FutureVU
Sustainability, inclusion advancements highlighted in FutureVU FY2021 Progress Report
Dec. 1, 2021—Written by Shelby Pendowski Vanderbilt University made significant strides during FY2021 in sustainable building and landscape projects, accessibility improvements and transportation and mobility initiatives, even through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sustainability was a key area of focus, with many initiatives launching throughout the year. Vanderbilt University announced a collaboration with the nonprofit organization Climate Vault...
WeGo Public Transit forum on Dec. 8 to seek input from Vanderbilt community on service changes
Nov. 30, 2021—Vanderbilt’s EasyRide program provides all full-time and part-time Vanderbilt University faculty, staff and students with free access to WeGo local buses, regional buses and WeGo Star with a swipe of their Vanderbilt ID card. This service is available for any place and time, not solely for commuting to and from campus. In order to gain insight into the...
Vanderbilt eliminates single-use plastic bottles at athletics venues
Nov. 19, 2021—Vanderbilt University continues to make significant progress in reducing its overall environmental impact, recently eliminating single-use plastic bottles at all athletics venues across campus. This bold step is the latest in a series of waste-reduction initiatives as part of Vanderbilt Campus Dining’s “No More Plastic” campaign. Initially launched in 2019, this effort eliminated single-use plastic water...
Vanderbilt University signs on to U.N.-backed Race to Zero campaign
Nov. 8, 2021—14 Vanderbilt students participate in international climate change negotiations Vanderbilt University, which already has taken significant steps in its commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, has joined the Race to Zero—Universities and Colleges coalition. By joining the global coalition of more than 1,000 educational institutions, Vanderbilt has pledged not only to attain net-zero carbon...
Vanderbilt acorns to become forests of the future
Oct. 27, 2021—With the crisp, cooler temperatures, Vanderbilt’s iconic white oaks have begun dropping their acorns. While the campus squirrels are busily storing their share, Vanderbilt has partnered with the Tennessee Department of Forestry to collect acorns to plant the forests of the future. Vanderbilt Facilities and the Department of Forestry set up nets on the Peabody College...
Vanderbilt University to host PARK(ing) Day 2021 Sept. 17
Sep. 15, 2021—Have you ever imagined what campus would be like with more green space? Vanderbilt University is hosting PARK(ing) Day, an annual global event competition where urban areas like parking lots are transformed into green spaces to promote sustainable designs, on Friday, Sept. 17 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will both celebrate the...
Vanderbilt wins Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Award for energy and renewable resources progress
Jul. 9, 2021—by Katherine Keith Jul. 9, 2021, 10:00 AM Vanderbilt University’s Green Invest Program partnership with the Tennessee Valley Authority and Nashville Electric Service has been recognized with a 2021 Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Award, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation announced July 8. The annual honors are considered the most prestigious environmental and conservation awards in Tennessee and...
Chancellor to host virtual event on sustainability and climate change June 15
Jun. 14, 2021—Members of the campus community are invited to attend a virtual event to learn more about the future of climate change and how Vanderbilt will play a unique role in identifying and modeling solutions. The event on Tuesday, June 15, begins at 12:15 p.m. CT. Register now. >> Chancellor Daniel Diermeier and Vice Chancellor for Administration Eric Kopstain will...
Vanderbilt announces new collaboration to accelerate efforts to address its carbon footprint and tackle climate change
May. 24, 2021—by Ann Marie Deer Owens May. 24, 2021, 1:25 PM Vanderbilt University today announced a new collaboration with the nonprofit organization Climate Vault that allows the university to address the full extent of its carbon footprint now, achieving carbon neutrality decades ahead of its initial goal. The new initiative will effectively remove carbon pollution permits from regulated carbon markets...
Accelerating our progress toward a sustainable future
May. 24, 2021—May. 24, 2021, 1:25 PM Dear members of the Vanderbilt community, Climate change is one of the most serious threats faced by humanity today. As an institution whose mission is focused on improving society for future generations through research, education and innovation, it is imperative that we turn to the sustainability of our own university operations as...