Empowering Solutions for a Sustainable Future

The Institute of the Environment (IoE) at UConn brings together the expertise and passion of scientists and scholars across the University to address some of the most pressing challenges and grandest opportunities society faces in the 21st century.

The resources and expertise of the Center for Environmental Sciences and Engineering, the Office of Sustainability, the Connecticut State Museum of Natural History, and the Natural Resources Conservation Academy support the IoE’s integrated mission of research, education, and engagement. The IoE works to advance foundational understanding and develop innovative solutions to pressing environmental challenges, to prepare the next generation as adept and agile members of a 21st century workforce, and to inform and engage the public about what are arguably the existential issues of our time.

Solving environmental problems related to climate change, sustainability, food security, pollution, and species extinction requires an interdisciplinary approach that leverages expertise from diverse disciplines across the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. It requires consideration of multiple angles, from biophysical to cultural, and from legal to health perspectives.

A Living Building

Join us on an exciting and innovative philanthropic opportunity as we raise funds to construct a distinctive “Living Building” to house the University of Connecticut’s Institute of the Environment, encompassing the Center for Environmental Science and Engineering, Connecticut State Museum of Natural History, Natural Resources Conservation Academy, and Office of Sustainability.

Environment in the News

A view of Fairfield Way including some fall color
UConn Expanding Clean Energy Offerings In Push for Carbon Neutrality

UConn’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality and promoting clean energy is continuing its steady progress, with more electric vehicle charging stations

Pamir Alpay, vice president for research, innovation, and entrepreneurship, speaks during a reception to welcome a new cohort of companies to the Future Climate Venture Studio held at the Innovation Partnership Building
Future Climate Venture Studio Launches Second Cohort

Six startup companies partner with UConn and other collaborators to merge entrepreneurship with climate responsibility

Equipment harvesting the invasive plants.
Plants As a Tool for Roadside Contaminant Removal

Not a silver bullet, but these common invasive species can help clean up roadside contaminants