Behind every light switch, lab experiment, and classroom is a complex network of people, pipes and processes that make it all possible. This October, join us for a series of free Campus Sustainability Month events!
Happy Campus Sustainability Month!
This October, the Office for Sustainability and Facilities Management invite you to Making the Unseen Seen, a series of free events and online content celebrating the infrastructure that powers UVA. From underground tunnels to rooftop solar panels, we’ll explore the systems and people behind the scenes who keep Grounds running smoothly.
Behind every light switch, lab experiment, and classroom experience is a complex network of people, pipes, and processes. These essential systems often go unnoticed — and we’re aiming to change that. Throughout the month, we’ll offer guided tours, short videos, and a letter-writing event to help our community gain a deeper appreciation for the energy, water, and waste infrastructure that supports daily life at UVA.
Tuesday Tours
Our Tuesday Tours kicked off with a visit to the School of Data Science rooftop solar installation, showcasing renewable energy in action on October 7. Next, we’ll explore the Main Heat Plant on October 14, which provides heat to 75% of UVA’s buildings, followed by a look inside the Newcomb Road Chiller Plant on October 21 that provides air conditioning across Grounds The last tour is set for October 28, where we’ll go behind the scenes of UVA’s recycling operations on Ivy Road, where materials from waste bins are hand-sorted for proper processing.
All tours are free but require registration due to space and safety considerations. Check out the full schedule here.
Instagram Video Series
Follow us on Instagram @sustainableuva to catch a special video series created by Third Year student Delilah DeMark highlighting key buildings and systems throughout the month.
Say Thanks: Letter-Writing Event
Campus Sustainability Month wouldn’t be complete without recognizing the Facilities Management frontline crews who monitor, maintain, build, fix, and optimize our infrastructure every day. Join us for our Thank You Station: a letter-writing event on Wednesday, October 29 from 10 AM to Noon in the Newcomb Hall South Meeting Room. Enjoy refreshments while writing a note of gratitude to the teams who make UVA work.
Have an idea for Infrastructure Month? We’d love to hear it! Email Teri Strother (tsk6d) with your suggestions.