A University Achieving its Climate and Sustainability Goals

UMass Lowell is committed to climate neutrality as an institution and is a leader in sustainable education, research and innovation. Sustainability is a core commitment in the University’s comprehensive strategy to manage growth and respond to societal needs. As a result, UMass Lowell has seen a dramatic transformation that has generated impressive results and woven sustainability into every aspect of campus life.

Sustainability by the numbers

  • 2050

    Climate Neutrality Target Date

  • 32%

    Total GHG Emissions Reduction Per Square Ft. Since 2012

  • 22%

    Total GHG Emissions Reduction Per Person (FTE) Since 2012

University Recognition

The Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) is a transparent, self-reporting framework for colleges and universities to measure their sustainability performance

Gold in AASHE's STARS Rating System

The Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) is a transparent, self-reporting framework that measures the sustainability performance of 900+ colleges and universities in 41 countries around the world. Learn more about AASHE's STARS.

Sierra_Club_logo

24th in Sierra Club's Cool Schools List

Sierra magazine rates their cool schools on a variety of criteria, including, but not limited to: academics, engagement, planning and administration, and innovation. Learn More: Sierra Club Cool Schools Full List.

The Princeton Review ranks the top 50 Green Colleges, plus reported sustainability information from over 300 more schools. From solar-powered dorms to clean energy career prep, find out the different ways campus life is going green.

Rated Green College by The Princeton Review

The Princeton Review ranks the top 50 Green Colleges, plus reported sustainability information from over 300 more schools. From solar-powered dorms to clean energy career prep, find out the different ways campus life is going green. Learn more: The Princeton Review Guide to Green Colleges.

Atlas Zero Waste Certification is a campus rating system released by the Post-Landfill Action Network (PLAN), a national non-profit organization that supports students and staff leading the Zero Waste Movement on college campuses across the country.

Top 10 Zero Waste Campus

Atlas Zero Waste Certification is a campus rating system released by the Post-Landfill Action Network (PLAN), a national non-profit organization that supports students and staff leading the Zero Waste Movement on college campuses across the country.  Learn more about the Atlas Zero Waste Certification campus rating system.

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Sustainability News

More News
  • A sign next to a freshly made pizza lists ingredients and indicates that it is local and sustainable.

    Eat Local in the University Dining Halls

    With a new sustainability coordinator, the dining halls are incorporating more local produce and hosting sustainability-related events.
    Featured Story
  • A person with dark hair in a wool coat looks at a piece of wood in a wood shop.

    Business Alum Branches Out to a New Career

    Business alum Sean Harrington ’97, an All-American wrestler at UMass Lowell, has started Wolf Tree Wood, which sells one-of-a-kind wood slabs that can be used for custom furniture.
    Featured Story
  • A person hands a certificate to another person in a room.

    Entrepreneurs Earn Green at Clean Green Challenge

    Six sustainability-focused entrepreneurs and startups from across the region competed in the third annual Clean Green Challenge at the UMass Lowell Innovation Hub.