| Overall Rating | Reporter - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | |
| Liaison | Greg Monaco |
| Submission Date | Nov. 10, 2016 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Stony Brook University
PA-2: Sustainability Planning
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
Reporter |
Tom
Lanzilotta Campus Energy Manager Campus Operations and Maintenance |
Does the institution have current and formal plans to advance sustainability in the following areas? Do the plans include measurable objectives?:
| Current and Formal Plans (Yes or No) | Measurable Objectives (Yes or No) | |
| Curriculum | Yes | Yes |
| Research (or other scholarship) | Yes | No |
| Campus Engagement | Yes | Yes |
| Public Engagement | No | No |
| Air and Climate | Yes | Yes |
| Buildings | Yes | Yes |
| Dining Services/Food | Yes | Yes |
| Energy | Yes | Yes |
| Grounds | Yes | Yes |
| Purchasing | Yes | Yes |
| Transportation | Yes | Yes |
| Waste | Yes | Yes |
| Water | Yes | Yes |
| Diversity and Affordability | Yes | Yes |
| Health, Wellbeing and Work | Yes | Yes |
| Investment | No | No |
| Other | Yes | Yes |
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Curriculum:
Stony Brook University plans on advancing sustainability in the curriculum by increasing academic courses about sustainability, and improving the undergraduate and graduate sustainability degree programs.
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Curriculum plan(s):
Stony Brook University is continuing to hire new faculty and increase education in sustainability and all related fields.
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Curriculum plan(s):
Sustainability Studies Program
School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences
College of Engineering and Applied Sciences
The Office of Sustainability
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Research (or other scholarship):
Stony Brook University has recently allocated funding to (AERTC) the Advanced Energy Research and Technology Center for research on batteries, microgrids and alternative fuels.
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Research plan(s):
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Research plan(s):
The Vice President of Research
Sustainability Studies Program
Advanced Energy Center
Center of Excellence In Wireless & Information Technology
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Campus Engagement around sustainability:
Stony Brook University plans on advancing Campus in engagement by continuing and expanding the Ecoleaders program, holding more sustainability sessions during student orientation, continuing to fund students groups focused on sustainability and holding more conferences and lectures focused on sustainability. Furthermore, Stony Brook University plans on continuing to expand and improve the sustainability website, the newsletter, Earthstock, the Sustainable Task Force and the sustainability employee orientation programs.
The university also participates in Campus Conservation Nationals (CCN). The largest electricity reduction competition program for colleges and universities in the world. CCN is an opportunity to organize students and staff, host educational events, and challenge students and staff to participate in events that can have an immediate and lasting impact on the University's carbon emissions and campus culture. CCN is jointly organized by the U.S. Green Building Council, Lucid, National Wildlife Federation and Alliance to Save Energy.
Participating buildings can save electricity by making small changes to their daily routines. Simple things like turning off lights, setting computers to "power save" mode, unplugging appliances, phones and refrigerators when not in use, and taking stairs instead using elevators can go a long way in reducing electricity consumption. Students, faculty, and staff are also being asked to look for ways to conserve water by reporting leaking faucets, taking 5 minute showers, using the cold cycle in washing machines and making sure that washing machines are set to the proper load size. While the competition lasts for three weeks, the University's goals are to educate the community so that energy conservation behaviors are practiced throughout the year.
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Campus Engagement plan:
There has been an increase in the number of Campus Learning Laboratory Classes, as well as an increase in outreach events like Earthstock and Campus Sustainability Day. Students, faculty and staff are also engaged through energy competitions such as Wolfie Unplugged.
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Campus Engagement plan(s):
Sustainability Studies Program
The Office of Sustainability
Division of Student Life
Orientation and Family Programs
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Public Engagement around sustainability:
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Public Engagement plan(s):
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Public Engagement plan(s):
Sustainability Studies Program
The Office of Sustainability
School of Professional Development Stony Brook
Stony Brook Medicine
The Career Center
he Office of the President
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Air and Climate:
Stony Brook University plans on advancing sustainability in Air and Climate by decreasing its greenhouse gas emissions and improving our outdoor air quality by increasing policies against emissions from vehicles.
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Air and Climate plan(s):
Stony Brook University plans to reduce its scope 1, scope 2, and scope 3 emissions by 25% in 2020 and 30% in 2030.
