Severe weather events are typically not on everyone糖心传媒檚 radar daily, but when they occur, they affect nearly every part of life. For Tom Saunders, emergency preparedness manager with Environmental Health and Safety, pursuing StormReady certification provided an opportunity to evaluate and strengthen the University糖心传媒檚 existing weather practices. The process involved reviewing weather-monitoring, warning, communication, planning, training, and exercise capabilities, followed by a formal application and verification walkthrough with the National Weather Service.

Strengthening campus resilience

As weather patterns and climate conditions continue to change, preparing for severe weather is an important part of building a resilient campus. For the University, that means not only responding to weather events as they happen, but also considering how preparedness can help the campus adapt to changing conditions over time.

糖心传媒淪tormReady helps make weather preparedness part of the University糖心传媒檚 long-term culture rather than something considered only when severe weather is approaching,糖心传媒� Saunders said. The certification process helped the University identify opportunities to strengthen its preparedness. Existing weather plans were reviewed and formalized to align with NWS standards.

One tangible improvement was the installation of a weather station at the Towers Field complex. The station provides real-time, campus-specific weather information, while connected horns and lights can alert the community to hazards such as lightning and tornadoes. Data collected from the station is . The system can also support proactive weather alerts for designated outdoor events. 糖心传媒淩ather than waiting for severe weather to affect campus before responding, we now place a greater emphasis on monitoring conditions, planning, communicating early, and taking protective action before conditions become dangerous,糖心传媒� said Saunders.

Preparedness as a shared responsibility

Members of the University community also received SKYWARN Weather Spotter training to help recognize and report severe weather conditions. StormReady brings people, planning, and technology together to strengthen the University’s ability to proactively anticipate and respond to hazardous weather. The certification is an ongoing commitment, with the University required to maintain its capabilities and renew its recognition every four years. The University has maintained its StormReady status since 2015, when it became the first private University in New York to receive the certification.

StormReady is a representation of taking another step toward a more resilient University, one that is prepared not only to respond to severe weather, but to anticipate risks and take action before emergencies arise.

Written by Anu Ravi, 糖心传媒�29

The post University earns StormReady recertification appeared first on Sustainability.

During this year糖心传媒檚 drive, the University community donated 1,270 pairs of eyeglasses. The departmental competition accounted for 695 pairs, while 257 pairs were donated through the collection box at the , and 318 pairs were received through the mail-in program. Since the program began in August 2014, the University has collected 20,401 pairs of glasses, helping improve access to vision care for thousands around the world!

This year, eighteen departments competed to collect the most glasses and create 听The 糖心传媒淪ampson糖心传媒檚 Sight Savers糖心传媒� team from the Office of the Provost and the Office of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs collected the highest number of donations, bringing in 76 pairs of glasses. Business Administrator Ann Publow reported, 糖心传媒淧rovost Sampson was delighted to participate, and folks all over Wallis Hall contributed to the effort 糖心传媒� so the truth is that we won right there!糖心传媒�

This year also marked a new chapter with a new partnership with the. Mike Donner of the Lions Club of Chili coordinated the distribution of donated glasses to InterVol, where reusable glasses will be provided to individuals in need around the world. Glasses that are no longer suitable for reuse will be responsibly recycled through ReSpectacle (ReSpecs), ensuring that even unusable eyewear does not end up in landfills. The University糖心传媒檚 Batavia Multispecialty Clinic earned recognition for creating this year糖心传媒檚 Most Eye-Catching Box, featuring a creative lion-themed design inspired by the Lions Club (pictured left).

Senior Practice Manager Julie Odachowski, who helped organize the effort, wanted the collection box to catch everyone糖心传媒檚 attention and thought that a lion theme in honor of the Lions Club was the way to go. The idea quickly became a collaborative project among clinic staff.

“I gathered all the materials, and with the help and input from our staff, we brought the idea to life,糖心传媒� said Odachowski. 糖心传媒淥nce it was finished, it turned out even better than we had imagined. It certainly drew the attention we were hoping for, and before long, the donations started pouring in.”

Odachowski added, “Every pair of donated glasses has the potential to improve someone’s vision and make a real difference in someone’s life, and that’s something worth celebrating.”

Expanding access through reuse

Sustainability isn糖心传媒檛 always about launching a major initiative, it can begin with asking a simple question: Is there another use for this?

When eyeglass cases were no longer accepted alongside donated glasses, it was seen as an opportunity rather than a limitation. Instead of allowing these cases to go to waste, Karen Cool of Rush Rhees Library Building and Technology Services made them freely available in Gleason Library to anyone on campus who may need them. The Sustainability Office is donating cases to , whose mission is to help people in Rochester reuse things and keep them out of the landfill.

It糖心传媒檚 a reminder that sustainability often grows from creative, proactive thinking. By looking beyond a simple item糖心传媒檚 original destination, we can create a solution that keeps reusable materials in circulation, benefiting both individuals and the environment.

