recycle
Vanderbilt preserves history through the salvaged remains of the Bicentennial Oak
Jun. 29, 2023—The Bicentennial Oak, the only tree on Vanderbilt’s campus known to predate the founding of the university, fell in November due to age-related decay. Estimated to be about 250 years old, the bur oak was one of the most recognizable trees on campus, and it served as a landmark near Garland Hall for generations of Vanderbilt...
Sustainability, mobility and transportation efforts highlighted in FutureVU FY2022 Progress Report
May. 5, 2023—Vanderbilt University made significant progress toward its FutureVU goals in fiscal year 2022, as outlined in the annual progress report. FutureVU is a high-level, holistic framework for the development of campus’s built and exterior environments. That framework gives direction to campus projects and considers core themes such as community enhancement, connectivity, inclusion, accessibility and sustainability. Highlights from...
Engineering team looks at recycled glass to improve building materials, protect environment
Apr. 27, 2022—A Vanderbilt University professor and two undergraduate students in the School of Engineering are participating in an innovative research project that aims to use recycled glass to enhance building materials and infrastructure as well as reduce waste. Emily Zeller and Nicole Witherell Juniors Emily Zeller and Nicole Witherell, both civil engineering majors, and research adviser...
Campus Dining returns to reusable cups, plates, utensils
Mar. 23, 2022—In response to COVID-19, Campus Dining implemented a number of safety protocols beginning in March 2020 including a shift to disposable, compostable drinkware and cutlery and to-go containers only. In coordination with university health and safety leaders, Campus Dining announces a return to reusable cups, plates and utensils in its dining halls, effective March 25....
Vanderbilt Printing Services earns Forest Stewardship Council certification
Feb. 11, 2022—Vanderbilt University Printing Services has earned Forest Stewardship Council certification for the university’s in-house printing operation. This certification enables Printing Services to affix the FSC® checkmark logo to printed documents and publications, certifying that the paper used was sustainably sourced from well-managed forests. In order to produce an FSC-certified publication, special chain-of-custody protocols must be followed...
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...
Annual report on campus sustainability efforts now available
Jan. 20, 2020—Vanderbilt University greenhouse gas emissions have dropped 7 percent per square foot compared to FY17-18, and 18.5 percent compared to CY16. The finding is among those showcased in the annual sustainability report released today by FutureVU Sustainability in the Division of Administration. “The achievements highlighted in this report reflect the work of hundreds of faculty, staff and students in...
Join FutureVU Sustainability Leaders and help foster a sustainable campus
Jan. 15, 2020—As part of Vanderbilt’s commitment to achieving zero waste by the year 2030, the Sustainability and Environmental Management Office is launching a new program—Sustainability Leaders—to improve sustainability outcomes on campus through culture change, education and the facilitation of actionable goals. Sustainability Leaders will act as peer mentors to foster a community that raises awareness of...
Vanderbilt University commits to achieving zero waste goal by 2030
Jan. 13, 2020—Vanderbilt has announced its commitment to achieving zero waste by the year 2030 as part of the university’s comprehensive long-term strategy to significantly reduce its environmental footprint and drive positive change in the world. Zero waste is defined as a 90% diversion rate from the landfill, acknowledging that no institution is completely waste-free. Vanderbilt additionally has...
University eliminates single-use plastic water and soda bottles in operations on campus
Aug. 28, 2019—As part of its ongoing sustainability efforts, Vanderbilt University announced today it will eliminate all single-use plastic water and soda bottles in its operations throughout dining facilities, markets and vending machines. The collaborative effort—which involved the student organizations Students Promoting Environmental Awareness and Responsibility (SPEAR) and Vanderbilt Student Government and will save more than 430,000 plastic...