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Sustainability at U.Va./A Greener Grounds

News on Sustainability

Audio/Podcasts on Sustainability

"America is probably a generation late recognizing just how threatened we are by the accelerating and now obvious pace of contamination of air and water supplies, global warming, and the loss of sustainable space and living conditions for agriculture. Sustainability is an essential activity in any university that wants to be useful in the next generation."

- John T. Casteen III, President, University of Virginia

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Enviromental Initiatives The University will conduct all operations in an environmentally responsible manner and comply with all applicable State and Federal environmental regulations. Read More...

What U.Va. is Doing: Green at U.Va.

  • Land Use & Built Environment

    Since January 2007 the University has been committed to meet USGBC LEED certification for all new and renovation building projects.

  • Energy

    The heating plant is undergoing renovations that meet both current and proposed environmental regulations.

  • Dining/Housing

    There are many ways dining is going green, including using recycled materials, utilizing locally raised animals and produce, using biodiesel in all vehicles, etc.

  • Water

    The University has aggressively pursued initiatives to conserve water and to develop creative opportunities for storm water management.

Student Involvement

There are many vigorous student organizations associated with multiple academic disciplines, focused on sustainable operational and educational initiatives at the University of Virginia.


  • Administrative Commitment

    Since 1991 the University has continually committed itself to meeting and when able surpassing environmental standards.

  • Recycling

    This program has been awarded a 2007 Virginia Recycling Association Award for Excellence in the College/University category!

  • Transportation

    To help in the effort, Parking & Transportation offers programs that encourage biking, walking, public transportation, and carpooling.