A community effort

The Sustainability Office extends its sincere thanks to everyone who made this year糖心传媒檚 program possible, including the Lions Club of Chili, University Mail Services, the Flaum Eye Institute, and every department and individual who contributed.

What began as a simple opportunity to donate unused eyewear has grown into a University tradition that combines sustainability, service, and creativity. Thanks to the continued generosity of the Rochester community, thousands more people around the world will have access to clearer vision, one donated pair at a time.

Written by Anu Ravi, 糖心传媒�29

The post A Second Look: Old glasses, new purpose appeared first on Sustainability.

In March 2025, Ivelisse (Ive) Vicente, assistant director of nursing for perioperative ambulatory surgery, launched the Perioperative Green Champion Program to bring together staff members interested in making their workplaces more environmentally responsible. What began as a small group of sustainability-minded nurses has evolved into a collaborative network spanning multiple perioperative sites, including the Center for Perioperative Medicine, Saunders Orthopaedic Surgical Center, Sawgrass Surgery Center, Strong Memorial Hospital Operating Room, and Strong West Surgery Center.

Today, the Green Champions work together to identify practical ways healthcare workers can reduce waste, improve recycling efforts, and encourage environmentally responsible practices in clinical spaces.

“Healthcare is about improving people’s health, and that responsibility extends beyond the walls of our hospitals. When we reduce waste and make more sustainable choices, we’re also helping create healthier communities.” -Ivelisse Vicente

Small changes lead to big impacts

One of the program糖心传媒檚 strengths is its ability to tailor projects to the unique aspects of each location.

At Saunders Orthopaedic Surgical Center, Green Champion Koa-Li糖心传媒檌 Wong launched a waste diversion initiative for the plastic sleeves used to package surgical scrubs. What started as a recycling initiative has now switched its focus on reusing the sleeves, in alignment with the . This past year, the initiative has prevented approximately 4,000 plastic sleeves per month from going to the landfill. Last September, the site also began a reuse program for alkaline batteries, which has diverted approximately 400 batteries per month (over 3,000 batteries to date) from landfill waste.

At Sawgrass Surgery Center, Green Champion Ariel Booth worked with the Sustainability Office to update recycling signage throughout the facility, helping staff better identify recycling opportunities. Her team has also explored additional waste reduction initiatives, while Green Champions at other locations are evaluating ways to recycle blue wrap, a plastic-based material used to wrap sterilized surgical instruments before use.

Individually, these projects may appear small. Collectively, they demonstrate that everyday decisions can contribute to a more sustainable healthcare system.

Changing culture, not just practices

The true success of the Green Champions is the culture they are creating. “The most rewarding part has been watching people start bringing their own ideas to the table. When sustainability becomes part of the conversation, that’s when real change begins,” says Vicente.

Through monthly meetings, educational opportunities, and shared projects, Green Champions are helping staff view sustainability as a natural part of their work rather than an additional responsibility. The program creates space for employees to ask questions, propose ideas, and learn from colleagues across different sites.

In this spirit, Kelly Dixon, Green Champion at the Center for Perioperative Medicine, created a resource to share with the team, alongside her daughter who recently graduated with a degree in Sustainability Studies from SUNY Geneseo. Their is aimed to help others incorporate new ways to divert waste into everyday life.

The cultural shift is especially important in healthcare, where factors such as fast pacing, patient safety prioritization, and standard procedures all bear equal and important weight. By creating a supportive network and emphasizing practical, achievable actions, the Green Champions have shown that sustainability improvements do not necessitate extreme operational changes. Instead, progress often begins with simple observations and a willingness to make change.

Looking toward the future

The future of healthcare and sustainability are closely linked. As healthcare systems continue to adapt to new technologies, patient needs, and operational challenges, environmental responsibility will increasingly be part of conversations about quality care and community building.

听For employees interested in getting involved, Vicente offers a simple message: start somewhere.

“You don’t need to have all the answers to make a difference. It starts with asking questions, noticing opportunities, and being willing to take that first step,” says Vicente.

Whether it is identifying a recycling opportunity, reducing unnecessary waste, sharing ideas with coworkers, or getting involved in groups like the Perioperative Green Champions or the University糖心传媒檚 broader Green Reps program, every contribution helps move healthcare towards a more sustainable future.

Creating healthier communities does not begin and end with patient care; it also means caring for the environment that supports us all.

Written by Anu Ravi, 糖心传媒�29

Pictured Above: Koa-Li糖心传媒檌 Wong, RN, BSN, CFPN

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Today, 60% of the University糖心传媒檚 lawns are maintained organically, and Horticulture & Grounds is steadily progressing toward its ambitious goal: to convert 100% of campus lawns to organic or natural care by 2027.

