The Green Chemistry Initiative (GCI) at the University of Connecticut is a student-founded, student-driven organization dedicated to transforming how chemistry is taught, practiced, and experienced across the university. Established in 2024 and now exceeding 40 active members, GCI champions the integration of the Twelve Principles of Green Chemistry and Green Engineering across teaching, research, outreach, and departmental culture.
GCI works collaboratively with faculty, administrators, and external partners to advance sustainable laboratory practices, update undergraduate teaching labs, embed metrics-based sustainability evaluations into coursework, and support green chemistry research through workshops, seminars, and mentoring programs. The group also leads K–12 outreach, cross-institutional collaborations, community education (e.g., local STEM fairs), and professional development activities.
UConn’s signing of the Green Chemistry Commitment is the culmination of a multi-year grassroots effort led by GCI to institutionalize green chemistry, demonstrate its relevance across all chemical disciplines, and prepare students to become sustainability-focused scientists and innovators.

Chemistry Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Chemistry Master of Science (M.S.), Chemistry Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Green Chemistry Initiative (GCI) – University of Connecticut, nicholas.leadbeater@uconn.edu
https://greenchemistry.rso.uconn.edu/

Short-Term Goals (1–2 years):

Update undergraduate organic, general, and analytical labs using greener experiments, solvents, and waste-reduction strategies.

Expand the GCI-led sustainability seminar series and cross-campus partnerships.

Integrate toxicity, hazard assessment, and safety-by-design content into core course modules.

Launch an annual “Green Chemistry Day” showcasing student research and sustainability achievements.

Long-Term Goals (3–5 years):

Establish a permanent Green Chemistry & Sustainability course required for chemistry majors.

Incorporate standardized green metrics (PMI, energy footprint, solvent intensity, life cycle considerations) into all teaching labs.

Build a sustainable laboratory certification program for graduate and undergraduate research labs.

Expand infrastructure to support green chemistry research, including flow chemistry technologies, photoreactors, and greener solvent systems.

Position UConn as a national leader in green chemistry education with a model that can be adopted by other institutions.

Green Chemistry: Theory and Practice by Anastas & Warner.

Green Engineering: Designing with the Environment.

Beyond Benign Higher Education Teaching Resources and Lab Modules.