A large solar array spans the width of a roof; there are clear blue skies in the background, and prairie plants in the foreground.

Institutional Sustainability Goals

Achieving UW–Madison’s sustainability goals will drastically reduce our campus’s environmental impact, deepen our culture of sustainability, build climate resilience, and inspire innovations that will benefit our campus, the people of Wisconsin, and the planet.

A large tour group wearing safety vests and hard hats stand smiling next to a large solar array.

Procure 100% renewable electricity by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2048 to drastically reduce UW–Madison’s carbon footprint, improve public health, and address global climate change.

Ten students in Badger gear gather around a sign that says "Certified Green Event: Please help sort waste at designated waste stations"

Achieve a zero-waste campus by 2040 by sustainably managing materials and related emissions from procurement and use to reuse or disposal.

Researchers seated in small groups engage in discussion during a breakout session at the Sustainability Research Visioning Event, with notes, laptops, and collaborative materials on the tables.

Facilitate large, interdisciplinary grants and drive sustainability innovation through the Sustainability Research Hub.

A woman stands at the front of a full lecture hall conducting a science experiment.

Meet the demand from prospective and current students by ensuring all interested students have access to sustainability educational experiences.

Two staff members stand side-by-side in a greenhouse, smiling and holding hand-painted mini aquaponics jars.

Maintain STARS Gold in 2028 to align UW–Madison performance with peer institutions and foster campus-wide participation in sustainability efforts.

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