Conservation
Two Vanderbilt University buildings earn LEED certification
Feb. 4, 2022—Vanderbilt University has been awarded two Gold Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certifications. The first is for the School of Nursing building, which opened in 2019, and the second is for the 1101 19th Avenue South building, formerly Disciples of Christ building, for its renovation in 2020. The university now has 24 LEED-certified buildings as designated by the...
Vanderbilt eliminates single-use plastic bottles at athletics venues
Nov. 19, 2021—Vanderbilt University continues to make significant progress in reducing its overall environmental impact, recently eliminating single-use plastic bottles at all athletics venues across campus. This bold step is the latest in a series of waste-reduction initiatives as part of Vanderbilt Campus Dining’s “No More Plastic” campaign. Initially launched in 2019, this effort eliminated single-use plastic water...
Vanderbilt University signs on to U.N.-backed Race to Zero campaign
Nov. 8, 2021—14 Vanderbilt students participate in international climate change negotiations Vanderbilt University, which already has taken significant steps in its commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, has joined the Race to Zero—Universities and Colleges coalition. By joining the global coalition of more than 1,000 educational institutions, Vanderbilt has pledged not only to attain net-zero carbon...
Vanderbilt acorns to become forests of the future
Oct. 27, 2021—With the crisp, cooler temperatures, Vanderbilt’s iconic white oaks have begun dropping their acorns. While the campus squirrels are busily storing their share, Vanderbilt has partnered with the Tennessee Department of Forestry to collect acorns to plant the forests of the future. Vanderbilt Facilities and the Department of Forestry set up nets on the Peabody College...
Vanderbilt to host Oct. 15 cooking demonstration to shed light on food waste
Oct. 8, 2021—An estimated 40 percent of food produced annually in the United States goes uneaten while more than 10 percent of Americans are food insecure. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, food is the nation’s single largest category of material placed in municipal landfills, where it emits methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. As part of its commitment...
Accelerating our progress toward a sustainable future
May. 24, 2021—May. 24, 2021, 1:25 PM Dear members of the Vanderbilt community, Climate change is one of the most serious threats faced by humanity today. As an institution whose mission is focused on improving society for future generations through research, education and innovation, it is imperative that we turn to the sustainability of our own university operations as...
Annual Commons Unplugged Week Celebrates Sustainability
Oct. 29, 2019—The sixth annual Commons Unplugged environmental awareness week, from Sunday, November 3 to Saturday, November 9 will celebrate sustainability, natural resource conservation and energy conservation through various events focusing on Vanderbilt’s first-year student population. These events are presented by The Martha Rivers Ingram Commons, in partnership with the Sustainability and Environmental Management Office, the School for Science and...
University partners with local organizations to salvage Manuel House architecture
Aug. 21, 2019—(John Russell/Vanderbilt University) Vanderbilt University has partnered with Nashville organizations Preservation Station and Project Return in its efforts to preserve a part of Nashville’s vibrant cultural history, the Manuel House. The effort to salvage millwork from the Manuel House involved the University Facilities team working alongside Preservation Station, a local business that saves and resells recycled...
Fallen trees from summer storms given new life across campus
Jul. 31, 2019—In a partnership between FutureVU and Plant Operations, fallen and removed trees on campus are being given a second life. Reused wood in the School of Nursing (Vanderbilt) Two trees that fell during June storms, a walnut tree that fell near the entrance of the Stevenson Center and a pecan tree that was uprooted from the lawn of...
10 tips for saving energy at Vanderbilt this summer
Jul. 30, 2019—Vanderbilt is one of the largest energy consumers in Middle Tennessee. As temperatures climb into the 90s and higher this summer, faculty, staff and students are encouraged to do their part to reduce energy consumption on campus. Small changes can produce big results when everyone does their part. When at work: Close window blinds in...