About Sustainability
What is Sustainability?
Sustainability, as defined by the United Nations, is "meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." At The University of Toledo, we fully embrace this definition and are dedicated to creating a campus that values the balance between People, Planet, and Profit. These three pillars—environmental, social, and economic sustainability—are central to all our activities.
The People pillar emphasizes social sustainability, focusing on personal responsibility, equal treatment, and community engagement. Our goal is to establish a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone's voice is heard, and all individuals play a role in building a sustainable campus.
The Planet pillar represents our commitment to environmental sustainability, recognizing that all essential life resources come from the environment. Preserving our natural resources is crucial; without a healthy environment, we cannot build an equitable society or a thriving economy. Our initiatives aim to conserve resources, reduce waste, and minimize our carbon footprint to ensure a healthier planet for future generations.
The Profit pillar involves economic sustainability, focusing on the efficient use of natural and financial resources to ensure long-term growth. Our approach to this pillar includes fostering innovation and creating sustainable impacts that benefit the campus and the broader community.
To achieve a sustainable future, we acknowledge the essential interconnectivity between People, Planet, and Profit, guiding our approach to all sustainability efforts on campus. The University of Toledo actively contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aligning our initiatives with these global targets to create a positive impact locally and globally. Additionally, we engage with the AASHE Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS), covering the criteria, to the best of our ability, to ensure our campus is a leader in best practices for sustainability in higher education.
Sustainability Policy Sustainability Strategic Plan
Student Green Fund
A key component of our efforts within the Office of Sustainability is the UT Student Green Fund, which is funded by voluntary student donations. This fund serves as a catalyst for
student-driven sustainability projects, offering students the opportunity to turn
their innovative ideas into real-world solutions. It supports a wide range of initiatives,
from promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency to waste reduction programs
and educational events. The Student Green Fund not only finances tangible projects like renewable energy installations and waste
reduction systems, but also supports student participation in conferences, workshops,
public classes, and internships that deepen their understanding of sustainability.