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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

The Thrifty Cat event helps nearly 500 attendees reuse residence hall essentials

University of Kentucky students reduced waste during Big Blue Move-In by participating in Thrifty’s Pop-Up, a free thrifting event. Residence hall essentials collected during the 2026 spring semester move-out were made available to students during the event hosted at the Cats Den in the Gatton Student Center. More than 490 attendees participated with 93% of collected items redistributed. 

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

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

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.

Events

2026 Sustainability Showcase and Research Poster Competition

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

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

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. 

Ugly Produce Market

Ugly Produce Market

Ugly Produce Market

Tracy Farmer Institute for Sustainability and the Environment presents Adam Becker: More Everything Forever

Adam Becker, author of More Everything Forever: AI Overlords, Space Empires, and Silicon Valley’s Crusade to Control the Fate of Humanity. More Everything Forever was named a Best Book of the Year in 2025 by Scientific American, Kirkus, and Conversation. Adam, who became a science journalist and author after earning his PhD in astrophysics, also hosts a new and growing podcast called Dreaming Against the Machine, in which he interviews expert guests about how to envision better futures.   

Invite a Speaker

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


 

Request Today!