Leading the Way in Academic Sustainability

The Department of Biomedical Engineering (BME) at UVA is proud to be the first academic department to publish a comprehensive Sustainability Plan—setting the standard for others across Grounds. Our plan isn’t just a document—it’s a movement, co-created by students, faculty, and staff to transform how we teach, research, and operate.
Cheryl Borgman, 2025 Sustainability award recipient

Our 5 Sustainability Goals

  • The Multiscale Muscle Mechanophysiology (M3) Lab celebrating their Green Labs re-certification in June 2025

    1. Sustainable Labs

    We’re aligning our research practices with the UVA Green Labs Program, certifying labs, reducing energy use, and hosting friendly competitions like “Shut the Sash” and the “International Freezer Challenge.” 

  • JunkLabz materials

    2. Waste Reduction

    From zero-waste events to smarter purchasing, we’re minimizing landfill and hazardous waste. We share equipment, reduce single-use plastics, and promote sustainable lab materials.

  • Dr. Noah Perry, the first GBMES Co-Chair of the BME Sustainability Committee

    3. Training

    Sustainability is part of onboarding for students, staff, and faculty. We offer resources, videos, and hands-on guidance to make sustainable choices second nature.

  • The Papin Lab in the Department of Biomedical Engineering was certified as a Gold Green Lab in Fall 2022.

    4. Curriculum Development

    We’re integrating sustainability into coursework, capstones, and co-curriculars—preparing students to tackle climate and health challenges head-on.

  • Chris Highley, Faculty Co-Chair of the BME Sustainability Committee

    5. Research Development

    We’re building a culture of sustainability-focused research—through symposia, grant-writing workshops, and collaborations across UVA.

To take a deeper dive on the BME Sustainability plan, download the full document.

Get Involved

Whether you're a student, alum, or industry partner—there’s a place for you in our sustainability journey.

  • Become a Green Leader in your lab and help maintain Green Lab Certification.
  • Join GBMES / UGBMES and take part in sustainability initiatives, challenges, and events.
  • Explore training like the My Green Lab Ambassador Program.
  • Contribute to curriculum development and research projects focused on climate and health.

  • Lead by example: Integrate sustainability into your teaching, mentoring, and lab operations.
  • Join the BME Sustainability Committee—open to all faculty and staff, with no term limits.
  • Collaborate on research: Attend symposia, apply for sustainability-themed grants, and mentor student projects.
  • Host Zero Waste Events and promote sustainable purchasing in your area.
  • Use onboarding resources to help new team members engage with sustainability from day one.

From curriculum to operations, faculty and staff are essential to embedding sustainability into the culture of BME.

  • Partner with us on sustainability-focused research and innovation.
  • Support student initiatives through mentorship, funding, or collaboration.
  • Celebrate our progress and help us amplify impact beyond Grounds.

  • Explore the full BME Sustainability Plan to see how we’re shaping the future of biomedical engineering.
  • Attend events, share ideas, and help us build a healthier, more sustainable world.