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Sustainability

Sustainability is more than a concept. It's a campus-wide commitment to environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic vitality. Through engaging programs, hands-on workshops, and community partnerships, the Office of Sustainability empowers students, faculty, and staff to take meaningful action toward a greener future. From tree planting and composting tours to career panels and creative reuse events, there's always something happening to inspire and involve our Seahawk community. Explore upcoming events, read the latest campus sustainability stories, and discover how you can be part of the movement.

For a full list of upcoming events, please visit our WaveLink page!

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Want to know what's happening in the Office of Sustainability? Sign up for our monthly newsletter! At the beginning of every month, we send out the newsletter with upcoming events, campus news, sustainability-related job postings, and much more!

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Discover Events

College students with reusable lunch containers in the cafeteria.

Reducing Waste with Reusable Containers

Launched Spring 2025, the USEFULL reusable container program aims to reduce waste and single-use plastic reliance at Wagoner and Shore Dining Halls. To date, 10,322 containers have been checked out, with over 1,900 active users. Together, we have saved 1,138 pounds of trash and prevented 3,595 pounds of GHG emissions.

Learn More about the USEFULL Program
December 2025
Aerial view of the Shoreline Sports Complex

Leadership in Energy Reduction

Established in 2018, North Carolina Executive Order 80 mandated that all state-owned buildings will reduce their energy consumption per square foot by 40% of FY04 levels by 2025. Thanks to the dedication and creativity of the Energy Management Team led by Steven Sharpe, UNCW met that requirement despite a 169% increase in gross square footage across campus with an incredible 49% reduction!

See more of our initiatives
Aerial picture of the Leonard student recreation center

Tree Campus Higher Education

For the fifth straight year, UNCW has been recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree Campus. This certification demonstrates the university’s commitment to trees and student engagement. Participation in the program reflects UNCW’s dedication to shaping a greener future for students and our campus community.

Visit our Seahawk Trail System
July 2025
Service road at Brooks Field

Brooks Field Stormwater Upgrade

Since 2019, UNCW’s Office of Sustainability has partnered with local organizations to implement nature-based stormwater solutions that protect the Bradley Creek Watershed and enhance campus spaces. A recent project replaced a planned asphalt path with a permeable, vehicle-rated service road that captures runoff and reduces flooding and pollution. Special thanks to UNCW Athletics for their invaluable support in making this initiative a success.

Get to know us
Student holding lettuce that was harvested in the garden

Applied Learning Garden

Completed in 2024, the half-acre Applied Learning Garden has successfully pulled its first harvest! This summer, we’ve distributed 385 pounds of fresh produce to faculty, staff, and students through our weekly Produce Pop-Ups. Our Fall harvest will include sweet potatoes, greens, cabbage, field peas, and okra with the goal of stocking shelves at the campus food pantry, Hawk’s Harvest.

Learn more about our programs
students folding and sorting donated clothes

Closet Clean Out

The 2025 Closet Clean Out was a resounding success, with over 65 volunteers contributing over 130 hours to sort, pack, and distribute 13,802 pounds of reusable materials across Eastern North Carolina. Thanks to their efforts, UNCW helped to build a more resilient community by keeping thousands of pounds of perfectly good items out of the landfill and into the hands of people who could use them.

Learn more about Closet Clean Out
July 2024
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UNCW Advances Bradley Creek Watershed Restoration Goals

Permeable pavement, which helps reduce runoff by soaking in rainwater, has replaced several sections of conventional asphalt in UNCW’s Randall Lot across from the water tower on Randall Drive.

UNCW Advances Bradley Creek Watershed Restoration Goals