Sustainability

RIT is a leader in groundbreaking sustainability research, education, and engagement. The RIT campus is a living laboratory for sustainable technologies, practices, and philosophies within our built and natural environment. Every day, in all that we do, we live the principles of a sustainable community.

Key Facts

2030

Target year for RIT to achieve carbon neutrality

74%

Academic departments that offer sustainability-related courses

8

LEED certified buildings

15

Student clubs involved with sustainability

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Golisano Institute of Technology

Golisano Institute for Sustainability

Sustainable Systems MS

Sustainability Ph.D.

Master of Architecture M.Arch.

Applied Research Centers

Sustainability Institute

Degree Programs in Environmental Studies and Sustainability

Undergraduate Programs

Civil Engineering Technology BS

In RIT’s civil engineering technology degree, you’ll gain the practical theory, knowledge, and skills necessary to analyze and solve complex challenges posed by our nation’s growing infrastructure needs.

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Clean and Renewable Energy Option - Electrical Engineering BS

RIT’s clean and renewable energy option in electrical engineering will prepare you to develop and implement solutions that reduce, prevent, or mitigate serious environmental threats to our planet.

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Energy and the Environment Option - Mechanical Engineering BS

The energy and environment option is focused on identifying, developing, and effectively utilizing alternative energy systems.

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Environmental Science BS (Accelerated dual degree available)

Create a sustainable future for our planet in this innovative bachelor’s degree in environmental science, where you’ll combine a love for nature with cutting-edge research.

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Environmental Sustainability, Health and Safety BS (Accelerated dual degree available)

In RIT’s environmental sustainability, health and safety degree you’ll become an effective champion in making organizations and companies more sustainable and less polluting and employees safer at work.

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Packaging Science BS (Accelerated dual degree available)

Pursue an innovative packaging science degree where you’ll learn how to design, develop, and test sustainable product packaging for a variety of industries including food, medical products, and consumer goods.

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Pre-Baccalaureate Studies in Engineering

Forge your path to engineering excellence with Pre-Baccalaureate Studies in Engineering. Build your foundation.

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Pre-Baccalaureate Studies in Science and Mathematics

Lay the groundwork for a scientific future with Pre-Baccalaureate Studies in Science and Mathematics. Explore the unknown. Learn more about the program

Graduate Programs

Architecture M.Arch.

A NAAB-accredited master of architecture program that provides a well-balanced education that integrates design, technology, and research with sustainability to prepare graduates to enter the modern field of architecture.

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Environmental Science MS

An environmental science master’s degree that balances environmental conservation, human well-being, and economic development to tackle the biggest problems plaguing our environment.

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Environmental, Health and Safety Management MS

In our master’s in environmental health and safety you'll acquire a foundation in the managerial aspects of developing and implementing environmental health and safety management systems to help companies meet sustainability and safety standards.

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Packaging Science MS

The master’s in packaging science enables you to create visually stunning, environmentally friendly packaging that’s functional and durable enough to be aesthetically pleasing and sustainable for the environmental while also withstanding the stresses of distribution and transportation.

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Sustainability Ph.D.

The Ph.D. in sustainability fosters innovation and creativity in solving real-world challenges within social, economic, technological, and business realms. In this inherently interdisciplinary program, you’ll become part of a network of academics from across RIT who are working to optimize sustainable systems and practices in engineering, manufacturing, energy, education, and more.

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Sustainable Systems MS

A sustainability degree that teaches you to apply sustainability science principles to any field to help solve the world’s grand challenges—including pollution, food scarcity, public health crises, and more.

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More sustainability-related degrees and courses

Latest News

April 15, 2024

RIT Singers team up with Madrigalia and RIT exhibitors

The RIT Singers will join members of the local singing group Madrigalia to present a concert dedicated to protecting and sustaining the Earth, and revitalizing nature. Formed in 1975, the chamber choir has collaborated with local and international audiences as well as premiering new works.
April 12, 2024

Imagine RIT: Creativity and Innovation Festival set for April 27

Detecting deepfakes, a device to help grocery stores like Wegmans inspect strawberries and reduce waste, and even the economic impact of Taylor Swift are just a few of the nearly 400 exhibits at this year’s Imagine RIT: Creativity and Innovation Festival.
April 4, 2024

REMADE to host conference in D.C.

The Rochester Beacon talks to Nabil Nasr, associate provost and director of Golisano Institute for Sustainability, about the conference.
March 21, 2024

What's our e-waste worth?

Marketplace talks to Callie Babbitt, professor in the Department of Sustainability, about how to recycle electronics.