Scope 1 Emissions:
While most of the University is served by an external cogeneration facility, we use our
existing boilers to provide back-up steam when the cogeneration facility is offline. The two
heating and cooling plants each have four boilers and these run on a combination of natural
gas and ultralow sulfur diesel. In addition, some buildings receive their heat and hot water
from natural gas-fired boilers. Also included in our Scope 1 emissions is all fuel burned in
University vehicles. We operate and maintain fuel pumps on campus for such purposes. Both
gasoline and B20 biodiesel are available at this facility. In the first year we also included
fertilizer applications; however, we have found this to be less than 5 percent of our overall
inventory and therefore will not be included in our reports.
Scope 2 Emissions:
The University is served by a 45-MW cogeneration facility owned and operated by a third
party. We purchase both steam and electricity from this facility for both East and West
campuses.
Scope 3 Emissions:
As per the ACUPCC requirements, we have included commuting miles as well as miles
traveled by air for University business in this category. We also included waste disposal in
the first inventory; however, like fertilizer application, we considered this category de
minimis and will not be including it in future inventories. The Campus maintains a
comprehensive recycling and resource management program. Each year we will monitor the
municipal solid waste (MSW) figures to ensure they remain relatively flat.
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Air and Climate plan(s):
The Office of Sustainability
Transportation Services
Energy Management Department
School of Marine & Atmospheric Sciences
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Buildings:
Stony Brook University plans on advancing sustainability in buildings by increasing the number of buildings that are LEED certified and continuing to uphold the schools indoor air quality management program.
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Buildings plan(s):
Recently, the SUNY Chancellor issued a policy on Energy Conservation and Sustainability. In that policy it mandates campuses to design new buildings and to rehabilitate existing ones in accordance with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) silver rating, higher standards are encouraged. Stony Brook supports this policy.
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Buildings plan(s):
The Office of Sustainability
Campus Operations and Maintenance Department
Property Control Department
Environmental Health and Safety Department
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Dining Services/Food:
Stony Brook University plans on increasing its sustainability in dining/food services by continuing to follow its commitment to sustainability as well continuing to push for the use of reusable mugs and bottles.
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Dining Services/Food plan(s):
Goal of local food purchases of 65% for 2015-16
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Dining Services/Food plan(s):
Campus Dining Services
The Office of Sustainability
The Faculty Student Association
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Energy:
Stony Brook University plans on advancing sustainability in energy usage and clean energy production by increasing the number of solar panels on campus as well as increasing energy efficiency in lighting, heating and cooling. Stony Brook also participates in the Campus Conservation Nationals competition.
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Energy plan(s):
NYS EXECUTIVE ORDER 88 GOALS - 20% SOURCE REDUCTION BY EUI FROM 2010-11 TO 2020
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Energy plan(s):
Department of Energy Management
The Office of Sustainability
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Grounds:
Stony Brook University plans on advancing sustainability in grounds-keeping by planting native plants, trees and shrubs, and focusing on organic or non-pesticide use.
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Grounds plan(s):
The Department of Environmental Conservation, Division of Solid & Hazardous Materials, regulates the application of pesticides in New York State. Stony Brook's pesticide management program was developed to ensure compliance with the State's pesticide laws: Article 33 and parts of Article 15 of the Environmental Conservation Law, and regulations; Title 6 of the Official Compilation of Codes; Rules and Regulations of the State of New York Parts 320-329; and the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (1972).
Stony Brook University does not spray pesticides unless a pest problem has been reported. The University makes sure to minimize pest problems by encouraging individuals to practice the following:
- Do not leave food and beverages out on tables or desks.
- Food should be stored in a sealed rigid container, preferably in a refrigerator.
- Promptly clean up spills and periodically wipe down surfaces and under equipment.
- Empty and wash coffee cups and utensils after every use.
- Tie your garbage bag and bring it to a central trash receptacle at the end of each day.
- Clean the inside of your garbage can, if necessary, before placing a new bag into the can.
- Refrigerator should be kept clean and periodically emptied of outdated food.
- Toaster and microwave ovens should be kept clean. Empty the crumb tray and clean regularly.
- Recyclable bottles and cans should be rinsed before disposal.