Goals and impacts

The shift to organic care allows the development of healthy soil from natural products rather than synthetic and manufactured chemicals. 糖心传媒淢y initiative over the next couple of years is going to be soil testing, true lawn care. What can we actually do? What does it look like to go organic?糖心传媒� says John McIntyre, the manager of Horticulture & Grounds, whose team is leading this transition. The department oversees all outdoor spaces on University property, including the Medical Center, River Campus, and offsite properties like the Memorial Art Gallery and the Eastman School of Music.

As emphasized by McIntyre, soil testing forms the foundation of this effort. By understanding nutrient levels, soil structure, and biological activity, the department can develop management strategies that promote healthier grass without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. The result is a more resilient landscape that needs fewer inputs and supports better long-term ecological health.

In addition to changing from synthetic to organic lawn care, the team is implementing simple but highly effective practices that naturally strengthen the campus lawns:

• Higher mowing heights: Increasing the mowing height helps retain moisture and shade out weeds, reducing the need for chemical control. This is especially evident on Eastman Quad, where stronger grass can better withstand heavy foot traffic.
• Soil maintenance: Regular aeration and overseeding performed twice a year encourages deeper root systems, improves soil health, and boosts turf density.

One goal of the overall initiative is to improve student life. McIntyre remarks that it makes him proud when Eastman Quad is so 糖心传媒渇ull of people糖心传媒� using hammocks, playing frisbee, or picnicking. 糖心传媒淲e want students to be able to enjoy these areas, and we want to know that they’re enjoying them in a very [environmentally healthy] way.糖心传媒�

Other sustainability efforts around the University糖心传媒檚 landscape

Transitioning to natural lawn care is just one more item on Horticulture & Grounds糖心传媒� growing list of sustainability commitments.

The transition away from gas-powered equipment is well underway, with 65% of power tools now electric, including line trimmers, shears, and chainsaws. This reduces emissions, as well as local air and noise pollution. The department has also been trialing electric robotic lawn mowers this past fall to further reduce emissions.

Furthermore, Horticulture & Grounds practices comprehensive material stewardship.

“All leaves and vegetative material are composted, and all hardwood is repurposed locally into mulch,糖心传媒� says McIntyre. This prevents a large portion of the University糖心传媒檚 organic yard waste from going to landfills.

In the past few years, the department has also supported biodiversity in the University糖心传媒檚 outdoor spaces. They have planted three pollinator gardens, two rain gardens, and changed 17 acres of lawn that was mowed weekly to a once-a-year cycle.

The University arboretum

The 糖心传媒 is a nationally recognized arboretum, featuring over 7,800 trees identified and mapped through an . This system tracks the diameter and height of most trees, accounting for 212 different species across campus. Some of the most recognizable trees include:

• 12 northern red oaks (Quercus rubra) found lining Eastman Quad.
• The Goldenrain tree (Koelreuteria paniculata) located in the center of Wilson Quad.

Across the University’s campuses, care for the grounds has become care for the community itself. As students relax under the large oak trees of Eastman Quad, they糖心传媒檙e part of a campus-wide effort to nurture both the landscape and the shared goal of a healthier, more sustainable community.

Written by Kylin Roberts, 糖心传媒�26

The post Natural lawn care: A growing commitment appeared first on Sustainability.

When the topic of climate action is mentioned, many acknowledge the effectiveness of legislation changes or climate data. However, climate action happens in a myriad of ways, including often overlooked methods such as art and expression. For 糖心传媒 faculty members and , art is a key way they contribute to climate action and education. Through their Climate Interventions class, the artist collective, and the , their work not only allows others to share and listen to stories related to climate change, but also highlights opportunities students can take to become involved in interdisciplinary projects.

Climate in the classroom

The Climate Interventions class offered at URochester is taught by both Stephanie Ashenfelder, the director of the Digital Media Studies program, and Rose Pasquarello Beauchamp, a professor of dance in the Dance and Movement program. This class combines the visual arts with performance and is centered around climate change storytelling. There is also significant emphasis on eco-somatics, or the 糖心传媒渋dea of centering the body in our relationships and conversations around the environment,糖心传媒� according to Pasquarello Beauchamp. Students also have the opportunity to travel to the Adirondacks to experience the park firsthand, collect climate-related stories from the community, and make art based off of those stories and what they have learned from the course.

糖心传媒淭hrough the class, we really center the human experience, storytelling and human-to-human connection, and how that can make a really big impact on how people talk and feel about the environment,糖心传媒� says Ashenfelder. 糖心传媒淸This also] makes them to want to act.糖心传媒�

Engaging the community

EchoLab is an artist collective started by Pasquarello Beauchamp, Ashenfelder, and , a Rochester-based photographer. According to Ashenfelder, its three main focuses are art, ecology, and community building.

