Sustainability

UB solar panels.

From the first Earth Day in 1970 to today, UB has led the charge in sustaining our planet. We strive daily to create a more sustainable campus and community through teaching, operations and engagement. With the university’s Climate Action Plan as our guide, our goal is to achieve climate neutrality by 2030.

Alumni Spotlight

Ryan Zagata

Ryan Zagata.

From UB to Brooklyn and beyond—Ryan Zagata, BA ’96, went from non-cyclist to two-wheeled trailblazer, building bikes that bring people together. Find out how this alumnus is changing the way we ride.

John Q. Doyle

At the 2023 U.N. Climate Change Conference in Dubai, John Doyle, BS ’86, saw the power of business in tackling climate change.

Driven to Discover Podcast

Multispecies Design with Joyce Hwang

The habitat installations of award-winning UB architect Joyce Hwang have been on display around the world. In this episode of the Driven to Discover podcast, she explains why it’s so important to incorporate the needs of non-human species into our built environment — for us as well as them. Listen to the full podcast.

Student Spotlight

Omar Suri

Omar Suri.

In just a few years, what was once an overgrown plot will transform into a thriving, self-sustaining forest—thanks to the vision of Omar Suri, MUP ’25. Check out how he's reshaping UB's green spaces.

Matthew Mullens

Matthew Mullens, MBA ’25, took on UB’s Carbon Reduction Challenge to merge business savvy with sustainability.

Faces & Voices

UB Discoveries

Explore how UB researchers are advancing climate change research through impactful studies that address challenges, uncover solutions and promote a healthier planet.

UB Food Lab team shares data through interactive activities at the Juneteenth Agriculture Pavilion in Buffalo. Pictured, from left: Zachary Korosh, Yeeli Mui and Sydney Jones.

Promoting Food Equity

With nearly $800,000 in funding, UB researchers are tackling data equity to improve food access in marginalized communities. Learn how UB is promoting data equity for food equity.

Henry-Louis Taylor Jr. (right), director of UB's Center for Urban Studies, discusses neighborhood change with students.

Transforming Buffalo's East Side

UB is turning vision into action on Buffalo's East Side. Through bold partnerships and community-driven initiatives, we're creating lasting change. See how transformation starts here.

Adam Wilson (third from left) and other BioSCape team members stand with the NASA aircraft that conducted remote sensing work.

Measuring Life from Space

The BioSCape project is revolutionizing how we study ecosystems—advancing global conservation efforts. Discover how UB is leading the charge for a sustainable future.

Aerial view of Fairbanks, Alaska, where a UB-led team will head a project that aims to, in part, understand how climate adaptation intersects with long-standing challenges related to housing delivery.

Building Climate Resilience

UB researchers are partnering with communities to develop sustainable housing solutions—insights that could shape climate adaptation. See how UB is building climate resilience nationwide.

Support Sustainability at UB

Sustainable Manufacturing Fund

Healthy Communities Lab Fund

Find Your Cause

UB's 10 in 10

UB’s 10 in 10 is our roadmap to net zero emissions by 2030. Through innovative, actionable steps shaped by diverse campus input, this framework drives climate action across ten key areas—each led by a dedicated working group. Learn more about these sustainable initiatives.

(1) Put a price on pollution.
(2) Not all electricity is created equal.
(3) Zero carbon mobility.
(4) Keep it cozy and green.
(5) Zero waste and circularity.
(6) Increasing efficiency.
(7) Every action counts.
(8) Taking stock of our food.
(9) Investing locally to provide flexibility.
(10) Responsible investing.

UB Celebrates the First Earth Day in 1970

Ralph Nader addresses the university community on April 22, 1970, as UB celebrates the first Earth Day.

According to UB’s student newspaper, the first Earth Day—April 22, 1970—provided an opportunity for the university to join in an “intense look at the nation’s ravaged environment and the possibility of its salvation.” Months of planning by faculty, students and alumni resulted in a full slate of Earth Day events, including a noontime speech in Clark Hall by Ralph Nader, the nation’s “best-known consumer crusader.” Nader, now 90, continued his political activism for decades, including four runs for U.S. president representing the Green Party.

Faces & Voices

UB in the News

A view of UB's North Campus across Lake LaSalle.

UB Ranks Top 25 for Environmental and Social Impact

UB continues to lead in sustainability, ranking No. 21 in the U.S. and 137th globally. Discover how UB’s environmental and social initiatives are shaping a more sustainable future.

UB is contracting with Clarence-based AJ Tree Services to prune some 844 trees on the North Campus.

Pruning for a Greener Future

A major tree pruning project is underway to improve the health, safety and longevity of UB’s campus trees—ensuring a thriving, sustainable urban forest. Learn how UB is caring for its campus canopy.

The recent renovation of Foster Hall transformed the building into a state-of-the-art teaching and research facility with no scope 1 or 2 carbon emissions.

State Funds UB's Move to Clean Energy

UB is taking a major step toward a greener future with $12 million in state funding to install a thermal energy network. See how UB is leading the charge in sustainable campus innovation.

Illustration of urban planning.

A Smarter Approach to Urban Environmental Policy

UB's Jordan Fox co-develops RAFT, a framework for smarter urban environmental policy. Explore how RAFT is shaping the future of city planning.

Lifelong Learning

Engage with critical sustainability issues through our free webinar series. Gain valuable insights from UB experts as they explore sustainability topics and help shape a better future for all.