Virginia Tech’s sustainability initiatives continue to grow
Virginia Tech’s commitment to sustainability has earned international recognition, placing the university in the top 10 percent of the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.
The university’s work in categories such as the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal of Zero Hunger earned it a No. 32 global ranking, driven by agricultural innovations that promote sustainable productivity growth and efforts to reduce food waste, including composting, recycling, and food diversion initiatives within Dining Services.
Virginia Tech’s sustainability achievements were highlighted in the latest Sustainability Annual Report, which the university’s Office of Sustainability releases annually to track progress toward the goals outlined in the Climate Action Commitment.
During the November quarterly meeting of the Board of Visitors’ Buildings and Grounds Committee, Nam Nguyen, executive director of energy and utilities, provided an overview of the university's energy and utilities portfolio as well as a look ahead on the Climate Action Commitment.
Nguyen said it is difficult to anticipate how technology, the economy, and public policy will evolve in the next 10 to 30 years. Because of this, the Climate Action Commitment will undergo a planned assessment for future options in 2025. Additional updates on the Climate Action Commitment's assessment will be shared via Virginia Tech News.
The Sustainability Annual Report, accepted by the Buildings and Grounds Committee at its recent meeting, reflects progress made over the past year:
Recognitions and certifications
Virginia Tech received its highest-ever score in the Sustainability Tracking Assessment & Rating System (STARS) rating, earned LEED Gold certification of Holden Hall and was honored with the 2024 Gold Leaf Award for Arbor Day programming. The Gold Leaf Award recognizes the efforts of dozens of volunteers who planted trees on the Blacksburg campus, enhancing green space near Sterrett Center.
Climate Action Living Laboratory
The Climate Action Living Laboratory initiative has progressed toward a formalized structure that engages more than 150 faculty members in integrating sustainability into student learning. In the 2023-24 academic year, the Office of Sustainability partnered with 12 classes across the colleges to foster hands-on sustainability experiences. For example, students in the Virginia Tech Honors Service Learning course worked with the Office of Sustainability and Office of Energy Management to support the living laboratory's development.
To support its mission, a dedicated subcommittee under the Climate Action, Sustainability, and Energy Committee was established, joining newly formed energy and water subcommittees. These groups are part of an expanding governance framework that supports the Climate Action Commitment.
Sustainable dining
In August, Hitt Hall, a modern facility designed to add critical dining and academic spaces on the Blacksburg campus, was completed. It features Perry Place, a 600-seat, two-story dining venue with a strong focus on sustainability. Perry Place offers grab-and-go options in fully compostable containers and BPI-certified packaging, demonstrating Dining Services’ commitment to reducing waste.
Complementing these efforts, researchers in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the College of Natural Resources and Environment are advancing biodegradable bioplastics made from food waste, contributing to campuswide sustainability goals.
Researchers drive innovation
Virginia Tech researchers continue to advance sustainability on a broader scale. In the College of Natural Resources and Environment, faculty focus on creating sustainable cities through urban forestry, wildlife conservation, and the study of low-carbon building materials, ensuring that urban growth supports both ecosystems and access to green spaces for marginalized communities.
Meanwhile, the Electrified Green Infrastructure Power Conversion Lab in the College of Engineering leads research in developing a low-carbon power grid. By focusing on wind and solar energy integration, the lab supports Virginia Tech’s efforts toward carbon-neutral infrastructure.
Renewable energy and efficiency on campus
This fall, Energy and Utilities in the Division of Facilities added new solar arrays across campus, enhancing Virginia Tech’s renewable energy capacity. Additionally, the campus completed a transition to LED lighting, replacing outdoor campus light fixtures across parking lots and common areas with energy-efficient LED bulbs. These projects support the Climate Action Commitment and reduce energy consumption on campus.
Recent sustainability accomplishments reflect Virginia Tech’s holistic commitment to creating a more sustainable future. Through strategic initiatives, innovative research, and collaborative efforts across the university, Virginia Tech is addressing critical sustainability challenges while enhancing the educational experience for students.
