Sustainable solutions at University of Idaho

Responsible resource stewardship

At U of I, sustainable solutions aren’t just a goal — they’re a guiding principle embedded in academics, operations and campus life.

Our Sustainable Solutions Plan charts the path for integrating sustainable practices across the university, with recommendations for academics and research, operations and facilities, student culture, governance and data management.

Sustainable infrastructure

• Composting on campus:  
  • The Office of Sustainability has developed a campus-wide composting program that aims to divert 100% of campus food waste from the landfill, reduce emissions and produce compost for use back on campus. This is achieved through partnerships with IdahoEats, dining and campus services, surplus, recycling and solid waste.
• LEED Gold Certified buildings:
  • The College of Education, Health and Human Science and Integrated Research and Innovation Center (IRIC) underwent major renovations and new construction to earn LEED Gold status — these buildings are adorned with natural light, water-saving fixtures, solar panels, green roofs and rainwater harvesting systems.
  • The ICCU Arena showcases mass-timber construction using wood from the U of I Experimental Forest, reducing carbon footprint and earning green building accolades.
• Green Building Policy:
  • All new construction and major renovations (over 50% of building value) must achieve at least LEED Silver, with strong encouragement to exceed that standard.

Carbon and energy innovation

• Climate commitments:
  In 2005, U of I signed the Talloires Declaration, marking one of its first major steps toward integrating sustainability across campus. In 2010, the university followed with its first Climate Action Plan (CAP), outlining the path toward achieving carbon neutrality.
• District energy and biomass:
  Since 1986, our biomass-powered steam plant has cut CO₂ emissions by 83% and natural gas use by 36%. It’s now also operating as a carbon-negative powerhouse thanks to installed steam turbines generating about 13% of our electricity.
• Solar power:
  The IRIC solar array (368 panels) generates ~132 kW, covering 15% of its energy needs and saving about $19K in the first year.

Campus as a living laboratory

• Every student can obtain sustainability credentials and engage in experiential opportunities that will be invaluable in their future careers. No matter the program or college they are in, all U of I students can enroll in the interdisciplinary sustainability certificate, a 12-credit program of ecological, social and economic courses. The certificate is the first academic credential offered by the university to which all colleges contribute courses. Learn more about the sustainability certificate.
• Faculty development in sustainability: The “Palouse Project” workshops guide faculty in embedding sustainability into coursework, preparing them to participate in the 12-credit sustainability certificate.
• Student-led green funding: Since 2007, the Student Sustainability Cooperative has funded over $160K in student-driven sustainability projects — from native plantings to energy initiatives. 

Awards, rankings and recognition

National rankings

• As of 2024, U of I is a gold-rated STARS institution by AASHE, the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education.  
• University of Idaho is a proud affiliate of Bee Campus USA, a certification awarded by the Xerces Society.
• University of Idaho is recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree Campus in Higher Education.

LEED and innovation honors

• The IRIC and College of Education buildings achieved LEED Gold in 2017.  
• The ICCU Arena earned recognition from the Canadian Wood Council, AIA Oregon and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative.

Ongoing training and certification

• Staff and professional development: 
  Biannual sustainability training is available for all campus staff. The Office of Sustainability offers ongoing online modules and surveys to refine learning.  

Why it matters — for you and our planet

• For students: Learn and live sustainability — earning credentials that open opportunities in growing green industries.
• For Idaho: Eco-smart buildings, renewable energy and community-focused research reinforce U of I’s leadership and support local innovation.
• For the planet: With every biomass plant upgrade and solar panel installation, we’re reducing emissions and proving that sustainability and higher education go hand in hand.