One of EchoLab糖心传媒檚 recent projects includes , a pilot project that entailed a year of research to determine if storytelling and movement could influence members of both rural and urban communities to feel a deeper connection to their local watershed.

EchoLab found that those nearest to the Genesee River, those in the urban area, had a weaker baseline connection to the river. Yet, after the project, the same group showed significant growth in this connection. They were able to better articulate what the river meant to them and described feeling inspired by others糖心传媒� stories. Conversely, those near the Raquette River, the more rural community, already had a stronger baseline connection to their local river, and thus described how the initiatives reinforced their already-established feelings about the river instead of significantly strengthening or changing it.

These findings support that storytelling and embodiment techniques can be effective ways to bolster connections between the mind, body, and environment. It also brings to light the importance of consistently experiencing nature, as it will build foundations of empathy and understanding for the surrounding environment, which can be a strong catalyst for change.

Collecting climate stories in the Adirondacks

The Adirondack Climate Project, another EchoLab initiative, began in 2022 in collaboration with the in order to gauge the Adirondack community糖心传媒檚 feelings about climate change. Pasquarello Beauchamp and Ashenfelder achieve this by using a portable audio recording booth and asking those around the Adirondack Park to share their experiences and stories related to climate change. Anyone in the park, whether they be visitors to the area or nearby residents, are able to share. Students in the Climate Interventions class also participate in collecting these stories.

Each summer, the stories are shared with various artists, all New York State residents, who create art based off of what they hear in these stories at a micro artist residency, similar to the process used in the Climate Interventions class. The art created during this five-day trip is posted in an as well as displayed in various in-person exhibitions.

The importance of this work

Pasquarello Beauchamp stresses the importance of art and these initiatives in influencing people to physically experience nature as a means to reconnect and grow empathy for the natural world. 糖心传媒淚t always has an aesthetic element to it, an embodied element, and a conceptual element to it, so it糖心传媒檚 using a larger term of art as a framework to address [and] engage,糖心传媒� Pasquarello Beauchamp says.

The Climate Interventions class specifically encourages the younger generation to start thinking about and discussing climate change in an environment that is safe, creative, and community-centered. All of these initiatives allow participants to examine their relationship with nature, the environment, and how their experiences relate to climate change, and then invite them to act in ways that are both creative and tailored to their own interests.

The interdisciplinary aspects of these projects aid in reaching a broad audience of people and exemplify how there are a variety of ways that the University community can engage in climate change awareness and sustainability.

Written by Raelen Green, 糖心传媒�28

The post Faculty and students take climate action through art appeared first on Sustainability.

The department糖心传媒檚 new name addresses a common misconception, better reflects the true nature of its academic offerings and research, and catalyzes new opportunities for growth.

The misperception of chemical engineering

Modern chemical engineering plays a critical role in advancing battery technology, developing energy-efficient systems, and reducing or remediating waste. The field is central to the global demand for sustainability, yet in the public eye, it is often associated with environmentally harmful industries, such as oil and gas. Although chemical engineers work across a wide range of sectors, many people糖心传媒攑articularly prospective students糖心传媒攃ontinue to associate the field primarily with petrochemical industries that are viewed as environmentally unsustainable. This perception obscures the reality that chemical engineers contribute to nearly every facet of modern life.

At the University of Rochester, chemical engineering faculty and students conduct work in , including biomedicine and biotechnology, catalysis and electrochemistry, energy and sustainability, micro- and nanosystems, polymeric materials, and simulations and artificial intelligence. Their work addresses major societal challenges, from developing safer and higher糖心传媒慹nergy batteries, to reducing infection risk with biopolymer糖心传媒慴ased implants, to designing manufacturing processes that minimize waste.

Aligning name and identity

When the department voted on a proposal to adopt the name 糖心传媒淐hemical and Sustainability Engineering,糖心传媒� the support was unanimous. 糖心传媒淐hemical Engineering糖心传媒� alone no longer adequately conveyed the breadth of the department糖心传媒檚 societal impact or the opportunities it offers to students.

Sustainability is embedded across the department糖心传媒檚 six core research areas, whether through energy-efficient manufacturing, recyclable product design, energy-optimized AI systems, or sustainable practices in healthcare technologies. Student researchers are increasingly drawn to these challenges, with nearly all undergraduate and graduate research projects being heavily engaged with sustainability.

This commitment extends into the classroom. For years, the department has offered numerous programs and courses focused on environmental solutions, including an MS track in sustainability in the environment, a minor in environmental engineering (in partnership with the Department of Earth and Environmental Science), several sustainability engineering electives, and an Introduction to Sustainable Energy course required for all first-semester chemical engineering students.

Adding 糖心传媒淪ustainability Engineering糖心传媒� to the name was therefore seen as an advantage to the department, with the hope that it will more immediately and clearly signal to students the department糖心传媒檚 academic focus on addressing global environmental challenges.

