In Our Nature

The University of Washington has begun developing its new Energy Transformation Strategy. This multi-year strategy will transition how the Seattle campus heats and cools buildings - from burning natural gas to produce steam, toward a new clean energy system that will use electricity to heat and cool the campus.

Part of this process is engaging with people across the UW to provide information on this Energy Transformation and listen to concerns and ideas from the community. November 28 was the kickoff of a new Student Energy Taskforce, which will provide a way for students to...

The University of Washington has recently been recognized as a national leader for its sustainability performance, particularly in the areas of purchasing and transportation.

The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) 2022 Sustainable Campus Index named the UW second overall, and first among doctoral universities, for sustainable purchasing. The UW was also ninth overall, and fourth among U.S. schools, for sustainable transportation.

The UW was also recently named among the...

The Seattle Office of Sustainability & Environment (OSE) is looking for a graduate student Fellow to plan, manage, and implement key communications campaigns for OSE's climate initiatives. The Fellow will develop a portfolio of environmental policy and communications materials to engage key constituencies and help communicate to residents about the investments and climate policies that are coming to Seattle.

This is a summer position for 14 weeks...

The University of Washington is starting the process of transforming and decarbonizing our energy system, and we want student voices to help guide the process. 

UW Facilities, UW Sustainability and the Campus Sustainability Fund are organizing an Energy Transformation Student Task Force as a way to inform students about the project and get input. All students are invited to join the inagural meeting on Monday, November 28 at 4 p.m. This will be a virtual meeting on Zoom, and will be led by Dave Woodson, Executive Director of Campus Energy, Utilities & Operations...

The UW Sustainability's "In Our Nature" podcast has been re-launched. The latest episode is a discussion with our new director Lisa Dulude. Lisa joined the UW Sustainability office in May 2022. Prior to starting at UW, she served for 12 years as the Energy and Sustainability Manager for Snohomish County. In this episode, Lisa talks about her sustainability background, some of the big sustainability opportunities at UW and ways for students, faculty and staff to get involved.

Listen below, or visit our podcast page for links to the podcast on other platforms...

UW Sustainability is hiring a Sustainable Building Materials intern. This internship position will help UW Sustainability research and develop draft sustainability guidelines for materials used in UW building construction. Many materials commonly used in building and construction, such as concrete, steel, timber, and expanded polystyrene (EPS) have high embodied carbon, contribute to global greenhouse gas emissions, and present additional challenges with respect to sustainability. This intern will research approximately half-a-dozen building materials, and identify opportunities and/or...

The student group Global Renewables Infrastructure Development (GRID) is looking for new members.. GRID is a registered student organization that works on designing, optimizing, installing, financing and assessing the societal impacts of renewable energy systems, with a specific focus on projects that advance equitable access to electricity.

On...

The UW Counseling Center is hosting a student workshop "Connecting Mindfully with Nature" on Tuesday, October 11 at 3-4 p.m. in the Heron Haven space on campus (the forested area between Drumheller Fountain and Anderson Hall). Join to learn about mindful connections to nature, engage in the practice of forest bathing and connect with others in the process.

The workshop is open to all UW students and will provide an opportunity to take advantage of...

The UW has a new partner for batteries. Batteries Plus has a contract with the University providing recycling and disposal along with offering batteries for purchase. 

UW Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) is using Batteries Plus to recycle most used batteries at UW. The company will pick up used batteries and deliver purchases. Most...

The UW Environmental Studies program is looking for organizations to host Capstone Interns for Winter 2023. The Capstone is an opportunity for undergraduate students to take their education into the world beyond the classroom by doing hands-on work and answering researchable questions pertaining to the project. 

A site supervisor at the partner organization helps define the responsibilities of the student(s), monitors progress toward goals, reviews drafts, and provides direction and assistance. In addition, the site supervisor:

• Creates, reviews, and approves a work plan...