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.

Topics

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

Degree Programs in Environmental Studies and Sustainability

Undergraduate Programs

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.

Learn more about the Civil Engineering Technology BS program 

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.

Learn more about the Clean and Renewable Energy Option - Electrical Engineering BS program 

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

Learn more about the Energy and the Environment Option - Mechanical Engineering BS program 

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. 

Learn more about the Environmental Science BS program 

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. 

Learn more about the Environmental Sustainability, Health and Safety BS program 

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.

Learn more about the Packaging Science BS program 

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

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

Graduate Programs

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.

Learn more about the Architecture M.Arch. program 

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

Learn more about the Environmental Science MS program 

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.

Learn more about the Environmental, Health and Safety Management MS program 

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.

Learn more about the Packaging Science MS program 

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.

Learn more about the Sustainability Ph.D. program 

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.

Learn more about the Sustainable Systems MS program 

Latest News

Thought Leaders in Sustainability

Dennis Andrejko
Department Chair
585-475-2405

Golisano Institute for Sustainability

Callie Babbitt
Professor
585-475-6277

Golisano Institute for Sustainability

Lisa Greenwood
Assistant Professor
585-475-2026

College of Engineering Technology

Eric Hittinger
Associate Professor

College of Liberal Arts

Saunders College of Business

Alex Lobos
School Director
585-475-7417

College of Art and Design

Mindy Magyar
Associate Professor
585-475-6396

College of Art and Design

Nabil Nasr
Associate Provost Academic Affairs and Director of GIS
585-475-5106

Golisano Institute for Sustainability

Jennifer Schneider
Eugene Fram Chair
585-475-2092

Academic Affairs