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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With RIT's industrial engineering BS you'll optimize and improve healthcare, manufacturing and service systems for a more efficient and sustainable world.

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RIT's mechanical engineering technology degree teaches you how products and machinery work through course work and hands-on experiences.

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RIT's product design option of the mechanical engineering technology BS specializes in the study of all engineering aspects of product ideation, innovation, design, and validation.

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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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Earn an advanced certificate in sustainability and develop practical skills in systems thinking, policy, and real-world problem solving.

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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

July 23, 2026

There’s a business case for companies to embrace sustainability – if it’s pitched the right way

The Conversation publishes a piece by Israa Ameen Thiab, pollution prevention engineer in the Golisano Institute for Sustainability, and Clyde Eiríkur Hull, professor in the Department of Management, showing that entrepreneurs are more likely to adopt sustainable business practices when they strengthen competitiveness and profitability rather than being framed as environmental obligations.
July 13, 2026

RIT students help bring Floating Garden to life

The Floating Pavilion, part of a Floating Garden food forest envisioned by New York-based interdisciplinary artist Mary Mattingly, was created by RIT students.
July 1, 2026

NYSP2I selects 10 awardees for 2026-27 Community Grants Program

The New York State Pollution Prevention Institute (NYSP2I) has announced selections for its 2026-2027 Community Grants Program as part of the organization’s ongoing efforts to continue improving the health and environmental quality of New York State.
June 18, 2026

The drawer problem: Why so many of us can’t let go of our old electronics, and what we can do about it

The Conversation features an essay by Eric Williams, professor of sustainability, and Payam Saeedi, Ph.D. candidate in sustainability, examining why many consumers keep old electronics stored in drawers instead of recycling, reselling, or donating them.