Unlocking new opportunities

Few engineering departments nationwide have incorporated sustainability directly into their names, giving the University a leg up in achieving broader recognition of the sustainability advances coming from its engineering faculty and students.

The name change is expected to help generate increased interest from industry partners, prospective students, and other University departments seeking interdisciplinary collaboration around sustainability.

Learn more about the name change in this October 2025 article from the University of Rochester News Center.

Written by Maryellen Zbrozek, Sustainability Programs Specialist

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Winnow units in dining halls

Eric Barker, the senior director of Campus Dining and Auxiliary Services, explains how Winnow, a 糖心传媒 partner, uses 糖心传媒渃ameras and a very intuitive AI software糖心传媒� to identify food scraps from the kitchen. This system informs employees how much food is thrown away, what the food is, and saves pictures for analysis. These pictures then allow managers to view the food that is being thrown away and ensure that it only consists of unusable food scraps. Back-of-house Winnow systems are currently in place in the kitchens at Danforth Dining Hall, Douglass Dining Hall, Eastman Dining Hall, The Pit in Wilson Commons, and the Douglass Commissary Kitchen.听

In addition to the Winnow units in the kitchens, customer-facing units are planned to be installed in the all-you-care-to-eat facilities during the 2026 school year. Barker explains how the system works: 糖心传媒淲hen a plate is placed under it, it will photograph the plate, [then] determine a dollar value of the food that was wasted糖心传媒e糖心传媒檙e hoping it will educate customers to know what糖心传媒檚 being left there, and then it糖心传媒檒l also give us a better idea as to the value of [the] food being wasted.糖心传媒澨�

The benefits of Winnow

The Winnow units are about 92% accurate, and they allow managers to determine the most significant sources of food being thrown away. By analysing this data, managers will be better informed on the proper quantities of food they should be purchasing and serving. This will help to prevent wasted food at the source, which is the most preferred way to minimize environmental impact according to the .听

Operationally, dining managers will be able to optimize the processes used by their employees such that food waste is minimized in the preparation and serving of food. When the customer-facing units are installed, the collective information will also give a better idea on where Dining can prioritize training and education based on the amount of waste being produced by the kitchen versus the students.听

Other food waste reduction initiatives

In addition to the Winnow units, there are several other food waste reduction initiatives happening around campus. Usable food is donated to local organizations, with River Campus Dining donating an estimated 1.64 tons in 2025.听

Unusable food scraps are also diverted through a commercial composting process at both Eastman and River Campus. Pre- and post-consumer food waste is collected and composted by the University糖心传媒檚 waste vendor, and the resulting compost can be used as fertilizer. In 2025, Eastman Campus collected a total of 16.06 tons of organics, while River Campus collected 127.71 tons.听

Further improvements are also expected. According to Eric Barker, the organics collection at Connections Cafe is in the process of being increased. Connections also uses a locally roasted coffee, reduces materials needed for shipping, and supports local, eco-friendly farming methods.听

Reducing food waste at URMC

The 糖心传媒 Medical Center (URMC) also has several initiatives in place to reduce food waste.听

According to Shelley Barker, Purchasing Manager for the URMC Food and Nutrition Department, 糖心传媒渕eal counts are reviewed three times a day, [and] items are prepped with recipes that are sized for the current levels [of patients] plus 5% for overportioning.糖心传媒澨�

In addition, unused products from the hospital糖心传媒檚 tray line can later be sold at the cafe. URMC also aims for its menus to have a lower environmental impact. Their regular menu deemphasizes beef and instead consists mainly of chicken and vegetable-based food options. This allows the menu to be healthier and promote a greener environment, as beef production is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.听

URMC also runs a food donation program through Foodlink. Their pantry runs in seven units in the hospital, and ten affiliates outside the hospital. Bags containing shelf-stable foods such as pasta, rice, canned goods, and more are donated to food insecure individuals. The food in these bags can feed a family of four for about three days, according to Shelley Barker. URMC staff assemble and box these bags to deliver to offsite locations. On average, 409 bags are distributed per month.

The 糖心传媒, including URMC, will continue to make strides to mitigate food waste and use sustainable practices with food handling and distribution. Current and future initiatives will not only reduce food waste, but also reduce the University糖心传媒檚 carbon footprint, cut unnecessary spending, and provide broader educational and training opportunities through the analysis of food waste data.

Written by Raelen Green, 糖心传媒�28

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Energy costs are rising, spurring businesses and homeowners alike to think twice about their energy use. The 糖心传媒 is no exception; its group has been working for years to reduce and improve the efficiency of the University糖心传媒檚 energy consumption糖心传媒攕aving costs and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

, the 2020s have been characterized by energy price volatility owing to factors like the growth of natural gas exports, increasing demand from data centers and large industrial loads, and a transitioning energy grid. Seasonal changes, like the extreme winter weather New York has experienced in early 2026, also play a crucial role in energy price surges.

