Sustainability

About Us

When we think about our mission at the University of Kentucky—to improve the lives of Kentuckians and beyond—environmental stewardship and sustainability are core parts of our legacy. We believe in creating a campus—and a world—that is healthy, fair, and built to last. We're committed to integrating sustainability into our curriculum, research, outreach, and daily operations, so that our students and community are prepared to lead toward a more sustainable future.

Student-led effort brings nearly $300K in energy rebates to UK Henry Walke’s internship work also spans solar energy tracking and lab efficiency initiatives

Jennifer T. Allen

Jun 15, 2026

Behind the Scenes, Student-Focused

The University of Kentucky earned nearly $300,000 through a Kentucky Utilities (KU) Energy Rebate Program — an achievement that highlights the university’s ongoing commitment to efficient operations. The effort, led by Henry Walke, an environmental and sustainability studies and economics senior and lab sustainability intern in Utilities and Energy Management (UEM), focused on documentation and verification of maintenance on critical cooling infrastructure across campus.

Student art competition winners celebrate UK’s local food system

Katelin Ralenkotter

May 29, 2026

Behind the Scenes, Community

A new, mobile art installation spotlighting the University of Kentucky’s local and sustainable food systems will be on display on campus starting this fall. The student art competition, sponsored by UK Recycling, The Food Connection and UK Dining, aims to highlight student art and educate the campus community on UK’s efforts to source food locally, support agricultural industries and turn food waste into compost.

UK students partner with Shaker Village to explore design, landscape and place

Haley Simpkins

May 26, 2026

Academics, Community

Students from the University of Kentucky College of Design and the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (CAFE) recently shared design proposals created in partnership with Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, one of Kentucky’s most significant historic and cultural landscapes.

Go green and take advantage of UK’s incentive programs

Lisa S. Cleveland

May 19, 2026

Sustainability Tips

Are you ready to ditch your parking permit and go green with your daily commute? University of Kentucky Transportation Services is offering new incentives for students and employees who choose to go car-free on campus, with applications now open for the Bike Voucher and Cash Out programs.

KGS to explore Kentucky’s energy outlook at annual seminar

Rebekah Frazier

May 18, 2026

Community, Learning

The Kentucky Geological Survey (KGS) will host “Powering Kentucky’s Future,” its 65th annual seminar, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 2. This free event is at the University of Kentucky’s Don & Cathy Jacobs Science Building with workshops at the William T. Young Library, the Mining and Minerals Resources Building and off campus at the Earth Analysis Research Library.

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Sustainability Awards

UKULELE

Student Sustainability Council

Sustainability Challenge Grants

Student Interns