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.

UK Recycling sets record with more than 18 tons collected during move-out

Jennifer T. Allen

Jul 13, 2026

Behind the Scenes

As University of Kentucky students moved out of campus housing this spring, UK Recycling set a new benchmark for sustainability efforts — collecting a record 36,355 pounds (18.2 tons) of donations and recyclables through its 2026 move-out initiative. The Give and Go donation drive, which helps divert gently used items from the landfill, hit a new high this year with 28,355 pounds donated, a 7% increase from 2025. The donations included 27,718 pounds of household items and 636 pounds of unopened food.

Applications for UK Sustainability Challenge Grant Program now being accepted

Jul 13, 2026

Academics, Action/Engagement, Behind the Scenes, Community, Research

 The Sustainability Challenge Grant Program is designed to engage and support multidisciplinary teams from the University community in the development of scholarly, creative, and research projects that promote sustainability by engaging students, advancing field(s) of study, and seeking to balance economic, social, and ecological factors.

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.

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Sustainability Awards

UKULELE

Student Sustainability Council

Student Interns