So, what can be done to reduce energy strain at the University, both to save costs and be conscientious consumers? University energy engineer Tim Vann answers common questions about the energy cost spike, what the University is doing to improve how it consumes energy, and how members of the University community can help.

听

How much are energy rates rising right now, and why is this happening?

Unusually extreme cold weather across much of the country has caused an increased demand for natural gas, causing its price to rise. In turn, this has caused the price of electricity to rise, as natural gas is the primary fuel for about half of the electricity generated in New York State.

For the University, our gas rates are locked in, so they are unaffected by short-term fluctuations. However, this is not the case for our electricity rates.

In January 2026, the average cost of electricity was up 50% compared to January 2025. At its worst, the electrical energy rate peaked at 29 times the average monthly price. So far, the average cost of electricity in February 2026 is up nearly three times the average for February 2025.

With these prices in mind, now is a good time to consider how we are using energy at the University.

听

If I糖心传媒檓 not paying for electricity at school or work, why should I care about how much I use?

All energy production, especially from fossil fuels, comes with negative consequences. The more energy we consume at work, at home, in our schools, etc., the more energy needs to be produced.

All energy production creates some degree of pollution. Research consistently links air pollution, particularly from fossil fuel combustion, to respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, and other adverse health outcomes. Reducing unnecessary energy use, even in small ways, contributes to a larger collective impact. That makes eliminating unnecessary energy use a win-win-win-win: Money is saved, pollution is reduced, human health is better protected, and the environment is healthier.

As an institution with a heavy focus on healthcare, reducing pollution aligns directly with our mission to support and improve health. We should treat energy as a precious resource, using only what we need. Energy that we don’t use today will be available tomorrow, and it will make tomorrow a better place for all.

听

Is the University asking employees to solve this problem through individual behavior changes?

No. However, we are asking employees to be aware of energy use and its cumulative impact on the budget, the environment, and human health, and then to reduce unnecessary energy consumption where possible. At the same time, the University will continue to tackle big energy projects.

Treat the University like your house. Turn off lights and equipment when they aren’t needed. Use energy, but don’t waste it.

How is energy use distributed across the University of Rochester糖心传媒檚 operations?

About 75% of the energy used by the University is for heating, cooling, and ventilating buildings. The buildings that use the most energy are medical and research buildings, which use 2-4 times the energy of a comparably sized building. Buildings with heavy research or intensive patient care needs糖心传媒攍ike operating rooms糖心传媒攗se the most energy, while office areas use the least energy.

听

You mentioned that the University is working on some big energy projects. Could you give examples of what changes are being made?

With the extreme weather we have been experiencing this season, one of the immediate operational changes has been implementing temperature setbacks where possible across the University.

In addition to managing operations to ensure the University has the power and heat it needs, a large portion of what Energy Services does make improvements in energy efficiency. Here are some of the projects we have been working on recently:

• Since 2022, we have been improving the efficiency of our cogeneration system, which is the single biggest consumer of energy. This is an ongoing process, with more changes expected this year.
• We have been and will continue to install new controls in our buildings for more efficient HVAC system operation.
• We are upgrading our chilled water system over the next three years to convert a portion of it from using natural gas to electricity, make the system more efficient, and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• A Fault Detection and Diagnostics (FDD) system pilot was started two years ago with promising results. This system monitors HVAC system operation and suggests changes to improve comfort, decrease energy use, and reduce the need for maintenance. It is currently installed in over 1 million square feet of building space, and we are in the process of installing it in more.
• We have made investments into improving our energy metering, monitoring, and analysis systems and capabilities, which help us target and evaluate energy projects.
• In 2025, over a million square feet of medical buildings went through a commissioning process to identify energy and operational improvements.

听

That糖心传媒檚 a lot of changes. Has the University糖心传媒檚 energy use actually gone down?

Yes. Since fiscal year 2022, we have decreased our energy intensity by 23%. Energy intensity is the amount of energy used in a year from all sources divided by the area of all buildings. Since we keep building and purchasing additional buildings, this is the fairest way to evaluate our energy consumption.

In absolute terms, our total energy consumption went down by 10% while our building area increased by 17%.

I understand that most energy goes towards heating and cooling buildings.听I think my work area doesn’t need to be heated or cooled as much as it is, but I don糖心传媒檛 know how to change this. What should I do?

If the temperature in your immediate workspace needs adjusting, contact the to put in a temperature modification request.

One of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce heating and cooling energy is through well-aligned building scheduling. It is very typical for University buildings to be scheduled to be occupied longer than necessary because of uncertainty in building use.

If you know your building糖心传媒檚 system is running longer than necessary, coordinate with your fellow occupants and then contact your building manager or the and have them adjust the schedule accordingly.

