Sustainability

From Soil to Climate Solutions: Berhe Leads Sierra Nevada Research Institute into its Next Chapter

September 11, 2025

When Professor Asmeret Asefaw Berhe arrived at UC Merced in 2009, she and her husband, Professor Teamrat Ghezzehei, were leaving major research institutions to join a brand-new campus in California’s Central Valley. It was a leap of faith — one made easier by the Sierra Nevada Research...

UC Merced jumped 44 spots from its previous high on the Sierra Club's "Cool Schools" list and is ranked No. 6 in the nation for 2019.

University Vaults to No. 6 in ‘Cool Schools’ Rankings

UC Merced has made its way into another top 10 in national rankings, this time jumping up to No. 6 in the Sierra Club’s 2019 “Cool Schools” list. The university jumped 44...

New Project Works to Ensure No Food is Left Behind

As UC Merced’s mission of food rescue continues to expand in the community, a new program will make sure food isn’t wasted on campus as well. The No Food Left Behind initiative aims to...

Outgoing Chancellor Dorothy Leland cut the ribbon to signify the opening of the second phase of the Merced 2020 Project.

UC Merced Unveils Second Phase of Merced 2020 Project, Says Thank You to Leland

Two simple words, “Leland Legacy,” captured the significance of Wednesday’s opening event for the second phase of the Merced 2020 Project, an event that doubled as a goodbye and...

Grant Helps University Ramp Up Food Rescue Efforts

UC Merced’s desire to fight food insecurity in Merced County and on campus got a big boost recently after being awarded a $492,000 grant from CalRecycle. The university — along with...

Campus Wins Four Awards at Annual Sustainability Conference

UC Merced continues to earn recognition and awards for its sustainability efforts. Last week, the university won four awards at the 16th annual Higher Education Energy Efficiency and...

The Sustainability Research and Engineering Building will house the university's first Center of Excellence.

Campus Preparing to Launch Merced 2020 Project’s Second Phase

The growing UC Merced campus is nearly ready to debut the second phase of the innovative Merced 2020 Project, a multiyear plan to add 1.2 million gross square feet of classroom, office, research...

University Receives STARS Gold for Sustainability Achievements

UC Merced has proven to be the gold standard of sustainability in higher education and once again, has received a gold star. The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher...

Members of the Carson House spent the day in Yosemite National Park to learn about concerns threatening the wellbeing of the park.

Science-Themed Living Learning Communities Enjoy Successful Debut

It started with a simple off-hand comment, one that would likely be met with a chuckle at any other institution. At UC Merced, it became a ripple that has changed the academic and social strata of an...

Two kids flying a drone at the Mobile Maker Space at the Merced County Fair.

County Fair Provides Glimpse of University’s Mobile Maker Space

The county fair offers food and fun, and thanks to UC Merced, this year’s Merced County Fair will also feature an interactive space for kids to learn. UC Merced’s Mobile Maker Space is...