In Our Nature

ENVIR 480: Sustainability Studio class is open to all majors and has no prerequisite courses. This quarters topic is greening health at UW.

In this course:

• Understand what it takes to green the healthcare industry. The healthcare industry contributes to a large environmental footprint regarding its facilities and operations. What are the cost constraints and how can we move the dial on reducing the footprint of hospitals and healthcare facilities
• How can UW Health become more environmentally conscious? In winter quarter,...

On Wednesday I had the pleasure of attending a lecture as part of the Dean’s Distinguished Lecture Series from the College of Built Environments. The speaker was world renowned architect James Cheng, who has helped to shape the skyine of Vancouver, B.C., and the outlying areas. Cheng takes a humanized approach to architecture, often asking how people will interact in spaces, which in my opinion is part of what makes him such an incredible and influential designer and has enabled him to impact...

During Winter Quarter 2016, many offices have achieved Green Office certification by going above and beyond the criteria on the Green Office application. The following are just a few of the cool innovations found in Green Offices across campus:

• Office of Research (Gold): This office promotes environmentally-focused charities for the UW Combined Fund Drive and switched from paper to electronic versions of reports to campus. By promoting certain charities, the Office of Research is able to help others solve important environmental issues.
• ...

ENVIR 502: Business Strategy and the Natural Environment provides students an opportunity to explore the ideas of sustainable business. The course is open to Graduate Students and Undergraduate Juniors and Seniors from all majors with permission from the instructor. Email enviradv@uw.edu for permission.

The course will discuss the question: "How can a business be financially successful while lessening its impact on the environment and society?" Learn the essential functions for a business to achieve sustainability and analyze different...

Ever wondered which food suppliers at UW Medical Center's Plaza Cafe might provide local, organic, and sustainable products? Come and see the new poster located at the main entrance of the cafe to help you learn more.

UWMC's Technology and Wellness Manager Charlotte Furman worked with a UWMC intern, as well as interns and staff at UW Sustainability, to develop a big picture look. The 3' x 4' poster, mounted on the wall at the main café entrance, displays information about Plaza Café food vendors, with pictures and color coding denoting local, organic and sustainable suppliers.

Meet the new EcoReps Outreach & Communication Coordinator, Zan Roman!

Zan is a junior pursuing a Degree in Environmental Science and Resource Management at the UW. Born and raised in Bellingham, he enjoys any sport involving a ball, exploring the PNW, writing, and drawing.

In 2014, he walked from Seattle to Times Square in New York City, raising over $10,000 for Autism research and Uncompensated Care for Seattle Children’s Hospital. Zan plans to pursue a career in sustainable management of environmental resources, and will continue to embark on adventures and explore the...

EcoReps is excited to introduce our new coordinator, Mac Robinson!

Mac is a sophomore at UW pursuing a degree in Public Health with a minor in Bioethics & Humanities. She is a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma and is from Snohomish, Washington. She played roller derby for five years and is currently on a hiatus to focus on her studies. In her free time, Mac enjoys rock climbing at Seattle Bouldering Project and coloring. She also loves being outdoors and hopes to have a career that allows her to travel and explore the world. Mac is excited to jump in head first...

ENVIR 100: Introduction to Environmental Studies is open to students in all majors and would be a great intro course for Freshman and Sophomores who are exploring environmental majors.

In this course, you will:

• Learn about contemporary environmental challenges and responses, including topics on climate change, biodiversity conservation, sustainability, and natural resource management. 
• Recognize the complexity in environmental issues and our connections to these issues at multiple scales, from local to global. Participate in a dynamic and unique learning...

Get your nominations in for this year's Husky Green Awards!

We need your help in identifying the University of Washington's sustainability superstars, and by submitting a nomination before the deadline on March 1, 2016, you'll be entered to win one of our prize packs featuring Husky Grind coffee and a reusable mug!

If you know a student, faculty member or staffer who you think deserves recognition for their environmental dedication - or a team working together to improve our campus...

Last week, I was part of UW Sustainability's team at the first UW Safety, Sustainability, and Preparedness Expo, letting UW community members know about our Green Certification prgrams for offices and labs on campus. 

The expo was organized by UW Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S), Finance and Facilities (F2), UW Sustainability and Emergency Management to educate UW community members about the various environmental and safety initiatives occurring on campus, and about 550 people came by...