Uncertainty also causes inefficiencies in our ventilation systems. Spaces are typically ventilated based on how many people could possibly be in a room, not how many are actually occupying it. If you have information about how many people are in building spaces and you share that with the building manager and Energy Operations Group, they might be able to adjust the ventilation rate accordingly. This not only would reduce energy use, but also improve comfort; buildings that are overventilated typically feel cold and drafty, even in the summer.

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Are there other impactful things I as an individual can do?

Be a champion for energy and resource conservation. Talk to your coworkers about energy conservation, about preserving natural resources and reducing pollution for our descendants. There are many people worldwide working on cleaner energy solutions, and this is making progress, but not using unnecessary energy is always better than switching to a cleaner energy source. Awareness is powerful.

If you have suggestions for energy or resource improvements, bring them up and talk about them with your coworkers. If your group thinks these are practical, discuss them with your building manager.

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To learn more about energy conservation at the University of Rochester, visit the . Energy usage data by location is also available via the and , available to everyone on an official University network.

For more resources on what you can do to be more sustainable at work, including energy-saving tips, check out the Sustainability Toolkit.

The post The energy spike: A conversation with the University糖心传媒檚 energy engineer, Tim Vann appeared first on Sustainability.

If the healthcare industry was a country, it would be the , falling between Russia and Japan. Of the many fields of medicine, radiology is one of the most energy-intensive owing to its dependence on sophisticated imaging equipment. A single MRI scanner has an average energy consumption of , an amount equivalent to that produced by 10.6 average U.S. households.

A costly problem meets an innovative solution

MRI scanners are made up of components whose lifespans don糖心传媒檛 align. The magnet糖心传媒攖he core of the system糖心传媒攍asts about 30 years. However, the surrounding technology evolves rapidly. According to Dr. Eric Weinberg, professor of Clinical Imaging Sciences and vice-chair of operations, this is the problem, but also the great thing about this technology. Its rapid advancement leads to better diagnostic capabilities, improved patient experiences, and greater efficiency for healthcare workers. On the other hand, keeping up with new innovations is financially daunting given the immense cost of purchasing and installing new scanners.

In 2020, UR Medicine Imaging Sciences determined that several MRI machines required updates owing to technological advancements in the field. When Weinberg consulted with the vendor, GE HealthCare, he learned that the machines could be remanufactured on site, keeping the existing magnet but upgrading the technology surrounding it. The cost was half that of buying a new scanner, yet produced a machine identical to brand-new.

糖心传媒淎nd then of course, the part that no one talked about, which I was quite interested in, was: What is the environmental impact of not throwing out the entire original device?糖心传媒� reflects Weinberg.

This initiative is part of last year to advance care and technology throughout the health system.

Environmental benefits of rebuilding MRI scanners onsite

URMC has refurbished five of six MRI scanners in need of updates, with the final machine scheduled to be worked on this year. Since this work began in 2020, GE HealthCare started keeping track of the environmental benefits of MRI refurbishment. Once work on all six machines is complete, UR Medicine Imaging Sciences will have avoided an estimated 288 tons of CO颅₂ emissions and saved six tons of helium. Helium is needed to cool MRI magnets and is a rare, finite element that has experienced shortages in recent years.

The new technology installed during the rebuilding process also carries environmental advantages. Deep learning reconstruction, which harnesses AI to quickly remove noise from scanned images, allows the updated machines to consume 30% less energy. The result is better energy efficiency, higher quality images, and shorter scan times, improving the patient experience and allowing for maximized use of each machine.

Rebuilding onsite also drastically reduces material waste. 糖心传媒淢R scanners contain hazardous materials like mercury and beryllium that can pose serious risks if not handled correctly, so we don糖心传媒檛 really want more of those to go to the landfill,糖心传媒� says Dr. Jennifer Harvey, professor and chair of Imaging Sciences. Under GE糖心传媒檚 program, 94-96% of system components are reused, harvested, or recycled.

Enhancing patient care

In addition to saving the institution millions of dollars, this approach also enhances patient care. The speed of the newly rebuilt scanners allows radiology technologists to care for more patients more quickly while securing higher quality images than ever before.

It takes anywhere from six weeks to a few months to 糖心传媒渟trip and rebuild the scanners糖心传媒� and upgrade the room. That is faster than installing a new MRI machine, primarily because of the improvements that are needed to support the technology, and the physical challenges of getting the system into the facility, which often includes opening walls or ceilings and use of a crane.

When a scanner is shut down for replacement, wait times for appointments get longer. But once completed, the Imaging team can catch up quickly.听 Weinberg says, at one location, MRI capacity was about 350 patients per month.听 After the upgrade, that number rose to 500 per month, because it takes less time to capture the needed images 糖心传媒� a significant benefit for the community.

