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ESF Launches First Institution-wide Sustainability Action Plan
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Oct. 11, 2024 - The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) launched its first Sustainability Action Plan (SAP) which outlines the College’s goals for integrating sustainability into its curriculum, research, engagement, operations, and campus culture.
The plan aims to foster collaboration, align with New York state's climate goals, improve ESF’s performance in sustainability assessments (AASHE STARS), and create a campus that reflects the community’s values.
“To see this direct link between the action plan and the applied learning opportunities for our students and campus is invigorating,” said ESF President Joanie Mahoney. “This is work that is not easy to do, and the plan enhances the areas where this work can be both seamless and impactful. We are proud of all the effort that has gone into realizing this plan.”
Susan Fassler, director of sustainability, noted sustainability has always been part of ESF’s operations and decision-making process, and the SAP provides the first formalized blueprint to achieve sustainability across campus.
The SAP was developed over the 2023-24 academic year and included interviews with more than 85 faculty, staff and students who helped guide plan development. The College also relied on industry standard framework provided by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (AASHE STARS).
“The granular and macro work that goes into a plan like this involves all stakeholders. Witnessing the energy that comes from engaging our campus on sustainability is heartening, and that energy will continue to keep us at the forefront of sustainability,” said Mark Lichtenstein, executive operating officer and chief sustainability officer.
The plan consists of five functional areas: Enhancing academic coursework and empowering research and scholarship of tomorrow
- responsive administration, proactive leadership, and transparent planning
- Thoughtful campus and community engagement
- Sustainable and welcoming facilities and operations
- Inclusion, diversity, equity, access, and belonging
“The SAP was created to ensure all members of the campus community would see themselves, their passions, and their professional duties reflected in the actions contained within,” said Fassler. “It’s important to note that sustainability is more than recycling and turning off lights. It also includes the physical and mental well-being of the employees in a workspace.”
To achieve this, the plan includes such action items as:
- Embody Sustainability in Campus Tours
- Service-Learning Opportunities,
- Systematic Sustainability Integration
- Assessing Community Partnerships,
- Nutritional and Climate Information
- Emergency Financial Assistance
- Space for Difficult and Open Conversations
The plan was developed to ensure ESF becomes a strong community partner, working with others to build lasting, mutually beneficial relationships and put in place sustainable and climate-resilient solutions on ESF campuses and beyond.
“Achieving real sustainability goes beyond just making plans. It requires a commitment to taking action and the determination to carry out challenging projects from start to finish, working together with others. ESF is dedicated to sharing our successes openly, acknowledging where we can improve, and staying focused on practical solutions and action,” said Fassler.
ESF students were actively engaged in the plan’s development. While providing their insights and ideas, they also received practical experience in developing an institution-wide strategy.
“What really excites me about this plan is how involved the entire campus community has been from start to finish - from stakeholder interviews to public planning sessions, this plan is made by and designed for the campus community,” said Eden Gardner, president of the Mighty Oak Student Assembly (MOSA). “MOSA is thrilled to continue our partnership with the Office of Sustainability to help implement the SAP in its entirety.”
About SUNY ESF
The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) is dedicated to the study of the environment, developing renewable technologies, and building a sustainable and resilient future through design, policy, and management of the environment and natural resources. Members of the College community share a passion for protecting the health of the planet and a deep commitment to the rigorous application of science to improve the way humans interact with the world. The College offers academic programs ranging from the associate of applied science to the Doctor of Philosophy. ESF students live, study and do research on the main campus in Syracuse, N.Y., and on 25,000 acres of field stations in a variety of ecosystems across the state.