Through the Rist Institute for Sustainability & Energy, UMass Lowell advances sustainability across campus operations, academics, research, workforce development, and community partnerships.
Established in January 2015, the Office of Sustainability works collaboratively across the university and with external partners to implement innovative programs and initiatives that support the university’s climate neutrality goals and broader sustainability mission. This work includes nationally recognized sustainability planning and reporting efforts, campus engagement initiatives and hands-on experiential learning opportunities through the Urban Agriculture Program, developed in partnership with community organizations and highlighted by the Rist Urban Agriculture Greenhouse and Farm. Together, these efforts demonstrate UMass Lowell’s holistic approach to sustainability and have contributed to the university earning a Platinum Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System (STARS) rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE).
The Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) is a transparent, self-reporting framework that measures the sustainability performance of 1,225+ colleges and universities in 43 countries around the world. Learn more about AASHE's STARS.
Sierra magazine rates their cool schools on a variety of criteria, including, but not limited to: academics, engagement, planning and administration, and innovation. Learn More: Sierra Club Cool Schools Full List.
The Princeton Review ranks the top 50 Green Colleges, plus reported sustainability information from over 300 more schools. From solar-powered dorms to clean energy career prep, find out the different ways campus life is going green. Learn more: The Princeton Review Guide to Green Colleges.
Atlas Zero Waste Certification is a campus rating system released by the Post-Landfill Action Network (PLAN), a national non-profit organization that supports students and staff leading the Zero Waste Movement on college campuses across the country. Learn more about the Atlas Zero Waste Certification campus rating system.
