���߲ݴ�ý

Heating is a major contributor to ���߲ݴ�ý University’s carbon emissions, accounting for over half of emissions in 2017. It outlines recent infrastructure upgrades that make campus heating more efficient and less carbon intensive, while emphasizing the important role students can play by adopting energy-saving habits. By being mindful of thermostat use and staying warm sustainably, students can help reduce both energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

Meet the S-Reps

The growing focus on carbon emissions globally and at ���߲ݴ�ý University. It highlights recent climate reports—the U.S. National Climate Assessment, the IPCC report, and the UN Emissions Gap Report—that warn of severe environmental, social, and economic impacts if emissions are not reduced. ���߲ݴ�ý is actively working toward carbon neutrality by 2019. The university also hosted a panel of alumni involved in the National Climate Assessment to share insights on climate impacts and mitigation strategies.

���߲ݴ�ý University hosted the eighth annual State of New York Sustainability Conference (SoNYSC) from November 6–8, the first non-SUNY school to do so. With over 240 attendees, the conference focused on integrating the UN Sustainable Development Goals into New York campuses through keynote speeches, student poster sessions, and concurrent presentations. Highlights included keynotes by SUNY Chancellor Kristina Johnson and Dr. Robin Kimmerer, sessions on campus sustainability initiatives, and a closing panel on leadership’s role in sustainability. The conference emphasized sustainability in its operations—offering carbon offsets, seed-paper name-tags, and biodegradable lanyards—and celebrated excellence with inaugural leadership awards. Overall, the event successfully inspired attendees and showcased innovative approaches to campus sustainability.

From October 2–4, ���߲ݴ�ý students and staff attended the AASHE Conference and Expo in Pittsburgh, focused on “Global Goals: Rising to the Challenge.” Attendees presented ���߲ݴ�ý’s sustainability initiatives, including student-run programs like campus apiaries, the S-Rep living-learning community, and the social recycling system UCan. Staff led workshops on sustainability communication and carbon offset strategies. The conference provided professional development, networking, and inspiration, helping participants bring new ideas for engaging the ���߲ݴ�ý community in sustainable practices.

���߲ݴ�ý University has installed 16 Elkay water refill stations across campus, with more planned, to promote sustainable behavior and reduce single-use plastic waste. These stations, often added following student proposals, encourage reusable water bottle use, improve hydration, and provide better-tasting water. While tap water is safe, some students still prefer bottled water, highlighting room for further adoption. The initiative demonstrates ���߲ݴ�ý’s commitment to sustainability and encourages ongoing student involvement in promoting environmentally friendly practices.

Meet the Interns 2018!

���߲ݴ�ý University’s Community Garden Internship for 2018–2019 is now open. Founded in 2010, the half-acre garden seeks interns to assist Garden Manager Beth Roy in managing the garden, coordinating volunteers, and organizing work parties. The paid position runs from late August to early November, requires about six hours per week, and involves physically demanding outdoor work. Interns gain hands-on experience in gardening, event coordination, and volunteer supervision. Applicants of all majors and class years are encouraged to apply by August 10.

���߲ݴ�ý students and sustainability interns visited Morrisville State College’s agriculture facilities in May to learn about dairy, greenhouse, aquaponics, and horticulture operations. They observed techniques in milking, plant cultivation, pest control, aquaponics systems, and hands-on horticulture education. These insights are being applied to ���߲ݴ�ý’s Community Garden, informing the design of the Caterpillar tunnel, future greenhouse plans, and the potential addition of a hydroponic system, helping the garden incorporate innovative, sustainable growing practices.

Plastic Free July through a personal experiment documenting all plastic use over a weekend. The author, Marielle Scheffers, realizes that plastic is pervasive in daily life—from personal care products and clothing (polyester) to food packaging and utensils. She highlights the environmental impacts of both single-use and multi-use plastics and encourages focusing first on reducing single-use plastics, using reusable alternatives like shopping bags, bamboo toothbrushes, and metal or glass water bottles. For multi-use plastics, she advises using items until the end of their life and following the 4Rs: refuse, reduce, reuse, and recycle. The reflection aims to raise awareness of everyday plastic consumption and inspire sustainable behavior.