Sustainability

Achievements

Academic Programs

Engagement Programs

Operational Achievements

  • Partnering with Steven Winter Associates and NYSERDA to offer the Zero Net Carbon Training with Passive Principles to faculty and staff across the SUNY System, including the State University Construction Fund and the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York
  • Divesting the SUNY New Paltz Foundation and Campus Auxiliary Services' endowments from direct investments in fossil fuels
  • Cost avoiding approximately $250,000 per year via energy conservation measures
  • Upgrading to LEDs for all exterior lighting and one-third of interior lighting
  • Microgrid at Elting Gym with 100 KW of solar photovoltaics with battery storage
  • Installing 35+ hydration stations and 25+ gooseneck bottle fillers on water fountains across campus
  • 26 EV charging station parking spots
  • Progress on single-use plastics including discontinuing the sale of bottled water, eliminating plastic bags, and shifting to compostable straws
  • Adopting 100% reusables at Peregrine Dining Hall during COVID, including to-go containers, soup/salad bowls, flatware, and cups
  • Revamping and standardizing our interior and exterior landfill, recycling, and composting bin infrastructure
  • Our twelve green infrastructure sites showcasing eight different types of green infrastructure
  • Our eight LEED buildings
  • Our Bee Campus USA designation and our four pollinator-friendly meadows
  • Our Tree Campus USA status

Educational & Operational Programs that engage students, faculty, staff & administration: