Sustainability at UW–Madison: 2024–25 Highlights

In February 2024, Chancellor Jennifer L. Mnookin announced a university-wide environmental sustainability initiative centered around five goals: launching the Sustainability Research Hub to accelerate interdisciplinary research and external collaboration; attaining STARS Gold as a framework to drive cross-campus …

My Green Lab Certification Program Seeks More Early Adopters

Over the last three years, 21 labs on the UW–Madison campus have committed to becoming more sustainable by limiting waste, reducing energy consumption, and using greener chemicals. Through the Office of Sustainability (OS), these labs …

UW–Madison deploys AI recycling assistants to support waste reduction goals 

The University of Wisconsin–Madison has deployed four state-of-the-art AI recycling assistants called “Oscar Sort” (“Oscars”) across campus, marking an exciting step in the university’s commitment to sustainable operations, education, and research.   The Oscars, which use …

From zero waste meals to a dance-filled harvest festival, Sustain-a-Bash shows the vibrancy of sustainability at UW

Late last month, you may have seen UW-Madison’s Bucky the Badger dancing from Library Mall to Gordon Lawn, members of the marching band in tow with trumpets and drums, and students marching with signs that …

Exploring the Intersection Between Storytelling and Science: From the Office of Sustainability to the Milwaukee Water Commons

By Chandler Wells In our “Where Are They Now?” series, current student interns interview former interns about their experience at the Office of Sustainability, particularly how that experience has helped them since graduation. In the …

15 Ways Students Can Get Involved with UW–Madison’s New Sustainability Goals

In February 2024, Chancellor Mnookin announced a groundbreaking commitment to sustainability. Mnookin laid out five goals across fields of sustainability that will guide UW–Madison over the next two decades: achieve net-zero emissions by 2048, create …