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

Analyze and solve real-world infrastructure challenges in RIT’s civil engineering technology degree.

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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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Lead sustainability initiatives and promote safer, healthier, and more resilient workplaces and communities with RIT’s ESHS degree.

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Drive real-world change: transform food systems, advance sustainable production, and mitigate pollution through RIT’s sustainability option in ESHS BS.

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Prepare for careers in hazard assessment and emergency planning with the surveying and geospatial analysis option - ESHS BS at RIT.

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Gain core packaging engineering skills of designing and testing sustainable packaging for food, medical, and consumer product industries.

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

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

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Graduate Programs

Blend design, research, and sustainability in RIT’s NAAB-accredited master’s in architecture.

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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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Lead sustainability and safety efforts with RIT’s MS in environmental health and safety management.

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Design sustainable, functional packaging that stands out. RIT’s MS in packaging science blends creativity and engineering to craft creative packaging solutions.

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RIT’s Ph.D. in sustainability solves real-world challenges and optimizes sustainable systems across tech, business, energy, and more.

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Solve global challenges using sustainability science in energy, food, health, and more.

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More sustainability-related degrees and courses

Latest News

March 24, 2026

RIT initiative helps golf courses cut pollution and protect waterways

The program has helped hundreds of New York golf courses measurably reduce their environmental footprint.
March 12, 2026

Up to $240,000 available for pollution prevention through Community Grants Program

The New York State Pollution Prevention Institute (NYSP2I) is accepting applications for the organization’s 2026-2027 Community Grants Program.
March 12, 2026

The Biggest Barrier to Textile Recycling? Disassembly

Vogue Business highlights research at the Golisano Institute for Sustainability that is developing automated systems using AI and robotics to disassemble garments and enable large-scale textile recycling. (This content will require a subscription to view.)
March 10, 2026

Rochester’s next industrial chapter is the circular economy

Democrat and Chronicle speaks to Nabil Nasr, associate provost and director of Golisano Institute for Sustainability, about positioning Rochester as a leader in circular manufacturing and material reuse. (This content may require a subscription to view.)