Rice University has adopted several sustainability-related policies.

Rice University is a signatory of the Talloires Declaration, a 10-point action plan developed by the Association of University Leaders for a Sustainable Future stating the signatory university's commitment to environmental education and to becoming an environmentally responsible institution. Rice University president Malcolm Gillis signed the Talloires Declaration in 1995.

Rice University is a signatory of the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment, signaling the University's intention to becoming a "carbon neutral" campus.