More comprehensively, sustainability means looking at the issues and problems facing our world with a new perspective – one that focuses on three interdependent areas of concern: ecological preservation, economic viability, and environmental justice.
To be sustainable, a practice must:
- preserve – rather than destroy – its ecological base.
- ensure – rather than undermine – long-term economic benefits.
- advance – rather than impede – the interests of vulnerable environments and groups.
The University of Florida has a special obligation to meet the challenges of sustainability. As a leading public education institution, we play a key role in training the leaders, professionals and policy-makers who will make a difference in the world. Additionally, we consume significant resources here on campus, and whether the world is a better or worse place when our students become its citizens, parents, and leaders will be, in no small part, a function of the values, knowledge and skills they receive here.
sustainability planning at uf
To achieve the goal of a sustainable UF, we are committed to encouraging and facilitating the collaborative efforts of faculty, students and staff to generate knowledge, acquire skills, develop values and initiate practices that contribute to a sustainable, high quality of life on campus, in the state of Florida and across the globe.
UF has a special imperative to explore bold innovative solutions that address the environmental, social and economic risks posed by climate impact.
By drawing upon the extensive knowledge, research and practice at the university, there is an opportunity to model a more resilient & sustainable future, prepare our students for work & life, and advance climate action goals across the state, the country and the globe.
UF Strategic Development Plan
In 2017, the University of Florida published the Strategic Development Plan, which seeks to shape the university and surrounding community’s future over the next 40 to 50 years and establish the framework for the “New American City.” The Strategic Development Plan comprises four main initiatives that are directly connected to sustainability:
- New American City
- Proximity
- Strong Neighborhoods
- Stewardship
implementation
The Office of Sustainability supports UF faculty, staff and students in transforming sustainable principles into practice. Learn more about UF’s ongoing efforts and achievements in campus-wide sustainability.