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

Learn more about campus sustainability

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

Nearly every industry is focusing its efforts on developing and investing in clean and renewable energy options, creating exciting career opportunities where you can make a difference in the future of the environment.

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Electrical Engineering BS (Accelerated dual degree available)

In RIT’s electrical engineering degree, you’ll synthesize science, mathematics, technology, and application-oriented designs into world-class consumer products, timely microprocessors, state-of-the-art computers, advanced electronic components, and much more.

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Environmental Science BS (Accelerated dual degree available)

Combine a love for nature with cutting-edge research to create a sustainable future for our planet in this innovative environmental science degree.

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

In this environmental sustainability major, you’ll learn how environmentally sustainable practices support environmental protections and champion efforts to make industries cleaner and communities safer.

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Packaging Science BS

An innovative packaging science degree where you’ll design product packaging for food, cosmetics, electronics, retail, and consumer goods.

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Pre-Baccalaureate Studies in Science and Mathematics

The pre-baccalaureate studies program is available to students who are accepted by NTID and are close to, but not fully ready for, direct entry into a baccalaureate-level program through one of the other colleges of RIT. It is a bridge program for qualified students, based on academic transcripts, scores on admissions tests, and other evidence that supports a reasonable expectation of success in baccalaureate course work. Qualified students who are undecided as to a program of study may choose the career exploration studies program.

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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 Engineering MS

A sustainable engineering degree that allows you to reduce a product’s environmental effects at every stage of its lifecycle–from conception, development, and prototyping to commercialization, recycling, and disposal.

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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

March 24, 2023

Researcher receives funding to improve infrastructure safety for nuclear waste disposal

Researchers at RIT are investigating the combined physical effects of heat, chemical reactions, and seismic activity on concrete lining structures used to dispose of nuclear waste. Results from the work could improve nuclear waste infrastructure designs, better long-term safety management, and refine strategies to meet climate change targets.
March 20, 2023

IDX TV at RLA Las Vegas 2023 – interview with Nabil Nasr, CEO of REMADE Institute

IDX TV talks to Nabil Nasr, associate provost, director of Golisano Institute for Sustainability, and REMADE CEO, about the circular economy in the U.S.
March 20, 2023

National institute, led in part by RIT, hosting first-ever conference in Washington, D.C.

REMADE Institute, led in part by RIT, this week is hosting the inaugural REMADE Circular Economy Technology Summit and Conference in Washington, D.C., showcasing promising strategies and technologies for accelerating the adoption of a circular economy.
March 16, 2023

Pollution Prevention Institute at RIT accepting Community Grants Program applications

The New York State Pollution Prevention Institute is accepting applications for the organization’s 2023-2024 Community Grants Program. The program, founded in 2008, is part of the NYSP2I’s ongoing efforts to continue improving the health and environmental quality of New York state.