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Campus Sustainability

Blue and gold make green

Encompassing the environment, economy, and social justice, sustainability is one of the world's most urgent topics. The Office of Campus Sustainability serves as a catalyst for action for students in residence halls and on campus. We work with students and the campus community to change their beliefs and behaviors.

Since Spring 2007, we have partnered with The American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment (ACUPCC). The ACUPCC campaign provides a framework for colleges and universities to develop plans for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We plan to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions 80% by 2050.

By increasing recycling across campus, we aim to have zero waste by 2025.

The university is taking the lead to showcase technologies and how we can make a difference.

Learn

By studying sustainability, you'll learn how to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The interdisciplinary study allows you to explore the interactions of natural, economic, and social systems to formulate best practices.

UMass Dartmouth offers:

Live

Our partnership with NORESCO allows us to educate students to change their behaviors while living on campus.

  • Slash the Trash
  • Be Cold Be Bold
  • Reduce the Juice
  • Limit Your Minutes

Our Green Tips will help you put what you've learned into practice to lead a more sustainable life. 

Green Navigators

As student leaders, the Green Navigators educate their peers and work in conjunction with the Assistant Director of Campus Sustainability on projects across campus to reduce the university's impact on the environment. Search for Green Navigator positions in the Student Employment Office's CORSAIR Jobs self-service system.

To join our team, in the UMass portal, go to CORSAIR Jobs self-service system and search for Green Navigator or feel free to email us at sustainability@umassd.edu.

Lead

A leader in the community, we are committed to creating a sustainable future.

  • 2008, 2014 and 2021 recipient of the Leading by Example Award
  • increased campus-wide volume of recycling from 9% to 26%
  • decreased greenhouse gas emission by 12% since 2008

Signature events

Our office offers signature events for the education and entertainment of students. We initiate campus clean-up projects, raise awareness of a variety of issues affecting all of us, and actively promote solutions for a better tomorrow. Our events include:

  • Earth Day
  • New2U Yard Sale
  • Arbor Day
  • America Recycles Day
  • Energy Efficiency Day
  • National Drive Electric Week

Projects

Arnie’s Thrift Shop

Located in Cedar Dell South #530, Arnie’s Thrift Shop provides students with a variety of home goods, appliances, and cleaning supplies for their rooms or apartments.

Recycling

In order to increase recycling and meet our zero waste goal, we implemented single-stream recycling.

Sustainable movie series

We present 6–8 movies a year, followed by discussions about social, economic, and environmental topics.

Trail maintenance

At least once a semester we go out with our team as well as volunteers to conduct trail clearings along our 5 forest trails on campus. Our forest encompasses 360 acres, which is larger than many college campuses in Boston. Students are free to walk on these trails any time of day and any day of the year.

Waste audit

We share the breakdown of our trash based on paper, cardboard, food waste, bottles and cans, and trash.

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