7 Pillar Areas
1. Waste Management and Recycling
Initiatives seek to reduce waste generation and divert what is sent to landfills and incinerators. The College has improved recycling signage and deployment of bins. Goals in progress include waste reduction promotion with incoming students and increasing office paper recycling.
2. Water
Water is a vital and precious resource. Brooklyn College is taking measures to promote this resource and cut water consumption and waste. Completed goals include the BCFixIt app to streamline reporting of leaky fixtures and installation of water-bottle refilling stations throughout campus to cut plastic water bottle usage.
3. Energy
Energy use in CUNY buildings accounts for approximately 80-90% of greenhouse gas emissions across the university. Brooklyn College contributes to CUNY’s 30% emissions reduction target through various projects. Goals in progress include replacing science building fume hood fans and Whitehead windows with energy-efficient models.
4. Procurement
Through purchasing products designed to have a small carbon footprint, such as energy efficient electronic devices, recycled, reusable and biodegradable items CUNY is enhancing sustainable practices on their campuses. Goals in progress include increasing the quantity of “green” products purchased.
5. Food and Nutrition
Sustainable dining not only means promoting health, nutritious and affordable food, it also aims to minimize the impact on the environment. Completed goals include offering locally/sustainably grown produce through a farm share program, eliminating foam products in the cafeteria, and including sustainable practices in the dining service contract.
6. Transportation
The College seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation sources through its vehicle fleet and promoting public transportation. Completed goals include purchase of electric vehicles for IT services, with the ongoing goal of encouraging bicycling through safe and secure parking and access to repair tools.
7. Outreach and Education
Outreach and education initiatives engage Brooklyn College students, staff and faculty as well as the wider community through public events, social media campaigns, clubs, and academic programs. Goals in progress include raising campus awareness of sustainability efforts and partnering with student government to revise the 10 Year Sustainability Plan.