- Maintain plants in offices. Be careful not to over water and inspect them often for pests.
- Windows should be closed if no screens are present.
- Doors should remain closed and have door sweeps present to exclude pests.
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Grounds plan(s):
The Office of Sustainability
Campus Operations and Maintenance Department
Facilities and Services Department
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Purchasing:
Stony Brook University plans to advance sustainability in purchasing green cleaning products, post-consumer recycled paper, food and other products.
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Purchasing plan(s):
Requirement of NYS EXECUTIVE ORDER 8 & 18 GOALS
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Purchasing plan(s):
West Campus Custodial Operations
Sustainability Studies Program
Office of Sustainability
Faculty Student Association
Campus Dining
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Transportation:
Stony Brook University has purchased several hybrid-electric cars and buses for its fleet. Future purchases of alternative modes of transportation are in the works. 48 bicycles have already been purchased for the bike share program and another 15 will be added in March. Bus routes to off-campus areas have been implemented with more in the planning stage. Stony Brook also plans to install more solar-powered lighting fixtures to pay booths and waiting areas.
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Transportation plan(s):
Stony Brook University plans on installing additional bicycles to its bike share system and adding in more bike share stations. In addition, the university is offering bike lockers so that people can commit to more sustainable methods of transportation. Every semester at least 2 buses in the transportation fleet are replaced for more fuel efficient buses. The university added in 6 more EV charging stations, bringing the total to 10 in order to support growing demand.
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Transportation plan(s):
Department of Transportation & Parking Operations
Office of Sustainbility
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Waste:
Recycling is heavily promoted throughout campus. Stony Brook University participates in Recyclemania every year and aims to increase its ratings in waste minimization and increasing the ratio of recycled waste to landfilled waste.
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Waste plan(s):
The mission of the Waste Management Group is to ensure the proper and safe management (generation, treatment, storage and disposal) of hazardous wastes at Stony Brook University, while applying the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s hierarchy of waste minimization: reduce, reuse, and recycle. In addition, the group ensures compliance with federal, state and local regulations on proper handling of hazardous wastes.
The following is a list of all the services provided by the group:
Advise on proper handling of hazardous wastes.
Conduct daily scheduled hazardous waste pick ups from all facilities.
Audit and inspect laboratories and facilities that generate hazardous wastes.
Implement waste minimization as required by the EPA and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) through various programs.
Respond and provide technical support during hazardous materials incidents.
Actively participate as members of the Hazardous Materials Team.
Report waste management activities to authorities such as the DEC and the Suffolk County Department of Public Works (SCDPW).
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Waste plan(s):
Recycling and Resource Management
Environmental Health and Safety Department
The Office of Sustainbility
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Water:
We plan to advance sustainability on campus through water by making water usage more efficient, by managing rainwater better and continuing to uphold our high standards for waste water management.
Through the installation of native species natural meadows, the University has decreased rainwater runoff and achieved Groundwater Guardian Green Site designation by the Groundwater Foundation.
The university is always trying to use less water in its irrigation system
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Water plan(s):
There are two water conservation efforts underway at Endeavor Hall. One is a water free urinal; which uses a special cartridge to allow urine to pass through with no water usage but still provides the necessary trap action of a regular drain. These units require only minor custodial maintenance in between cartridge changes. The second is a more traditional unit with a twist; it only uses 0.125 gallon per flush, instead of a full gallon, like a standard urinal would. Due to the shape of the fixture, it can be cleared with only one pint of water. This is a reduction of over 80%.
Through the installation of native species natural meadows, the University has decreased rainwater runoff and achieved Groundwater Guardian Green Site designation by the Groundwater Foundation.
The university is always trying to use less water in its irrigation system
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Water plan(s):
Sewer District 21 SUNY at Stony Brook Wastewater Plant
Environmental Health and Safety Department
The Office of Sustainability
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance Diversity and Affordability:
Stony Brook University plans to advance Diversity and Affordability by making the institution more affordable and accessible to underrepresented students, increasing the diversity within faculty itself, increasing training programs for students and faculty to feel more comfortable with diversity issues, and by increasing funding for programs specifically for underrepresented students such as the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP).
