In recent years, sustainability has played a pivotal role in shaping business and society on a global scale. Growing environmental awareness, tighter regulations, and evolving consumer preferences have contributed to the growing interest in sustainable solutions. This interest has become particularly prominent in universities where environmental issues have prompted institutions to prioritize sustainability in their operations, research, and curriculum. UConn specifically has consistently ranked in the top 10 universities lauded for their sustainability initiatives. Hillside Ventures’ sustainability vertical seeks to build on the existing care for and emphasis on the environment held at UConn.
The university's most noteworthy goal is its pledge to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 and to become completely carbon zero by 2040. This commitment is underscored by significant progress already made. UConn has managed to reduce its emissions by 26% since 2001 despite a 44% increase in campus square footage, demonstrating a commitment to growth that has not come at the expense of the environment. Water conservation is another key focus area for UConn. These goals are achieved particularly through innovative reuse strategies employed at the university's Water Reclamation Facility. Since 2020, these efforts have resulted in a 10% reduction in the use of potable water, showcasing UConn’s commitment to preserving vital water resources.
In terms of waste management, the university has achieved a 25% reduction in waste since 2020 thanks in large part to comprehensive recycling initiatives. These programs include competitive challenges among residence halls that are incentivized to recycle the highest percentage of waste and win prizes, fostering a community-wide culture of sustainability. Since 2010, UConn has operated an agricultural compost facility that processes approximately 800 tons of manure and leaf waste annually, further contributing to the university's sustainability efforts. UConn's partnership with Quantum BioPower is another innovative aspect of its waste management strategy. This collaboration enables the conversion of pre- and post-consumer food waste into biogas through an anaerobic digester, providing a renewable energy source for Connecticut communities while also facilitating the composting process.
The dining services at UConn are a model of environmental sustainability. All eight residential dining halls on Storrs Campus have been awarded the highest level of four-star certification by the Green Restaurant Association, making UConn the only university to achieve this distinction across all dining facilities. The emphasis on offering vegan and vegetarian options further demonstrates UConn's commitment to sustainable dining and its role in reducing carbon footprints. Finally, UConn's dedication to sustainability is evident in its construction practices, with a number of buildings on campus being LEED certified. These buildings meet rigorous standards that emphasize carbon friendliness and environmental sustainability, reflecting UConn's broader commitment to an eco-friendly future. Buildings certified include the Student Recreation Center, Herbst Hall, Werth Residence Hall, the new Science 1 Research Center, and McHugh.
The emphasis on the environment at UConn represents a key pillar of opportunity for future growth that Hillside Ventures seeks to capitalize on. Hillside’s sustainability vertical empowers students to promote internal UConn community efforts while supporting the innovative solutions that external sustainable startups provide. Since the founding of Hillside Ventures as UConn’s student-run venture fund, we have invested in several sustainability-focused startups to expand the reach of sustainable companies and to support their missions. AmpUp, an Electric Vehicle (EV) software startup, just passed this semester due to its significant potential to thrive in the growing EV market. UConn currently supports the use of electric vehicles on campus using AmpUp competitor Chargepoint’s services, however, Hillside is seeking to improve the connection with AmpUp and secure a UConn partnership.
Additional sustainable investments made by Hillside include Incaendium Initiative, EnviroPower, Voltpost, Natrion, Envicore, Goodwipes, and Infraclear. The focuses of these startups range from wildfire prevention and protection to renewable energy mirroring the large scope that the sustainability market encompasses. Hillside’s efforts are steps in the right direction, but there is always room to increase sustainable initiatives. The sustainability vertical within HV has had the most closed deals, but we are still looking to increase that number and to see new eco-friendly initiatives from UConn emerge.