Presentation Topics
Introduction to the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment
Michelle D. Dyer, MSLS, ACUPCC
The American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment is an initiative of presidents who have committed their institutions to pursuing climate neutrality in their operations, academics, and research. Michelle Dyer, Vice President of Second Nature (an ACUPCC supporting organization), will discuss its goals, history, importance, and current status.
Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS)
Rick Martin, AASHE
This presentation will provide an introduction to the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) being implemented by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). STARS is an industry-leading mechanism for assessing and promoting best practices, and for providing objective ratings of college and university sustainability efforts across North America. The presentation will cover the goals and objectives of STARS, the scope of campus activities addressed, specific examples of typical STARS assessment criteria, the current timetable for nationwide STARS roll-out, and observations from Syracuse University’s participation in the recent STARS pilot implementation exercise.
NYSERDA Funding
Joanna Moore, NYSERDA
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is a public benefit corporation tasked with addressing the state’s energy and environmental challenges. NYSERDA will present information on its portfolio technical and financial assistance programs available to the college and university sector, as well as explain the assistance available through NYSERDA’s Focus on Colleges and Universities Program.
Campus Sustainability: The Road to Systemic Transformation
Leith Sharp, Harvard University
Environmental sustainability is a moving target that requires a rapid and wide reaching escalation in the pace of organizational change across every university. At its heart, the challenge posed by the environmental imperative is an organizational change challenge. The road to campus environmental sustainability involves the very difficult work of deep, systemic and continuous reform of almost all institutional systems, habits, decision-making processes and behaviors. This will only be possible if we can successfully maintain the stability and continuity of the university organization while simultaneously changing almost every practice within in. Using the Harvard University case study this presentation will provide a variety of strategies and approaches for pursuing effective organizational change for sustainability, with a special focus on greenhouse gas reductions.
Engaging Students in Campus Climate Action Planning
Marian Brown, Ithaca College
Learn how Ithaca College has seized the learning potential of climate action planning by engaging students in meaningful, real-world sustainability activities, and providing them with marketable skills into the bargain. Hear how Ithaca students have been integral to Ithaca's climate action planning efforts, including conducting the college's GHG emissions inventory, researching options for renewable energy integration, supporting building and operational energy audits, researching alternative transportation options, and creating campaigns to support significant energy and resource use reductions.
Implementing Sustainability in a Community College Setting
Kim Babcock, Finger Lakes Community College
Kim Babcock, Sustainability Coordinator at Finger Lakes Community College, will discuss the unique challenges and opportunities of implementing sustainability in a community college setting. She will use FLCC as a case study, describing her experiences and sharing the lessons she has learned in the process of implementing the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment.
Sustainable Practices for the Office and Beyond
Steve Lloyd and Melissa Cadwell, Syracuse University
Think your offices are sustainable? Join Melissa and Steve as they present on “Sustainable Practices for the Office and Beyond.” They will share simple and easy ways to conserve energy, improve purchasing and office practices . The environment, operating budgets and occupants will all reap the benefits. So bring green to your workplace. Remember, don’t overlook the simple things.
SUNY ESF’s Efforts to Match Student Expectations, “You Need to be Green to Teach Green.”
Dr. Neil Murphy, President, SUNY ESF
SUNY-ESF is a signatory to the American College and University Presidents Commitment to Climate Change and is recognized both nationally and internationally for the college’s academic and research programs involving the environment and natural resource systems. ESF has taken a leadership role in developing its campus sustainability plan and implementing on-campus renewable energy systems. Dr. Neil Murphy will review ESF’s efforts to match student expectations, “You need to be Green to teach Green.”