Sustainability Week comes to UC
Community, students celebrate public sustainability themed events
The countdown for Sustainability@UC Week has begun. From January 26 until January 31, 2026, The University of Cincinnati (UC) will welcome the Greater Cincinnati community to participate in various activities as part of Sustainability@UC Week.
Organized by the UC Office of Sustainability, the School of Environment and Sustainability (SEaS), Student Government and the Center for Public Engagement with Science (PEWS), Sustainability@UC Week will showcase 21 different events relating to sustainability.
The week is set to begin with a SustainabiliTEA Party in Arts & Sciences room 022, will feature an on-campus opportunities fair and an official event kick off sponsored by Student Government will take place from 5 p.m. - 6 p.m. Monday.
Each day students, faculty and staff will have the opportunity to register and attend different events, hear unique speakers, watch sustainability related films and participate in different activities that are set to take place at various campus locations.
All events, unless specifically stated, will be free to the public.
What is Sustainability Week?
The inaugural Sustainability Week was held in 2024 and was initiated by PEWS and the College of Arts and Sciences.
Laura Zanotti, director of the School for Environment and Sustainability. Photo/provided.
“We’ve partnered with PEWS as well as the UC Office of Sustainability, the student group Net Impact, as well as the Student Bearcats Sustainability Council to coordinate together to put on events for Sustainability Week,” said Laura Zanotti, director of the School for Environment and Sustainability (SEaS).
“It’s been a collaborative and joint effort since then that was both student-driven, driven by offices on campus like the UC Office of Sustainability and driven by academic programs like SEaS and research Centers like PEWS."
There is a melting pot of different majors and minors, and everything intersects with sustainability.
Sofia Verrigolo Co-director, Sustainability for Student Government
“Sustainability Week is a great week to kick off the spring semester,” Zanotti said."It really highlights and amplifies and features UC’s sustainability in different sectors,” as well exposing students to other student groups and how to get involved.
The UC Bearcat Sustainability Council was one of the main student organizations to help organize Sustaiability@UC Week.
Sophia Ferrigolo, co-director of sustainability for student government. Photo/Provided
“Universities are such a unique place where there is a melting pot of different majors and minors and everything kind of intersects with sustainability,” said Sophia Ferrigolo, co-director of Sustainability for Student Government. “I think bringing in an event that showcases the breath of sustainability really sparks connections with students and show them how they can make a difference using their skills.”
Whether students are looking for opportunities to get involved, are interested in infrastructure, helping animals and wildlife, learning about birds, plants or just looking to have some fun on campus, Sustainability@UC Week has something for everyone.
Featured image at top: Energy-producing wind turbines. Credit/mfuente for Pixabay.
By Chloe Hall
Student Journalist, College of Arts and Sciences Marketing and Communication
artscinews@uc.edu
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