Sustainability at the University of Virginia calls for ingenuity and inclusivity to promote the well-being of our community, solve local and global challenges through scholarship and practice, educate ethical leaders and steward this special place.

UVA launched its first comprehensive Sustainability Plan in 2016, engaging more than 100 stakeholders to build upon existing stewardship goals, adding robust waste, procurement, food and water goals and actions, and committing to integrated goals for community engagement, curriculum and research.

Goals and Actions

In 2020, UVA released its 2030 Sustainability Plan establishing the bold goals of being carbon neutral by 2030 and fossil fuel free by 2050. The plan’s framework is built on interdepartmental and interdisciplinary connections at all levels to ENGAGE our community in building sustainability action and equity, STEWARD our resources on Grounds and beyond, and DISCOVER solutions to local and global challenges through research, curriculum and using Grounds for engaged learning.
 

In 2022, the University announced the exciting news that the historic Morven Farm property in Albemarle County, owned by the UVA Foundation, will become UVA’s Sustainability Lab.  The lab will focus on four major areas of research and programming: environment and sustainability, food and agriculture, physical and mental wellness, and history and legacy. Morven’s existing food-related programs and operations will continue as a part of that mission, and the farm’s venues will remain available to book for educational and charitable events.

Collaboration as a Hallmark

The University’s prominence in environmental stewardship and equitable sustainability practices builds upon many years of leadership, the support of the Board of Visitors and the work of thousands of people. Our interconnected approach to sustainability engages individuals in transformative and high-impact solutions across curriculum, research and operations. 

Sustainability is central to some 370 courses and 250 research initiatives, roughly 30 student groups, more than 100 annual events, and dozens of programs on Grounds. It is a guiding principle for the management and growth of UVA’s facilities, which include 80 LEED certified buildings (as of fall 2022), more than 33 megawatts of solar energy, and ongoing energy efficiency initiatives in hundreds of existing buildings.   

Plans & progress Recognitions

UVA hosts multiple sustainability initiatives across Grounds, further embedding the core value of sustainability into the institution. 

Executive Vice President& Provost

• Environmental Resilience Institute
• The Repair Lab
• Global Environments & Sustainability Program
• Sustainable Food Collaborative
• Darden Business Innovation and Climate Change Initiative
• Certificate in Sustainable Business, McIntire Business Institute
• Morven Summer Institute

Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

• Facilities Management- FM Sustainability Council
• Office for Sustainability 
• Pollution Prevention Resources
• Office of the Architect
• Transportation Demand Management Program
• Green Dining - UVA Dine

Vice President and Chief Student Affairs Officer

• Student Council Sustainability Committee
• UVA Career Center’s Science & Sustainability Focus Area

Executive Vice President for Health Affairs

Health System Sustainability Committee

The UVA Health Sustainability Committee supports the sustainability mission of UVA Health to continue to deliver exceptional patient care while reducing operating costs, waste, and environmental impact. Contact [email protected] for more information and to join the Health System Sustainability Committee.