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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.

University of Kentucky receives STARS silver rating for sustainability achievements

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 12, 2026) — The University of Kentucky has earned a STARS Silver rating in recognition of its sustainability achievements from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). STARS, the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System, measures and encourages sustainability in all aspects of higher education. 

Be part of the Climate Change Quilt project

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 3, 2026) — To help raise awareness for climate action across the United States, the Lewis Honors College, the Tracy Farmer Institute for Sustainability and the Environment, and the Student Sustainability Council are sponsoring the Climate Change Quilt project Feb. 17.

Pollinator garden is restored on south campus

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 5, 2025) —The University of Kentucky’s Natural Resources and Environmental Science Club (NRES) and Horticulture Club removed invasive plants from a pollinator garden to provide a vital habitat for pollinators. The workday included removing Johnson grass, Goldenrod and Chinese elm, then cutting back native plants next to the Barnhart Building on Friday, Nov. 14.

Climate Change Quilt Project: The Hidden Consensus on Climate Change

To help raise awareness for climate action across America, the Lewis Honors College, the Tracy Farmer Institute for Sustainability and the Environment, and the Student Sustainability Council are hosting the Climate Change Quilt project on February 17. From 11 AM - 12 PM, Mischen will speak on “The Hidden Consensus on Climate Change” and provide a history of the quilting project inspired by the AIDS Quilt Project from the 1980s in the William T. Young Library Alumni Gallery. 

Climate Change Quilt Project: Quilting Workshop

To help raise awareness for climate action across America, the Lewis Honors College, the Tracy Farmer Institute for Sustainability and the Environment, and the Student Sustainability Council are hosting the Climate Change Quilt project on February 17. From 2 PM - 4 PM, Mischen will lead a workshop on quilting “to amplify the voices of all those concerned about climate change” in the Lewis Scholars Lounge.