FutureVU
Vanderbilt commits to first-of-its-kind renewable energy partnership with TVA, NES
Jan. 22, 2020—Silicon Ranch Corporation to build Bedford County solar farm to open in 2022 Vanderbilt University has entered into a pioneering agreement with the Tennessee Valley Authority and Nashville Electric Service to procure off-site large-scale renewable energy to help mitigate the campus’ greenhouse gas emissions. The 20-year agreement will support Vanderbilt’s goal to power its campus entirely through renewable...
Annual report on campus sustainability efforts now available
Jan. 20, 2020—Vanderbilt University greenhouse gas emissions have dropped 7 percent per square foot compared to FY17-18, and 18.5 percent compared to CY16. The finding is among those showcased in the annual sustainability report released today by FutureVU Sustainability in the Division of Administration. “The achievements highlighted in this report reflect the work of hundreds of faculty, staff and students in...
Join FutureVU Sustainability Leaders and help foster a sustainable campus
Jan. 15, 2020—As part of Vanderbilt’s commitment to achieving zero waste by the year 2030, the Sustainability and Environmental Management Office is launching a new program—Sustainability Leaders—to improve sustainability outcomes on campus through culture change, education and the facilitation of actionable goals. Sustainability Leaders will act as peer mentors to foster a community that raises awareness of...
Vanderbilt University commits to achieving zero waste goal by 2030
Jan. 13, 2020—Vanderbilt has announced its commitment to achieving zero waste by the year 2030 as part of the university’s comprehensive long-term strategy to significantly reduce its environmental footprint and drive positive change in the world. Zero waste is defined as a 90% diversion rate from the landfill, acknowledging that no institution is completely waste-free. Vanderbilt additionally has...
Suzanne Herron wins title of Greenest Group on Campus
Oct. 24, 2019—Suzanne Herron, the sustainability coordinator for Campus Dining, has been named the 2019 Greenest Commodore on Campus. Suzanne’s achievement was celebrated at the Vanderbilt vs. Missouri Homecoming game on Oct. 19 with a catered tailgate event, tickets to the game, a special prize of Vandy merchandise, and an on-field award presentation. Accepting the award on...
E. Bronson Ingram College receives LEED Gold certification
Sep. 30, 2019—E. Bronson Ingram College (John Russell/Vanderbilt) Vanderbilt’s E. Bronson Ingram College has been awarded LEED Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. The council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high-performance sustainable buildings. Organizations must apply for the certification, which is recognized...
West End Neighborhood transforms with new green spaces
Sep. 26, 2019—The Vanderbilt community can now enjoy new green spaces in the West End Neighborhood following a year of construction in the area. Photo of the West End Neighborhood before construction. (Vanderbilt University Once covered with asphalt and concrete, the newly transformed Green and Kensington Promenade now feature fresh landscaping as well as pedestrian- and bike-friendly...
Vanderbilt celebrates PARK(ing) Day
Sep. 23, 2019—Faculty, staff and students participated in PARK(ing) Day—an internationally recognized event that features parking spaces turned into “pocket parks”—on Sept. 20. This year’s park focused on transportation and sustainability efforts underway on campus. The area in front of the Law School along 21st Avenue South was transformed into an outdoor space featuring hammocks, games, displays and giveaways. Members of...
Experience PARK(ing) Day Sept. 20
Sep. 10, 2019—The campus community is invited to experience PARK(ing) Day 2019 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 20, in front of the Law School along 21st Avenue South. This year’s park will focus on transportation and sustainability efforts underway on campus. This is the third year that Vanderbilt is participating in the national PARK(ing)...
University eliminates single-use plastic water and soda bottles in operations on campus
Aug. 28, 2019—As part of its ongoing sustainability efforts, Vanderbilt University announced today it will eliminate all single-use plastic water and soda bottles in its operations throughout dining facilities, markets and vending machines. The collaborative effort—which involved the student organizations Students Promoting Environmental Awareness and Responsibility (SPEAR) and Vanderbilt Student Government and will save more than 430,000 plastic...