Brown and Green

The Office of Sustainability and Resiliency Newsletter

AVP's Message

In our office, we spend a lot of time talking about "resiliency" in terms of power grids, climate-ready buildings, and how climate change will impact other facets of our campus. However, recent times have reminded us that our most vital infrastructure is our connection to one another.

True resiliency is more than just a technical target; it’s a shared commitment to building a campus where belonging and support are at the center of everything we do. At its core, the mission of sustainability and resiliency is an act of hope and a promise that we will keep this campus a healthy and thriving place for the generations who will follow us. We are proud to be a part of, and supported by, this great community at Brown University.

Ever True,

Jessica Berry Assistant Vice President of Sustainability and Resiliency

CAMPUS NEWS

Environmental Technology

As highlighted in a recent News from Brown story, Brown researchers are turning academic data into a practical safety net for our local communities. A team from the Department of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences (DEEPS) and the Institute at Brown for Environment and Society (IBES) has launched the Network for Environmental Sensing and Technology (NEST). This initiative has deployed nearly 100 sensors across the state to track everything from air quality to flash flooding in real time.

A particularly impactful aspect of this project is its focus on "nuisance flooding." These are the frequent, smaller floods that disrupt daily commutes and stress local infrastructure. By making this data public through a new online dashboard, the team is providing both emergency managers and residents with the precise information needed to identify risks and plan for a more resilient future. This project serves as a compelling example of how Brown’s research is being put to work directly for the people of Rhode Island.

EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES

Clean Break

Clean Break, an initiative led by the Brown University Office of Sustainability and Resiliency, aims to mitigate waste and promote community engagement during student move-out at the end of the academic year. This program redirects valuable items that would typically end up in landfills back into the community. Throughout the collection period, which is typically early to mid-May, Clean Break welcomes donations of various items from students, including clothing, books, bedding, small appliances, small furniture, toiletries, and more. Volunteers play a crucial role in the success of Clean Break, and the program is actively seeking individuals willing to contribute their time and efforts to support this sustainable initiative. By participating in Clean Break, students not only reduce waste but also actively contribute to the well-being of the local community, embodying the spirit of environmental stewardship and social responsibility.

For textile donations, students also have the option to register online to receive a free Trashie donation bag while supplies last!

Earth Week at Brown

Mark your calendars for the week of April 20th as Brown University celebrates Earth Week 2026. This annual tradition brings together students, faculty, and staff to recognize our collective environmental progress and explore the work that remains ahead.

The Office of Sustainability and Resiliency is currently collaborating with partners across campus to finalize a week of engaging programming. Whether you are looking to learn more about campus initiatives or simply want to connect with others committed to a more sustainable future, we invite you to join us. Please check the Events@Brown calendar for the latest information.

BEYOND BROWN

R.I. News:

Resiliency in Rhode Island

In a new feature by the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank, Wickford Village is being celebrated for its proactive approach to manage stormwater overflow and tidal flooding. By utilizing Municipal Resilience Program (MRP) funding, Wickford has implemented improvements that do more than just manage water; they protect the economic vitality of Wickford by ensuring that local shops remain accessible and the waterfront remains a vibrant community asset. The project demonstrates that investing in resilient infrastructure is also an investment in the long-term success of our historic commercial districts.

U.S. News:

Western Waterway Restoration

Across the American West, conservationists are using nature-based solutions to transform dry, incised streams back into vibrant rivers and wetlands. By installing structures that mimic beaver dams, these projects allow water to slowly wind through the landscape and soak the ground, recharging local waterways and vegetation. This nature-based engineering not only provides a vital buffer against chronic drought but also creates areas that act as natural firebreaks during wildfire season. The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is specifically using a low-tech process based restoration (LTPBR) to accomplish this goal as workers strive to mimic beavers with hand-built structures. On at least one project, they had North Americans beavers jump in to expand the work! TNC currently has projects in Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Wyoming.

World News: 

What is Blue Carbon?

Per NOAA, “Blue carbon is the term for carbon captured by the world’s ocean and coastal ecosystems.” Seagrasses, salt marshes, and mangrove forests excel at acting as natural carbon sinks. In other words, they are incredibly efficient at taking in and storing carbon which naturally reduces greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Studies in the Philippines have shown that mangrove forests are particularly adept at storing carbon. In addition to protecting shorelines and promoting biodiversity, they store up to four times as much carbon as the same area of a tropical rainforest. Studies such as these, and the work of organizations such as the International Blue Carbon Initiative, are critical building blocks the fight against climate change.

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE

Rhode Island Climate Superfund Act of 2026

The Rhode Island General Assembly is currently considering Senate Bill S2024, the Climate Superfund Act, a landmark "polluter pays" proposal aimed at shifting the financial burden of climate change away from taxpayers. According to a recent press release from the bill's sponsors, the act would require the world’s largest fossil fuel companies, defined as those responsible for more than one billion tons of greenhouse gas emissions, to pay their fair share for local climate damages. If passed, the legislation would establish a dedicated fund to finance critical "climate change response work," including upgrading stormwater infrastructure to prevent flooding, protecting shorelines from sea-level rise, and modernizing the electrical grid. As the bill moves through the Senate Finance Committee this spring, it represents a major shift in how the state plans to finance long-term resiliency and protect Rhode Island’s most vulnerable communities.

RESEARCH

Sustainability Seed Grants

The Office of Sustainability and Resiliency offers seed grant funding on an annual basis. The purpose of these funds is to engage faculty, students, and staff in opportunities that advance sustainability research and learning while contributing to Brown’s sustainability goals as articulated in the University Sustainability Strategic Plan.

We are pleased to announce that in the Fall of 2025, the following projects were awarded grants:

• Bulk Liquid Nitrogen Tank and Fill Station Installation
• Building Climate-Resilient Communities: An Environmental Health Education Series for Rhode Island
• Tracking and Forecasting Health Impacts of Compound Extreme Climate Impacts in the Providence Area
•  AI Resonance: The Audibility of AI's Footprint - Sonification as Sustainability Education

Congratulations to all of the recipients! If you are interested in applying for a Sustainability Seed Grant, please check back on our website at the start of the Fall 2026 semester for more information!

LOCAL VENDOR SPOTLIGHT

Located just minutes from campus in the heart of Providence, Virginia & Spanish Peanut Company has been a local staple since 1913. Family-owned and operated for over a century, this trusted business supplies all the nuts found in Brown University’s dining halls, from the almonds in your morning oatmeal to the peanuts in your afternoon trail mix. Known for their freshly roasted nuts, all-natural Brown Bear peanut butter, and a wide range of bakery and confectionery ingredients, Virginia & Spanish Peanut Company has long served restaurants, markets, bakeries, and ice cream shops across New England. Their dedication to quality, community, and service makes them not just a supplier, but a proud part of the local food ecosystem.

SUSTAINABILITY TIPS

Listen to Possibly!