispensers
Earning second place overall in the national Solar Decathlon,
THE GRoW HOUSE
helped students engage with sustainability inside the classroom—and out
From cloud forests in
Costa Rica
to solar smoothies in the student union, unique learning environments help students, faculty and staff get up-close-and-personal with sustainability
Even on campus, you can grab a canoe and
Make Waves
at Lake LaSalle, UB’s newest outdoor recreation area
Providing the foundation for a more resilient region, at UB we’re engaging the community and leading the conversation on sustainability throughout Buffalo Niagara
WNY Environmental Alliance
One Region Forward
Sustainable Business Roundtable
Becoming climate neutral by
2030
(it’s a long journey, but well worth the effort)
Addressing all aspects of sustainability
35% of UB students are considered low-income
$114 million
in scholarships helps support those in need
Diversity / Access / Affordability
“A higher education is the single best investment you can make in your future”
– President Barack Obama, speaking at UB
Building the next generation of leaders, working to instill sustainability as a core value, graduating 5,000+ citizens of the world every year
Sustainability is a strategy for creating an even better future
Our path forward
Create the next generation of globally minded,
sustainably literate citizens and leaders
Integrate sustainability into the fabric of campus culture
Mitigate, adapt and evolve to the new climate reality
Build a resilient and sustainable Buffalo Niagara region
Develop a circular UB economy
“While taking pride in our achievements, they also serve to motivate and inspire our campus community as we continue to evolve our model of sustainable thinking and practices across the university.”
