Sustainability Office

Our Commitment to Sustainability

The University of Missouri embraces its role in providing a healthy and safe learning environment for students, staff, and faculty. Consistent with MU’s mission and values, we are committed to leadership in local and global sustainability stewardship.

This commitment includes identifying and utilizing environmentally friendly energy resources and implementing a dynamic, proactive energy conservation program. We are also focused on minimizing waste generation, recovering recyclable materials, and safely managing necessary waste disposal. Additionally, MU observes sustainable best practices in campus construction projects, procurement, and daily operations.

Sustainability at Mizzou

By The Numbers

$1.4 million

Mizzou saved $1.4 million in fiscal year 2024 due to recycling. The most recent campus recycle rate is estimated at 50 percent.

40%

The Mizzou campus now uses 40% of its energy from a renewable portfolio of biomass, wind and solar.

21%

Mizzou uses more then 53 million kilowatt-hours of green power annually, which is enough to power 21 percent of its electricity use.

Student Invovlement

Sustain Mizzou

Mizzou has a student-run environmental program, Sustain Mizzou , which provides opportunities for students to make a difference around campus and in the Columbia community.

Sustain Mizzou
Students with Sustain Mizzou clean up beehives
Mizzou's Francis Quadrangle with view of iconic columns

Landscape Conservation

Mizzou Botanic Garden is getting a sustainability focused update with drought resistant turf, improved soil, upgraded irrigation, and self watering containers—all designed to conserve water, reduce maintenance, and support a healthier campus landscape.

Explore the garden’s latest sustainability upgrades
MU Power Plant

Energy Conservation

Mizzou researchers are using artificial intelligence to reduce carbon emissions by predicting campus energy needs. Their machine learning model, based on power plant data, can help other universities improve efficiency and plan smarter.

Read how researchers are reshaping energy use
NextGen Precision Health Building

Sustainable Buildings

Explore how campus spaces are designed with sustainability in mind through our Sustainable Buildings initiatives. From energy efficiency to responsible materials, these efforts help reduce environmental impact and support a healthier campus.

Building a Sustainable Campus