The University of Miami started 2025 on a green note! Our ranking went up from #26 to #13 in the Princeton Review Top 50 Green Colleges. This very competitive list highlights institutions with excellent "sustainability practices, a strong foundation in sustainability education, and a healthy quality of life for students on campus." Learn more The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ranked the University No. 8 on its Top 30 College and University list of green power users. The University also became a member of the EPA’s Green Power Partnership program. Learn more
History In 2005, the University launched Green U, under the direction of Alan J Fish (The Vice President of Business Services at the time) in order to officially categorize and direct the numerous sustainability efforts of the University. Green U’s first aim was to make UM: “a community leader in the acquisition of environmentally responsible products and the practice of ecologically sound maintenance and operations procedures.” In 2007, President Donna E. Shalala signed the 2nd Nature - American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment. This historical event sent a strong and unequivocal message about University of Miami’s dedication to sustainability. As part of this commitment, a Climate Action Plan was designed in 2009 (download here). The University of Miami, since then, has taken steps towards carbon neutrality and has engaged in the path of Greenhouse Gas emissions reduction. The American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment is a project developed by the national organization 2nd Nature in partnership with the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), from which the University of Miami is an active member. The commitment provides a framework and support for America’s colleges and universities to become Carbon neutral. Following the 2nd Nature Presidents Climate Commitment, the University of Miami has been initiating actions to reduce greenhouse gases:
Through its teaching and research endeavors, as well as the operations of its overall enterprise, the University of Miami is committed to the safeguarding of the environment. Innovative programs in schools and colleges, interdisciplinary centers and institutes, and events and activities throughout the University address issues involving a wide spectrum of environmental concerns.
The University of Miami reports its Green House Gas inventory through the 2nd Nature Reporting Platform, and is on track with its first milestones on carbon emission reduction.
Mission Statement: ROADMAP TO OUR NEW CENTURY Our Foundation: "Improve the effectiveness and efficiency of administrative and operational processes that are critical to our long-term success. Further expand our commitment and the major efforts already underway to advance environmental responsibility across our University and reduce our carbon footprint. Grow our endowment to provide financial stability while enabling us to make strategic investments, pursue opportunities, and respond to challenges." University of Miami Strategic Plan Since 2017, the University have decided to use the Sustainability Tracking Assessment and Rating System as the most appropriate tool for this endeavor. The Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System™ (STARS) is a transparent, self-reporting framework for colleges and universities to measure their sustainability performance. UM is an active member of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education. In 2022, UM received a Gold rating on STARS for its achievments in sustainability performance. This ranking was allowed by the implementation of our Sustainability Action Plan 2019. You can download our Sustainability Report 2020. A new Sustainability Action Plan 2025 is being developed. You can send us your feedback on potential improvement of sustainability performance at the U by contacting greenu@miami.edu.
“Our Facilities Operations and Planning group is leading the effort to seek new and innovative ways for the University to meet its sustainability goals through conservation, reducing, reuse and recycling programs […]
and reducing their energy consumption”
The Office of Sustainability's efforts are coordinated through the Department of Facilities, Operations and Planning. Green U works with staff, faculty, students, alumni and community partners to promote a culture of environmental stewardship and sustainable development; its mission is to spread sustainable behaviors, practices and policies that will minimize our impacts on natural resources, reduce our carbon footprint and foster a more balanced relationship between humans and their surrounding environment.