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

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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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)

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

May 8, 2023

Graduates find their niche with RIT’s School of Individualized Study

Thousands of RIT students are graduating this week with majors including engineering, computer science, cybersecurity, business, and fine arts. But more than 250 graduates are also receiving customized bachelor’s and master’s degrees from RIT’s School of Individualized Study, which allows students a flexible education pathway of their choosing.
April 29, 2023

Imagine RIT festival proves the future is bright

Thousands of visitors at the 2023 Imagine RIT: Creativity and Innovation Festival got to see what’s on the horizon in the areas of technology, the arts, and design. Festivalgoers traversed RIT’s campus on Saturday, exploring more than 350 exhibits.
April 28, 2023

RIT hosts glass 3D printer for research, multidisciplinary exploration

The first-of-its-kind technology is opening up new creative possibilities at RIT and beyond — it is working to fuel the future of sustainable manufacturing and even space travel.
April 24, 2023

RIT part of new not-for-profit entity selected by NYC for world-leading climate center

Governors Island, a historical site in New York Harbor for centuries, will be the home to a new world-leading climate solutions center that will position New York City as the global leader for one of the most pressing issues of our time, and RIT is among the affiliate partners.