Environmentalism as an Institutional Value
Our tagline says it all: “Innovation for a Healthier Planet.”
UNE is an institution of change-makers. Our faculty, professional staff, and students are deeply invested in the theory that we should leave this world a better place than we found it. Nowhere is this value more apparent than in the duty we feel to protect and improve environmental health. In fact, our commitment to ecological responsibility is etched into our institutional foundation as one of our University’s stated core values: “Stewardship of Our Planet.”
Our dedication has not gone unnoticed. UNE is featured in the Princeton Review’s “Guide to Green ᰮԹ,” which recognizes outstanding sustainability-related policies, practices, and programs.
Our commitment to the environment manifests in a multitude of ways: through the many academic programs and related research projects that prepare the next generation of environmental leaders and innovators, through our core curriculum that emphasizes environmental awareness, through the prevalence of eco-related student clubs and organizations on our campuses, and through the innovative management of our buildings and facilities.
The crowning jewel of our institutional efforts is our Office of Sustainability, which works collaboratively across the University to implement — and often spearhead — numerous environmental programs and initiatives, to support our sustainability-related academic programs, and to provide our students with opportunities for hands-on learning experiences and leadership skills that will be essential in the burgeoning green economy.
We believe that by modeling sustainable practices on our campuses, educating our students on the many facets of sustainability and climate change, contributing to the body of environmental research, and by immersing students in experiential learning opportunities, we are doing our part to actively contribute to a cleaner, healthier planet.
Explore Our Initiatives
Interactive Biddeford Campus Sustainability Map
The UNE Sustainability Map is a visual representation of UNE’s commitment to sustainability. It provides an interactive exploration of the sustainability initiatives on the Biddeford Campus, with details about solar infrastructure, gardens, stormwater management practices, community groups, and more. Organized according to the , the map provides a multidimensional approach to sustainability that includes equity, economic, and environmental factors — aligning closely with UNE’s holistic approach to sustainability.
The UNE Sustainability map was created by Ruth Ellis, an undergraduate student studying Environmental Science and GIS, with support from the director of Sustainability and the David Shaw Innovation Fellowship.
A valuable tool for a wide audience, the map can be used by prospective students and their families, faculty who want to incorporate sustainability into their teaching, and campus visitors as a clear view of the many ways UNE is building a more sustainable future.
The map was last updated in April 2025 and will be updated as our sustainability efforts progress. Suggestions for new content are always welcome. If you know of an initiative or feature that should be included, please reach out to the Office of Sustainability.