What the Committee Does
The Sustainability Committee empowers student voices in environmental leadership by working on campus-wide eco-initiatives, managing the Green Initiatives Fund, and fostering awareness through impactful events and strategic partnerships. We are dedicated to promoting ecological well-being by supporting local ecosystems and advancing resource efficiency. Through sustainable infrastructure and the creation of vibrant green spaces, we enhance the beauty of our campus while driving long-term economic and environmental sustainability.
Why It Matters
This committee allows students to lead and support initiatives that make campus more environmentally responsible, visually appealing, and economically efficient. By promoting sustainable practices—such as energy efficiency, waste reduction, and ecosystem support—it enhances the beauty of campus spaces while reducing long-term costs. Through student-driven leadership, the committee fosters a vibrant, resilient, and forward-thinking campus community committed to environmental stewardship.
Fun Fact
The University of Iowa is an official Bee Campus USA affiliate. There is a Bee Campus Committee which includes students, faculty, and staff. The University of Iowa has committed to protecting our native pollinator population as their populations are declining rapidly in Iowa.
Tote Bag Initiative
We are phasing in tote bags for each student starting this fall and removing plastic bags from dining locations. This will save 400,000 plastic bags from being used each year.
Electric Cambus
The university received a $16.4 million federal grant from the Federal Transit Administration for CAMBUS system improvements that allowed for the purchase of six new battery electric buses. Previous sustainability directors played a big role in advocating for this implementation.
Green Initiatives Fund
The Green Initiatives Fund or GIF is a grant offered through USG and GPSG for student projects that overall promote sustainable green practices and outcomes. This fund will focus on funding for class projects/research, individual student sustainability initiatives, and student organization events that directly tie to promoting sustainability and environmentalism.
Contact us
DW Beltz
