In Our Nature

UW's ENVIR 480: Sustainability Studio class in the Program on the Environment presents students with a sustainability topic which they engage in as part of an experiential learning course. The topics change each quarter - this spring, the students researched the UW's environmental history. Over the coming weeks, we'll be publishing some of the information students uncovered. As part of their research, students used archival resources in the Libraries'...

Within the College of Built Environments the urban planning real estate track will be offering a new sustainability focused class starting winter quarter 2016 ( R E 518). This three credit class will explore the best practices in sustainable real estate, analyzing at a macro level, the importance of sustainability in urban areas and introducing the best practices for various environmentally friendly and financially feasible interventions in the US and abroad. Also, at a micro level the class will focus on the adoption of environmentally friendly improvements at the building level with...

Coming autumn quarter 2015, the Communications department will be offering a new sustainability focused class; Communication, Cities, and Sustainability (Com 325). This five credit class will explore how creative communication processes can enhance the sustainability and livability of cities by inviting, inspiring, connecting, educating, and engaging its citizens. Students will employ ethnographic techniques to analyze the complex, urban communication environment in which they live.

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The new UW light rail station is on schedule to open in early 2016, but Sound Transit is giving you a chance to virtually ride the route today, in the driver's seat. The agency has uploaded a video showing the tunnel during a test run from the new Capitol Hill station to the UW light rail station.

At the end of the video, you can see a quick glimpse...

Polystyrene foam (a.k.a Styrofoam) is a petroleum-based plastic. It’s typically tossed in the trash once it serves its purpose of insulating beverages and food or cushioning fragile items, but because Styrofoam does not decompose, a multitude of issues arise once it’s released into the environment. Examples include air and marine pollution, the release of toxic chemicals and the destruction of wildlife that ingests the plastic. So, how do you address a problem like polystyrene foam?

The City of Tacoma has been recognized by Governor Jay Inslee as one of the winners of the 2015 Smart Communities Award for the creation of the Prairie Line Trail in partnership with UW Tacoma.

Tacoma was awarded the Smart Partnerships award for the trail project, which created a multi-use trail on an old railroad corridor connecting the center of the UWT campus with the surrounding community. You can...

Several UW students will be among those participating in a poster session as part of the CleanTech Showcase 2015 on June 22 in Seattle.

The University of Washington is a sponsor for the event, which is an opportunity to learn about the latest cleantech innovations across the Pacific Northwest. The day will feature presentations from 24 companies, two keynote speakers and a poster session. For more information and to register, check out the CleanTech...

The Leopold Lab didn't need to implement any new practices or make changes to earn the title of "Greenest Lab" in the College of Arts and Sciences.

"We just did what we normally do," said lab manager Stephanie Zaborac-Reed.

The lab, headed by Emeritus Professor of Biology Estella Leopold, finds it natural to take steps to make sure they're operating in the most sustainable way possible. Whether it's sharing resources with other labs in Johnson Hall to cut down on redundant purchases, seeking out glass containers instead of plastic whenever...

If you’re riding your bike in the middle of central campus, pay attention to pedestrians or you could face a $25 fine.

As part of the Bike Walk Zone, bicyclists are expected to walk their bikes when pedestrians are present in heavily trafficked areas, according to Transportation Services. Parts highlighted in blue in the map below mark where the zone begins and ends. You'll also find signs posted in the areas.

Bicyclists are held to the same standards as drivers of other moving vehicles. Failure to...

Harborview Medical Center and University of Washington Medical Center have received 2015 Top 25 Environmental Excellence Awards from Practice Greenhealth. The Top 25 Award recognizes healthcare facilities across the country that exemplify environmental excellence and are setting the highest standards for environmental practices in healthcare. This is the ninth consecutive year for UW Medical Center to receive the top award and the...