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Sustainability

Our Colors May Be Red and Blue, But We Also Look Good In Green

The University of Dayton is a leader in sustainability efforts, and we're committed to making the world a better place — for everyone.

Our work toward a more sustainable world crosses disciplines, programs and divisions. Facilities are greener. Dining Services runs what is thought to be the largest food-composting program in the nation. And we're a charter participant of the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating (STARS) system, and we earned a gold rating for our sustainability achievements.

Top 20

Ranked on Sierra Magazine's Top 20 coolest schools list for sustainability.

#1

Earned a gold STARS rating for our sustainability achievements.

#1

Home to what's thought to be the largest food-composting program in the nation.

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Grow On

Lincoln Hill Gardens

A partnership among the University of Dayton, East End Community Services and Mission of Mary Cooperative is working to transform the former Lincoln Elementary School site into an urban farm and greenspace to serve the common good.

Explore Lincoln Hill Gardens

Hanley Sustainability Institute

Through our Hanley Sustainability Institute, we have developed innovative, transdisciplinary projects that have made a visible, positive impact on the campus and surrounding community.

Hanley Sustainability Institute

Green Revolving Fund

With the Green Revolving Fund, we're changing the way we operate – literally. This program invests funds into green projects, and once the project pays for itself, we use the savings to invest in another sustainable project.

Green Revolving Fund

Renewable and Clean Energy

Our master's program in renewable and clean energy attracts the best and brightest from around the globe.

Renewable and Clean Energy

Sustainability Studies Program

This program focuses on solving sustainability issues through collaboration across several academic disciplines.

Sustainability Studies Program

Discoveries that Benefit Humanity

We conduct millions of dollars in sponsored research annually in virtually all areas of energy — wind, fuel cells and batteries, algae, coal-to-liquid fuels and other clean, alternative energy research. And our scientists are leading synthetic fuel efforts at a one-of-a-kind U.S. Air Force facility.

The von Ohain Fuels and Combustion Center in the School of Engineering is ranked by NASA among the top three fuels and combustion programs at national research universities, and the state of Ohio has named the University of Dayton a Center of Excellence in Fuels and Combustion.

Sustainability Research

  • From Fish Tank to Gas Tank
  • The Gift of Light
  • Growing Hope

    • Biofuel Research

    Once known only as the slimy scourge of backyard ponds and lakes, algae is emerging as a superhero in the race for cleaner and renewable energy resources. Researchers at the University of Dayton Research Institute are producing a high volume of algae in an outdoor, fully automated, closed system designed to operate 24/7, 365 and create renewable resources for biofuel.

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    Solar Power

    Not wanting to waste the opportunity his godmother gave him to pull himself out of poverty, François Vibert battled through his darkness to earn a Fulbright scholarship he hopes will enable him to provide the gift of light to his native Haiti.

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    Lincoln Hill Gardens

    In addition to urban food production, Lincoln Hill Gardens will allow students to work on projects that meet both learning goals and community needs.

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