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.

News

UK entomologist advances gene-silencing technology to protect forests from invasive pests

Jordan Strickler

Oct 2, 2026

Informational, Research

A University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (CAFE) forest entomologist is closing in on a pest management strategy that could give landowners, cities and forest managers a highly targeted alternative to conventional insecticides — one that kills invasive beetles by silencing their own genes and leaves surrounding wildlife untouched.

Community invited to celebrate UK Tree Week 2026

Jennifer Elwell

Oct 2, 2026

Community

From climbing into the canopy of a campus white oak to planting trees for future generations, the University of Kentucky community will celebrate the many ways trees strengthen people, places and ecosystems during Tree Week 2026, Oct. 9-18.

Searching for the ‘super tomato’: UK lab advancing horticultural crop breeding for a healthier future

Christopher Carney

Oct 1, 2026

Research

A lab at the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (CAFE) is at the forefront of breeding and genetics of fruits and vegetables.

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Events

Tonics & Toxins: Plants and Power in Latin America

Oct 8, 2026, 1:00 PM – Oct 9, 2026, 6:00 PM

Learning

The 2026 symposium of the Latin American, Caribbean, and Latino Studies Program at the University of Kentucky examines the relationship between plants, people, and power in Latin America.

Bee Banquets in the Sky: Trees and Shrubs for Urban Pollinator Conversation

Oct 8, 2026, 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Speaker Series

Tree Week is right around the corner, and UFI is kicking it off with the fall seminar series! Start your Tree Week on October 8 with Dr. Dan Potter, UK’s Professor Emeritus of Horticultural Entomology, who will address pollinator conservation in his presentation “Bee Banquets in the Sky.” The presentation is at 7:00 pm in UK’s Davis Marksbury Building, 329 Rose Street, and tabling and light refreshments will begin at 6:00 pm.

2026 Regional Cross-Laminated Timber (RCLT) Conference

Oct 12, 2026, 11:00 AM – Oct 14, 2026, 1:40 PM

Learning

The Regional Mass Timber Conference in Lexington, KY, from October 12-14, 2026, gathers forestry, design, engineering, and economic development professionals to focus on Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) market development. The event includes meetings, tours, presentations, and discussions involving about 300 participants.

UK TreeFest

Oct 14, 2026, 12:00 – 3:00 PM

UK TreeFest is a special event taking place on Wednesday, October 14th, from 12–3 p.m. in the green space by Kirwan Blanding and Ingels Hall. The event is co-hosted by UK Sustainability, UK Canopy Cats, Urban Forest Initiative, UK Campus Recreation, and UK Grounds, and funded by the Student Sustainability Council. The event will consist of three components:

2026 Sustainability Showcase and Research Poster Competition

Oct 14, 2026, 5:30 – 7:30 PM

Celebration, Community-Oriented, General/Public, Recognition

This year’s Showcase will be hosted in the Healthy Kentucky Research Building on Wednesday, October 14th from 5:30-7:30pm. The event is free, open to the public, and refreshments will be provided. The Showcase is a celebration of the incredible sustainability work happening across campus - from research and student initiatives to operations and community engagement. Join us to connect with passionate students, faculty, and staff who are shaping a more sustainable future at UK. Highlights include:

R.C. May Photography Lecture Series: Clarissa Tossin

Oct 16, 2026, 4:00 – 5:00 PM

Learning, Speaker Series

Clarissa Tossin will discuss the role of photography in her artistic practice, from her student work at the Fundação Armando Álvares Penteado to her recent solo exhibition at the Museu de Arte São Paulo (MASP), São Paulo. Tossin’s study of the layered residues of colonialism, resource extraction, and consumer accumulation has been supported by fellowships from the American Academy in Rome, Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies in the Fine Arts, and Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study.

Arbor Day

Oct 17, 2026, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Community-Oriented

Join The Arboretum, State Botanical Garden of Kentucky for our 35th Arbor Day celebration!"Come join us for a fun and educational day for the entire family, including free admission to the Kentucky Children’s Garden. All day, we will have tree and nature-themed crafts and activities in the Kentucky Children’s Garden.

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Invite a Speaker

One of our staff members will come to speak to your class, employees or organization about our sustainability work.

Request Today!

Sustainability Awards

UKULELE

Student Sustainability Council

Student Interns