SUNY New Paltz’s Campus Sustainability History
In 2008, former SUNY New Paltz President Steven Poskanzer signed the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC), now called the Carbon Commitment. In 2010, the college established the sustainability committee to assist the campus with the coordination and fulfillment of the Carbon Commitment by helping to develop and implement an action plan for the college to become climate neutral.
The Sustainability Committee completed the Campus Sustainability Plan in the Fall of 2012. In December of 2012, SUNY New Paltz President Don Christian signed and submitted the college’s Campus Sustainability Plan to the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC).
To facilitate the implementation of the campus sustainability plan, the College formed the Office of Campus Sustainability in May of 2013. The college hired Campus Sustainability Coordinator Lisa Mitten and Energy Management Coordinator Brian Pine. The Office is housed within Facilities Management and partners with students, faculty, and staff to achieve the campus’ sustainability goals.
Timeline of Notable Sustainability Achievements
March 2016 The Office of Campus Sustainability completes Energy Master Plan
February 2016 SUNY New Paltz approves Green Revolving Fund using opt-in student activity fees
February 2016 More hydration stations installed across campus
May 2015 SUNY New Paltz increases Move Out Week diversion rate by 150% with revamped Reuse2Reduce program
April 2015 CRREO hosts “The Future of the Wallkill” event
April 2015 Campus retail vendors discontinue use of plastic bags
April 2015 Office of Campus Sustainability launches sustainability meetup series
April 2015 Biology faculty and students complete campus tree inventory and interactive tree map
April 2015 Shango/College Hall win seventh annual Recyclemania competition
April 2015 Facilities Management installs new solar panels next to Resnick Engineering Building
March 2015 SUNY New Paltz earns STARS Silver Rating
January 2015 Office of Campus Sustainability revamps landfill and recycling bin signage in residence halls
December 2014 CAS Board unanimously agrees to discontinue the sale of bottled water
November 2014 SUNY New Paltz activates 6 electric vehicle charging spots
November 2014 Students and faculty complete green infrastructure research and documentary
October 2014 SUNY New Paltz hosts Hudson Valley Farm to Institution Conference
October 2014 College celebrates Food Day with “Campus [Apple] Crunch”
September 2014 Farm-to-SUNY team begins local fruit and vegetable awareness initiative
January 2014 SUNY New Paltz begins Energy Master Plan study
May 2013 SUNY New Paltz forms Office of Campus Sustainability
December 2012 Governor Cuomo issues Executive Order 88 directing state agencies to reduce their source energy use intensity by 20% by 2020. Chancellor raises the bar to 30%.
December 2012 SUNY New Paltz submits Campus Sustainability Plan to ACUPCC
2010 College forms Sustainability Committee
2009 Campus Auxiliary Services launches food waste composting program
2008 President Steven Poskanzer signs American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC)