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Diversity and Affordability plan(s):
Stony Brook University's measurable objects and time frames for Diversity and Affordability are the following:
Stony Book plans on increasing diversity in faculty by using the NYSUNY 2020 funds to hire 150 faculty members to enhance research and educational missions and increase faculty diversity.
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Diversity and Affordability plan(s):
Office of Diversity and Affirmative Action
Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)
Advancement on Individual Merit (AIM) Program
Office of Financial Aid
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Health, Wellbeing and Work:
Stony Brook University plans to advance sustainability in Health, Wellbeing and Work by continuing to practice sustainable compensation for employees, decrease the number of workplace injuries, and have more events and initiatives for the Healthier U employee program.
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Health, Wellbeing and Work plan(s):
The measurable objectives for this are to continue to expand and improve the Healthier U program by introducing more events for staff on and off campus.
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Health, Wellbeing and Work plan(s):
Healthier U Program
Human Resources
Environmental Health and Safety
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in Investment:
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the Investment plan(s):
Stony Brook University has 6 goals in investing for the future of the campus.
Goal 1: Stony Brook University will implement innovative strategies to enhance undergraduate and graduate education to develop world-renowned academic programs that foster student productivity and success.
Goal 2: We will renew our commitment to excellence in research and scholarship throughout the academic enterprise and find new and innovative ways to support and reward faculty and students for research and creative activity.
Goal 3: We will increase access to Stony Brook University, including the number of undergraduate and graduate students from underrepresented minority groups, while enhancing student quality and implementing strategies to improve retention and graduation rates.
Goal 4: Stony Brook University will have a global impact through focused and well-resourced engagements with select international partners in critical areas of education and research, and by increasing the number of students who engage in international programs.
Goal 5: Build and maintain a state-of-the-art energy-efficient campus with outstanding facilities, student support services, an IT infrastructure and an advancement effort that meets the programmatic, physical, aesthetic and cultural needs of our students, faculty and staff.
Goal 6: Make Stony Brook University the region’s undisputed leader in improving economic growth, health and quality of life as it becomes one of the top 20 public universities in North America.
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the Investment plan(s):
A brief description of the plan(s) to advance sustainability in other areas:
For the first time ever the Undergraduate Student Government would like to invite clubs and organizations (funded and nonfunded) to apply for the Campus Beautification Grant. This grant aims to create new sustainable projects on campus. There are three categories in which a club or organization could classify their project; Art/Creative Piece, Environmental, or Student Life Improvement.
The MOU document defines ways in which SBUH and the EPA will work together to mutually advance their collective goals in reducing the hospital’s environmental footprint.
Stony Brook University Hospital is striving to be mercury-free. The Hospital is committed to eliminating mercury-containing products.
The measurable objectives, strategies and timeframes included in the other plan(s):
Stony Brook University already has plans for next year to begin programs to improve waste minimization on campus.
Accountable parties, offices or departments for the other plan(s):
Office of Sustainability
Undergraduate Student Government
University environment Committee
The institution’s definition of sustainability:
Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Does the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document include sustainability at a high level?:
A brief description of how the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document addresses sustainability:
A formal institutional strategic plan is a critical component of Stony Brook University’s Project 50 Forward initiative and will set forth the institution’s long- and short-term plans for addressing the three critical pillars of Academic Greatness, Operational Excellence and Building for the Future. The strategic plan address's sustainability when citing The Power of SUNY, a strategic plan that the SUNY system as in place for all campus's. Furthermore, the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences own strategic plan address's sustainbility very heavily.
Few institutions have the diversity of research in oceanography and atmospheric science, with substantial programs in marine bio geochemistry, fisheries and sustainability, coastal oceanography, marine ecology and atmospheric chemistry/climate/weather as the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences.
Further, the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences is linked to Southampton School of Sustainability SoMAS ties to the Southampton facility provides a unique location on the Atlantic coast and is the only marine program within SUNY.
The world will depend to an ever increasing degree on its oceans, rivers and lakes for climate, food and energy production, world trade and global transportation. How we exploit, protect and sustain these aspects of the earth system will be crucial for the continued prosperity and survival of mankind. Ocean engineering encompasses many of the ways in which man interacts with marine and fresh water systems.
The website URL where information about the institution’s sustainability planning is available:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.