What is Sustainability?

Simply defined, sustainability is meeting contemporary needs without compromising the ability of future generations to satisfy their needs.

More comprehensively, it 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 social justice.

To be sustainable, a practice must: preserve – rather than destroy – its ecological base; ensure – rather than undermine – long-term economic benefits, and advance – rather than impede – matters of fairness, equity, and diversity.

The University of Florida has a special obligation to meet the challenges of sustainability. As a leading public educational institution, we play a key role in training the scientific, social, political and cultural 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.

Tracking Progress

Tracking Progress

UF tracks and assesses sustainability goals through the the AASHE STARS program – a transparent, self-reporting framework for colleges and universities to measure their sustainability performance. Learn more about this and other sustainability recognition. Learn More

Looking Forward

Looking Forward

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. Learn More

Meet the Team

Meet the Team

The Office of Sustainability is fortunate to have several talented full and part-time staff, as well as student interns, dedicated to promoting sustainability at UF. Learn more about the Sustainable UF team! Learn More