Guiding Principles

Commitment and Guiding Principles

The University of Kentucky adopted its first Sustainability Strategic Plan in 2018 following a year-long planning process that engaged hundreds of students, faculty, and staff. That document set targets and goals with a five-year time horizon.

In January 2022, the President’s Sustainability Advisory Committee assembled a steering committee to update UK’s Sustainability Strategic Plan with a focus on what can be accomplished by 2030. This team, including leaders from across the institution, engaged with hundreds of members of our campus community to develop UK Sustainability's new Purpose and five Guiding Principles.

Our Purpose

Foster a balanced approach to sustainability that considers environmental, social and economic impacts in every facet of the university’s activities and operations.

Support and encourage innovation in curricula, research and creative works to address critical environmental and social challenges.

Students clear out an old garden bed to prepare for a new pollinator garden

Make the pursuit of sustainability an integral part of the UK student experience.

student speaks with vendors at sustainability festival the table has terrariums and stickers on it

Reinforce the University's commitments to our people.

Aerial view of RGAN engineering building with solar panels on full display

Reduce campus emissions.

Two students browse clothing racks at the thrifty cat campus free store

Become a zero-waste campus.

student with rack of bikes at wildcat wheels bicycle library

Model environmental excellence.

Certified STARS Silver

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.

With more than 1,200 participants in 52 countries, AASHE’s STARS program is the most widely recognized framework in the world for publicly reporting comprehensive information related to a college or university’s sustainability performance. Participants report achievements in five overall areas: 1) academics 2) engagement, 3) operations, 4) planning and administration, and 5) innovation and leadership.

UK's STARS report is publicly available on the STARS website.

Sustainability Awards

UKULELE

Student Sustainability Council

Sustainability Challenge Grants

Student Interns