Office of Sustainability and the Environment

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

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

K-12 students standing outside looking at worksheets and flood model

Iowa Flood Center Offers New Classroom Resources

Thursday, February 12, 2026

Student holding a songbird at the Iowa Raptor Project

Iowa Debuts New School of Earth, Environment, and Sustainability

Tuesday, January 27, 2026

Events

SEES:7000 Colloquium - Ann Ojeda (Auburn) - "Connecting Hydrogeology and Geohealth for Improved Water Security"

Thursday, April 2, 2026 3:30pm to 4:30pm

Visual Arts Building

SEES:7000 Colloquium - Ann Ojeda (Auburn) - Connecting Hydrogeology and Geohealth for Improved Water Security

Quick Pitch Challenge

Thursday, April 2, 2026 4:30pm to 6:00pm

Gilmore Hall

The OUR Quick Pitch Challenge (QPC) is a communication competition that challenges undergraduate students to present their research or creative work to a general audience in three minutes. Participants from all majors and areas of study are invited to showcase their work on campus. Clear communication is key in professional settings, and you can also compete for prizes!

West Liberty Science Night

Thursday, April 2, 2026 5:30pm to 7:30pm

West Liberty Elementary School

K-4 children and parents are invited to the West Liberty Science Night on Thursday, April 2nd!

Join us for a fun-filled night of interactive science demonstrations and activities provided by various organizations, including IIHR—Hydroscience & Engineering and the Iowa Flood Center.

We hope to see you there!

View more events