Sustainability

RIT is a leader in groundbreaking sustainability research, education, and engagement. The RIT campus is a living laboratory for sustainable technologies, practices, and philosophies within our built and natural environment. Every day, in all that we do, we live the principles of a sustainable community.

Key Facts

2030

Target year for RIT to achieve carbon neutrality

74%

Academic departments that offer sustainability-related courses

8

LEED certified buildings

15

Student clubs involved with sustainability

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Golisano Institute of Technology

Golisano Institute for Sustainability

Sustainable Systems MS

Sustainability Ph.D.

Master of Architecture M.Arch.

Applied Research Centers

Sustainability Institute

Degree Programs in Environmental Studies and Sustainability

Undergraduate Programs

Civil Engineering Technology BS

In RIT’s civil engineering technology degree, you’ll gain the practical theory, knowledge, and skills necessary to analyze and solve complex challenges posed by our nation’s growing infrastructure needs.

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Clean and Renewable Energy Option - Electrical Engineering BS

RIT’s clean and renewable energy option in electrical engineering will prepare you to develop and implement solutions that reduce, prevent, or mitigate serious environmental threats to our planet.

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Energy and the Environment Option - Mechanical Engineering BS

The energy and environment option is focused on identifying, developing, and effectively utilizing alternative energy systems.

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Environmental Science BS (Accelerated dual degree available)

Create a sustainable future for our planet in this innovative bachelor’s degree in environmental science, where you’ll combine a love for nature with cutting-edge research.

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Environmental Sustainability, Health and Safety BS (Accelerated dual degree available)

In RIT’s environmental sustainability, health and safety degree you’ll become an effective champion in making organizations and companies more sustainable and less polluting and employees safer at work.

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Packaging Science BS (Accelerated dual degree available)

Pursue an innovative packaging science degree where you’ll learn how to design, develop, and test sustainable product packaging for a variety of industries including food, medical products, and consumer goods.

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Pre-Baccalaureate Studies in Engineering

Forge your path to engineering excellence with Pre-Baccalaureate Studies in Engineering. Build your foundation.

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Pre-Baccalaureate Studies in Science and Mathematics

Lay the groundwork for a scientific future with Pre-Baccalaureate Studies in Science and Mathematics. Explore the unknown.

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Graduate Programs

Architecture M.Arch.

A NAAB-accredited master of architecture program that provides a well-balanced education that integrates design, technology, and research with sustainability to prepare graduates to enter the modern field of architecture.

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Environmental Science MS

An environmental science master’s degree that balances environmental conservation, human well-being, and economic development to tackle the biggest problems plaguing our environment.

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Environmental, Health and Safety Management MS

In our master’s in environmental health and safety you'll acquire a foundation in the managerial aspects of developing and implementing environmental health and safety management systems to help companies meet sustainability and safety standards.

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Packaging Science MS

The master’s in packaging science enables you to create visually stunning, environmentally friendly packaging that’s functional and durable enough to be aesthetically pleasing and sustainable for the environmental while also withstanding the stresses of distribution and transportation.

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Sustainability Ph.D.

The Ph.D. in sustainability fosters innovation and creativity in solving real-world challenges within social, economic, technological, and business realms. In this inherently interdisciplinary program, you’ll become part of a network of academics from across RIT who are working to optimize sustainable systems and practices in engineering, manufacturing, energy, education, and more.

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Sustainable Systems MS

A sustainability degree that teaches you to apply sustainability science principles to any field to help solve the world’s grand challenges—including pollution, food scarcity, public health crises, and more.

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More sustainability-related degrees and courses

Latest News

November 20, 2024

RIT professor helps to tackle energy access in rural Africa

Williams’ collaborative work tackles the subject of energy access in Sub-Saharan Africa. In 2015, the United Nations established Sustainable Development Goal 7 to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.
November 6, 2024

MFA program blends art and sustainability in growing photographic garden

RIT's MFA in photography and related media's commitment to sustainable practices includes a "photographic garden" containing plants that students and faculty can use for various photographic processes.
November 6, 2024

Students recognized for excellence in graphics and research at national flexographic printing challenge

Undergraduate students at Rochester Institute of Technology took top placements at the Flexographic Technical Association Flexo Forum in Kansas City this Spring. Their project, Aş Evi, was part of the Phoenix Challenge, an annual student design competition, and was recognized for Excellence in Research, Excellence in Graphics, and Excellence in Execution categories.
October 25, 2024

Embracing philosophy and a proactive attitude in environmental conservation research

Depending on their discipline, researchers have different ways of addressing environmental problems. Professor Evelyn Brister believes that having a philosopher on research teams can help balance differing viewpoints and priorities, while also addressing ethical questions that tend to get lost in the mix.