Green Fund Projects
The Green Fund supports student-initiated projects that improve the sustainability of campus facilities. Explore recently funded projects and browse previous years’ projects in the Green Fund Project Archives.
2025-2026 Projects
Spring 2026 | $1,510
Thrift Shop, Housing
Students will establish a thrift shop in a Housing location to encourage residents to reuse clothing and other household and school supplies.
Spring 2026 | $1,650
Hydroponics, D.C. Smith
Students from Engineers for a Sustainable World are working with D.C. Smith staff to design and install a Nutrient Film Technique hydroponics system for educational use in the greenhouse. This system is the most water-efficient of all hydroponic system types.
Spring 2026 | $12,000
Renewable Diesel, Waste & Recycling
Students are running Life Cycle Assessments and Cost-Benefit Analyses to determine greenhouse gas emissions and cost differences between using renewable diesel and petroleum, in collaboration with UW Waste & Recycling and the City of Madison.
Spring 2026 | $104,000
Autoclave Efficiency Retrofit, Birge Hall
Students will work with staff to calculate the energy and water savings resulting from replacing two autoclaves. This pilot will inform UW and state-wide programs for retrofits and preventative maintenance.
Fall 2025 | $2,520
Food Waste Tracking, Wisconsin Union
The Union will pilot a food waste tracking system that integrates with its existing software, with the goal of significantly reducing waste.