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(Continued from Great "Greening" Efforts at SUNY Schools.)

“Overall,” said Ross, “what struck me was the power of SUNY. I was absolutely amazed at what was going on in SUNY in terms of sustainability efforts, and our capacity to make a difference. SUNY really impacts New York state, so when we make a difference in SUNY we make a difference across the state.” 

Ross said what she took away from the conference was that SUNY schools need to partner with one another and with their communities to work on “green” initiatives. Student involvement also is the key, as students are often the most enthusiastic advocates for sustainability in all aspects of life.

The conference sessions were: Energy Panel: Financing and Performance Contracts; Curriculum and Training; Energy Conservation Measures; Engaging the Campus Community; Measuring Success: Finding Common Ground; and Getting the State of New York to Do What You Want: A Historic and Current Review of Options.

Hosted by SUNY Empire State College, the conference was organized by a committee representing different SUNY campuses and SUNY Central Administration. The committee members were: Joseph Fox, SUNY Central Administration, Mary Ellen Mallia, University at Albany, Joseph Tripodi, Purchase College, Sean Vormwald, Onondaga Community College and SUNY Empire State College Director of Environmental Sustainability Sadie Ross

Additional information about the 2011 SUNY Sustainability Conference

(Continued from Another Congratulations to SUNY - First-Ever System-Wide Sustainability Conference: A Look Back)

Students at Empire State College study independently at 35 locations across the state or online through its Center for Distance Learning. However, Davis added that, “we travel and we print, so we are always looking to do better for the state and for SUNY and to meet our own targets for sustainability.”

SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry President Cornelius B. Murphy Jr. delivered the keynote, highlighting areas in which his institution has sought to lower that campus’s carbon footprint. He showcased some of the “student-driven” measures ESF is undertaking, including a diesel fuel reclamation program, the heating and energy system for the campus portal building and the campus’s work with its forest acreage to sequester carbon monoxide.

Speaking of climate change, he said that this generation has a moral commitment to make the investment in a green future, for the sake of future generations. “I have eight grandchildren and it is my grandchildren whose lives will substantially change. Their children may never see a sugar maple turn color, there will be reduced availability of water resources in their lifetime, and increased cost and reduced availability of agriculture.” 

Both presidents have signed the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Initiative.

More on the power of SUNY