Our Mission
The Office of Sustainability leads the development and implementation of practical solutions that integrate sustainability into all facets of the University of Arizona. We advocate through collaboration and education, advise by coordinating efforts and developing policies, and ensure accountability through diligent tracking and transparent reporting. Our initiatives and partnerships empower the campus community to advance environmental responsibility, economic viability, and collective well-being for our future.
Sustainability at the University of Arizona involves creating the conditions for human and ecological systems to thrive indefinitely by taking forward-looking actions that promote a resilient, inclusive future in balance with natural systems. It encompasses the balanced integration of environmental responsibility, economic viability, and collective well-being for present and future generations.
As a land-grant, Hispanic Serving Institution, we honor multiple cultural perspectives and traditional ecological knowledge, embedding these values into our institutional mission, empowering our campus community to act with integrity and foresight.
Resilience is central to our approach, reflecting our capacity to adapt and thrive amid environmental and societal challenges by embracing strategies that recognize the interdependence of human and environmental health in how we live, learn, and lead.
This commitment informs decisions across our teaching, research, operations, and community engagement, creating opportunities for experiential learning, responsible resource use, and shared accountability. By building adaptive capacity within our institution and surrounding communities, we create pathways for regenerative solutions that enhance human dignity and ecological integrity.
Environmental Responsibility
We act with care for natural systems by reducing harm, conserving resources, and supporting ecological resilience through our daily operations and long-term planning.
Economic Viability
We advance solutions that are financially sound, reduce long-term costs, and strengthen the university’s capacity to thrive in a changing world.
Collective Well-Being
We create conditions where all members of the campus and surrounding communities can lead healthy, fulfilling lives with equitable access to opportunity and support.
Our Early History
The University of Arizona established the Office of Sustainability in 2011 in response to student and broader campus advocacy for a coordinated approach to sustainability. Initially housed within Student Affairs, the Office focused primarily on student engagement and waste diversion, leading outreach and experiential learning programs, including the Green Team, a five- to ten-member student group that supported zero-waste efforts at Arizona Athletics events, Spring Fling, and residence hall move-outs.
From the start, the Office also managed the Green Fund, a student-directed tuition carve-out supporting campus sustainability projects. The Office advised the Green Fund Committee and administered grant accounts, helping launch many early campus initiatives. The Green Fund also supported several Office of Sustainability programs, including the Green Team.
In July 2018, the Office of Sustainability moved to the Division of Business Affairs. The Green Fund remained under the Dean of Students, though we continued to serve in an advisory role through Spring 2020.
Our Growth & Institutional Integration
In 2018, with new leadership and a new reporting line to the Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President for Business Affairs, our team expanded its mission. This transition increased our visibility, strengthened collaboration across campus, and aligned our work more closely with university operations and planning.
That same year, the Compost Cats program transitioned from Cooperative Extension into the Office of Sustainability. By mid-2019, under new leadership, the program was reimagined to reflect the university’s strengths in education, outreach, and research. Today, Compost Cats provides free composting services, training, and resources that empower the university and Tucson communities to reduce waste and build a more sustainable future. The program transforms organic material into nutrient-rich compost, advancing climate action, food security, and waste diversion. Through hands-on learning, student employees gain real-world experience and develop career-ready skills.
In September 2019, the Greening the Game program joined us from Students for Sustainability. In early 2020, we also integrated the University Facility Services’ Green Team. This consolidation reduced duplication and improved coordination in campus waste diversion efforts.
We also expanded our role with the University of Arizona Community Garden. In Fall 2019, we began a major revitalization that improved infrastructure throughout the space. By Fall 2020, the Office of Sustainability had assumed full operational and financial responsibility in partnership with student leaders. In 2023, the Garden became a stand-alone program within our office, allowing it to expand its mission. Today, the Community Garden serves as an inclusive outdoor classroom that fosters experiential learning, collaboration, and connection to nature. Through shared gardening, the program lowers barriers to growing food, supports environmental education, and strengthens community ties.
In July 2021, the Green Fund returned to the Office of Sustainability and was re-envisioned as the Campus Sustainability Fund (CSF). The CSF now supports student-driven projects that advance sustainability through community building, education, and experiential learning. By empowering students and employees to lead change, the Fund strengthens resilience, inclusion, and collaboration across campus. With dedicated staff oversight, the CSF aligns with institutional priorities and supports strong project outcomes through increased transparency and accountability.
In Fall 2022, we launched the university’s inaugural Sustainability & Climate Action Plan process. We began collecting operational data, engaging senior leaders, and convening an Advisory Team. Through 2023 and 2024, we hosted working groups, gathered broad campus feedback, and developed a full suite of initiatives. After a pause in early 2024 to align with the university’s Financial Action Plan, we resumed development and finalized all plan elements in Fall 2024. By Spring 2025, we completed the full plan and are currently awaiting next steps for formal approval.
In Summer 2023, Students for Sustainability (SFS) transitioned into a joint-support model shared between our office and the Associated Students of the University of Arizona (ASUA). This model allowed our team to provide dedicated guidance and alignment with institutional sustainability goals, while ASUA continued to offer student representation and advocacy. In May 2025, SFS transitioned into an independent student club, continuing to work closely with the Office of Sustainability.
Alongside these major programs, the Office of Sustainability has developed numerous initiatives to engage the campus community in advancing sustainability goals. Our team has grown significantly and, as of May 2025, includes nine full-time staff, one staff advisor, two faculty advisors, and 20-30 part-time student employees.
Looking Ahead
As our work continues to evolve, we remain committed to advancing sustainability across all areas of the university. Since 2018, we have laid a strong foundation for institutional change. We continue to expand our programs, create meaningful opportunities for involvement, and support sustainability awareness throughout campus and the broader Tucson community.