Special Edition – Campus Sustainability Month

September 30, 2026

Categories: Niner Insider

Campus Sustainability Month is around the corner

October is Campus Sustainability Month. Throughout the month, there will be special events highlighting Charlotte’s commitment to sustainability on and off campus.

Green jobs list: The Office of Sustainability has created a green jobs list for anyone looking for a position in the sustainability field. The list includes internships, entry-level positions and experienced-level positions.
Sustainability word search: Try your luck on the Campus Sustainability Month word search.

The 2026 football season has begun, and efforts continue to keep Jerry Richardson Stadium operating as a zero waste facility. Watch Norm teach the Goose how to properly sort materials during game day to help keep our stadium green.

Sustainability is multidimensional, and this year the Office of Sustainability and campus partners are highlighting connections among health, well-being and sustainability.

upcoming events: faculty and staff

♻️ Botanical Gardens Plant Sale: Shop a wide variety of plants and vegetables Oct. 8–10, in Lot 5.

♻️ Transportation Fair: Explore transportation services, alternative options and transportation research across campus and the Charlotte region from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 14, in the Cauble Quad.

♻️ Campus Beautification Day: Volunteers will plant trees, collect litter and assist with other beautification projects from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 22. Check in will take place at the Snyder Deck Silver Line Bus Stop.

♻️ Personally Speaking Series: Hear CHESS faculty share the personal journeys behind their research in “Net Values: Environmental, Economic and Social Entanglements in the Gulf of California” from 4:15 to 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 28, in the Atkins Library Halton Reading Room.

upcoming events: students

♻️ Run, Toby, Run Group Run: Lace up for a brisk 1.5 mile run through one of the beautiful greenway areas on campus from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 1, starting at the Hauser Alumni Pavilion.

♻️ *Climate Quilt Workshop: Make a quilt square to represent your relationship with climate change from noon to 2 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 7, at Area 49 in Atkins Library.

♻️ Botanical Gardens Scavenger Hunt: Practice environmental wellness and learn more about featured sights from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 8, in the Botanical Gardens.

♻️ Botanical Gardens Plant Sale: Shop a wide variety of plants and vegetables Oct. 8–10, in Lot 5.

♻️ *Transportation Fair: Explore transportation services, alternative options and transportation research across campus and the Charlotte region from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 14, in the Cauble Quad.

♻️ *Student Sustainability Summit: Connect with campus and community sustainability leaders, and get insider advice from the Career Center from 1 to 4:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 17, in Cone University Center, Room 210.

♻️ Reuse Rodeo: Clothing Swap: Bring clothes you no longer wear and trade them for new-to-you pieces from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 20, and Wednesday, Oct. 21, in the Belk Plaza.

♻️ *Campus Beautification Day: Volunteers will plant trees, collect litter and assist with other beautification projects from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 22. Check in will take place at the Snyder Deck Silver Line Bus Stop.

♻️ Reuse Rodeo: Book Swap: Bring books you no longer need and trade them for new-to-you reads from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 27, and Wednesday, Oct. 28, in the Belk Plaza.

Punch Card Challenge

Attend at least three of the four Campus Sustainability Month events marked with an asterisk (*) above for a chance to win $50 in optional dining account funds. Visit the Office of Sustainability table at each event to have your punch card marked.

campus spotlights

Chad Carwein: Guiding UNC Charlotte’s next chapter of sustainability

Chad Carwein joined UNC Charlotte as university sustainability officer in March, arriving just days before Earth Month. In his first six months, he’s been struck by the campus community’s strong commitment to sustainability and the collaboration among campus departments.

Beth Sang’s student‑to‑student approach drives sustainability engagement at UNC Charlotte

As an EcoRep, senior Beth Sang is one of the students most actively shaping sustainability engagement at UNC Charlotte. She spends much of her time talking with students at tabling events, giving class presentations, sharing volunteer opportunities and connecting peers with campus resources.

campus sustainability facts: faculty and staff

Achieved STARS Gold Rating in 2025
12 certified green buildings, accounting for 77% of construction since 2009
47% decrease in energy use intensity and 68% decrease in water use intensity since 2002
37% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions since 2005
132 faculty members have participated in the workshop on infusing sustainability into the curriculum
15 campus units have participated in the Green Workplace Program
88% of departments offer sustainability-inclusive courses
98% of departments actively conducting research include sustainability research
87 staff and faculty have participated in the Sustainability Ambassador program
Tree Campus USA distinction since 2016
Bicycle Friendly University Bronze Rating 2024-2028
33% waste diversion rate

campus sustainability facts: students

Achieved STARS Gold Rating in 2025
12 certified green buildings, accounting for 77% of construction since 2009
47% decrease in energy use intensity and 68% decrease in water use intensity since 2002
37% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions since 2005
2000 lbs of litter were picked up during Adopt-a-Spot litter cleanups during the 2025-26 academic year
83% of waste was recycled or composted in the zero-waste stadium program during the 2025 football season
10,000 pounds of dorm room furnishings were donated by students during move-out
Tree Campus USA distinction since 2016
Bicycle Friendly University Bronze Rating 2024-2028
33% waste diversion rate