This Earth Day, UNLV is turning commitments into action with a campuswide push for sustainability. Every initiative supports the Rebel CAP (Climate Action Plan), the university’s roadmap to a green future. 

Whether it’s refilling bottles, recycling smarter, or rethinking transportation options, Rebels are finding new ways to reduce their carbon footprint. These projects aren’t just about today; they’re part of a long-term effort to make sustainability second nature on campus. Learn more about how UNLV is making an impact and how you can be part of the change.

Carnegie Sustainability Classification Pilot

Sustainability goes beyond waste reduction — it includes reshaping how universities approach environmental responsibility. UNLV is one of just 21 institutions nationwide selected to participate in the Carnegie Elective Classification for Sustainability pilot program. Through this initiative, UNLV is helping to develop a national framework to measure sustainability efforts across academics, research, operations, and community engagement. This leadership role solidifies UNLV’s commitment to making sustainability a core part of its mission.

Rebels Refill

Staying hydrated has never been more sustainable! UNLV is participating in Fill it Forward, an initiative that encourages reusable bottle use while supporting clean water projects worldwide. Every time you refill and scan your bottle, you take part in campus-wide competitions, and help reduce single-use plastic waste. By making refilling fun and rewarding, Rebels are taking a simple, yet impactful step toward sustainability. Visit the Rebels Refill webpage for more information. 

Carpool Connect by Liftango & Vay Short-term Rental Cars

Traveling to, from, and around our campuses just got more convenient and sustainable! Parking & Transportation Services recently launched two new app-based transportation options: UNLV Carpool Connect by Liftango and Vay short-term rental cars.  

Liftango is a carpool app that connects Rebels with fellow members of the UNLV community. Students are matched with students and employees with employees. Sharing a ride is a great way to lower carbon emissions and reduce traffic while getting to know a new Rebel. 

Vay offers convenient and eco-friendly short-term rental cars on our campuses. Students, faculty, and staff can rent electric vehicles by-the-minute through a user-friendly app and travel anywhere on campus or beyond. 

All in the Hall

Reducing landfill waste starts with better recycling habits, and UNLV’s All in the Hall initiative makes it easier than ever. Instead of individual landfill bins (trash cans) in classrooms, centralized waste stations in hallways now offer both recycling and landfill options. Research shows that placing recycling bins alongside landfill bins increases recycling rates by 74%, making this shift a simple but effective way to keep recyclables out of landfills. Funded by the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection, this pilot program in the Carol C. Harter Classroom Building is helping UNLV reimagine waste management.

Office Recycling Refresh

Even small changes can make a big environmental impact! To make recycling easier and more effective, UNLV will soon add signage with recycling dos and don’ts to office recycling bins. By reinforcing best practices — like keeping plastic bags out of commingled bins and making sure containers are clean and dry —  we can help recyclables stay uncontaminated and properly sorted. When Rebels recycle right, we keep valuable materials in use and reduce waste on campus. 

Faculty Sustainability Inventory

Education and research are key to a sustainable future and many of our faculty members are trailblazers in the field. UNLV is compiling a comprehensive list of sustainability-related courses, research, and areas of expertise to better understand and showcase the scope of sustainability-related work happening across our campuses. If you’re a faculty member whose course, research, or expertise has a sustainability or climate action focus, we invite you to complete the Faculty Sustainability Survey by May 23. 

Your input will help to create a comprehensive inventory to foster collaboration, highlight faculty contributors, and continue to make UNLV a sustainability pioneer in the Valley. 

Together, Rebels can make a big impact. Let’s keep the momentum going beyond Earth Day and build a green future for UNLV. For more information, visit UNLV’s Sustainability webpage.