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VCU earns STARS Gold Rating & announces new One VCU Sustainability Plan
With another STARS Gold achievement recognized, the new One VCU Sustainability Plan will strengthen the commitment of the university and health system. Learn more.
Announcements
VCU again receives top rating for sustainability as comprehensive schoolwide initiative takes hold
With another STARS Gold achievement recognized, the new One VCU Sustainability Plan will strengthen the commitment of the university and health system. Learn more.
Black + Gold = Green @ VCU
Preparations for a “green game” on Tuesday, February 4th are well underway (7pm v. LaSalle). The goal for this special event is to maximize the diversion of waste from the landfill that is generated during a VCU Rams Men’s Basketball Conference game. This is part of a nationwide competition, the Campus Race to Zero Waste. Volunteers will be recruited for this essential fan-facing and behind-the-scenes work. More information to follow in January 2025!
Sustainability achievements and initiatives
STARS Gold Rating
In November 2024, VCU earned a STARS Gold Rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education. STARS measures sustainability achievements in academics, engagement, operations, planning and administration, and innovation and leadership.
23 LEED certified buildings
VCU and VCU Health have 23 LEED certified buildings, an independent verification of a building’s green features, allowing for the design, construction, operations and maintenance of resource-efficient, high-performing, healthy and cost-effective buildings.
Institute for Sustainability Energy and Environment
ISEE's mission is to address the existential threat of climate change by creating sustainable energy systems and sustainable ecologies, while educating students and working with community partners to meet these challenges.
Alternative Transportation Program
The program is designed to reduce single-occupancy vehicles use on campus, decrease the demand for parking, and increase savings for students, employees and the environment. Highlights include RamBikes, unlimited local transportation access via GRTC and more.
ONE VCU Sustainability Plan
After two years of work, the draft recommendations have been published to the ONE VCU Sustainability Plan website.
Programs
Find out about our programs serving the VCU and Richmond community and how you can get involved. Programs include the community forestry program, gardening program and the Free Store.
Metrics
See our campus greenhouse gas emissions reporting and learn about other measures we've implemented on campus.
Follow us
Follow us on Instagram to learn more about our initiatives and how you can get involved.