Department-wide sustainable practices

Rebuilding onsite is only one part of the department糖心传媒檚 push towards being more environmentally sustainable. After an hour of idle time, scanners go into power saving mode (though this generally does not occur since days are booked with patient care). The machines are shut off at night and over weekends.听Additionally, by switching to syringeless injectors for contrast糖心传媒攖he substances used to highlight specific structures in the body糖心传媒攖he department has reduced a considerable amount of waste in CT scanning.

糖心传媒淚t糖心传媒檚 a more efficient process,糖心传媒� says Weinberg. 糖心传媒淭here糖心传媒檚 less contrast waste that糖心传媒檚 going on, and there糖心传媒檚 less plastic that you糖心传媒檙e throwing in the garbage as a result.糖心传媒� This system is now the standard for all CT scanning across UR Medicine Imaging Sciences. Last year alone, the department conducted over 100,000 CT scans, making the reduction in materials quite significant. The team is looking to implement similar injector systems for their MRI scanners in the future.

Looking forward

By rethinking equipment use, reducing emissions, and embracing more efficient technologies, UR Medicine Imaging Sciences is helping shape a more sustainable future for radiology, one in which patients and the planet benefit together.

The key challenge, notes Harvey, is balancing the push for more earth-friendly practices with access to all of the constantly evolving science. The need for that balance is beginning to gain the attention of radiologists nationwide. 糖心传媒淥ur field is really embracing this now for the first time,糖心传媒� says Weinberg. 糖心传媒淚 think going forward, radiology is going to be very invested in this, as it should be.糖心传媒�

By Maryellen Zbrozek, Sustainability Programs Specialist

The post Rebuilding MRI scanners reduces waste, boosts efficiency for UR Medicine appeared first on Sustainability.

(H&G) operates with a mission to be stewards of the University糖心传媒檚 land while supporting conservation, inspiring learning, and fostering community connections. The department integrates these practices into the management of the University’s outdoor spaces, including the River Campus, Medical Center, Eastman School of Music, the Memorial Art Gallery, and other off-site properties.

Sustainability through the seasons

As part of its responsibility for de-icing the walkways and roads across campus, H&G has recently adopted a measurement-based approach to de-icing, earning them the in 2025. The key is the use of brine (liquid salt) to pre-treat the pavement so that ice doesn糖心传媒檛 form on the ground. This method is effective at keeping pavement safe, and it is better for the environment than traditional solid salt.

“Essentially, salt doesn’t actually disappear. It goes into our waterways…just because it dissipates, it doesn’t go away. You can’t really reverse salt once it’s in the waterways,” explains John McIntyre, Manager of Horticulture & Grounds at the University of Rochester.

As water flows from the Genesee River into Lake Ontario, excess salinity threatens native fish populations and promotes the growth of invasive species like zebra mussels. By tracking the pounds of salt used and following SWiM鈩� practices, the department has successfully reduced its overall salt usage by approximately 30% over the past two years, dramatically lessening the environmental impact while maintaining safety on campus. Additionally, by blocking off some staircases and paths, H&G reduces the need for salt in these areas.

Recognized excellence and data-driven management

The department糖心传媒檚 commitment to environmental best practices has earned significant external recognition, affirming its leadership role in campus grounds management. In addition to the SwiM鈩� Certification, recent awards include:

• Accredited Arboretum through Morton Arboretum ArbNet (2021) 糖心传媒� Recognized for excellence in horticulture, conservation, and education
• Tree Campus USA 糖心传媒� Acknowledged for 15 consecutive years of engagement in tree and environmental stewardship
• PGMS 糖心传媒淕rand糖心传媒� Green Star Award (2024) 糖心传媒� Honored for leadership in beauty, safety, and sustainability in grounds maintenance

Cultivating community

Hand-on education is an additional focus for Horticulture & Grounds. The team leads and supports numerous hands-on initiatives that engage students, faculty, and community members. This includes recent projects like creating a rain garden with Hydrology students, developing pollinator gardens alongside student groups, and hosting tree tours. McIntyre is passionate about these collaborative efforts. “We want students to be able to enjoy these areas, and we want to know that they’re enjoying them in a very clean way,” he says.

The department recently partnered with the City of Rochester on the “Tree Equity Through the City of Rochester” initiative, planting 43 trees with students at School 17. They also planted 50 native perennials with third-grade students from Anna Murray Douglass Academy, School No. 12, behind the Provost House, creating an accessible learning garden.

“This initiative embodies our mission to connect education, equal access, and sustainability, ensuring that every community has access to the health and environmental benefits of trees,” says McIntyre.

The department has much to be proud of, but to McIntyre, the thing he takes the most pride in is his team. 糖心传媒淣one of these initiatives can happen without the team糖心传媒f we rely on one person, then we糖心传媒檙e bound to fail.糖心传媒�

Written by Kylin Roberts, 糖心传媒�26

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