Office of Sustainability and the Environment | The University of Iowa

Students looking at insects through a microscope

Solving Grand Challenges

Balancing human and environmental wellbeing.

Welcome to the Office of Sustainability and the Environment (OSE)

The OSE serves as a central resource for integrating sustainability into the University of Iowa’s operations, academics, research, and community engagement. Through collaborative partnerships, innovative initiatives, and educational opportunities, the OSE connects the campus community and empowers Hawkeyes to make informed decisions that drive meaningful, lasting impact.

Students observing water samples from a creek

Find Sustainability Degrees and Research Programs

Search sustainability-related majors, minors, certificates, and research centers

Students tossing graduation caps on Pentacrest at sunset

Add a Sustainability Certificate to Any Major

Give your resume a competitive edge with practical, future-focused skills employees are looking for

Take a Sustainability focused Course

Find a Class

Explore Sustainability Initiatives at UI

Students help sort waste at President's Block Party

See Waste Information

Bee campus sign in front of pollinator garden at Catlett/Chemistry

Explore Outdoor Spaces

Student holding earth everyday sign on Pentacrest

Find Jobs and Internships

Office of Sustainability staff give away plants at UI Library patio

Sustainable Living Tips

News

Estate Gift Fuels Bold Vision for SEES

Monday, April 20, 2026

Tree sapling growing in the Miyawaki Forest

UI to plant second Miyawaki Forest on Arbor Day

Thursday, April 16, 2026

Tony Senio standing in from of the Prairie Restoration sign with the dormant prairie in the background

Grounds manager blends passion for the environment with a career in Athletics

Friday, March 27, 2026

Events

Late Spring Bird Banding

Wednesday, May 27, 2026 7:30am to 9:30am

Macbride Nature Recreation Area - Falcon Shelter

Early Spring Bird Banding

Gallery Walk + Art & Write Night

Friday, June 5, 2026 5:00pm to 8:00pm

Old Capitol Museum

A special edition Art & Write Night coincides with the Iowa City Downtown District's Summer Gallery Walk featuring "Thrift Style" exhibit at Old Capitol Museum.

Discover Your University: IIHR Hydraulic Wind Tunnel Annex

Wednesday, June 17, 2026 11:00am to 12:00pm

Hydraulics Wind Tunnel Annex

Following the devastating 2008 flood, the Iowa Flood Center joined IIHR in 2009 and provides Iowans with critical tools and information to help them understand and mitigate flood risks.

Tour attendees will get a glimpse of IIHR and the Iowa Flood Center's research expertise and breadth by seeing what goes into the fabrication of field monitoring equipment. Participants will also experience interactive demonstrations of research labs solving complex erosion and sedimentation challenges, advancing...

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