Environmental Sustainability Policy

Policy Statement

SUNY Brockport has made a commitment to being a positive and innovative force for the protection and enhancement of the local, regional and global environment, through teaching, research and administrative operations. Building upon existing accomplishments and working within the framework of the University’s educational mission, strategic plan and fiscal resources, this policy will establish the structure so that environmentally sound practices are a core value of the University.

Purpose/Scope

The University will be guided by the following fundamental principles:

• Promote a sustainable future by performing actions that are ecologically sound and economically viable, thereby raising the awareness of the University community to both local and global environmental issues.
• Cultivate a spirit that creates a sense of belonging and caring for both the University campus and the greater community.
• Pursue practices and procedures that minimize the adverse impact on the environment by conserving nonrenewable resources and supporting their sustained use, minimize the use of toxic substances and generation of waste materials, and reuse or recycle those wastes that cannot be avoided.
• Enhance the quality, health and safety of the environment for the Campus Community.

Applicability

SUNY Brockport community.

Definitions

Sustainability - The avoidance of the depletion of natural resources in order to maintain an ecological balance, “the pursuit of global environmental sustainability.”

Policy Procedures

The University will take all reasonable actions to implement the following initiatives:

Education

The University recognizes the need to educate all members of the University community concerning their responsibility to promote an environmentally sustainable future:

• Academic Schools and Departments will be encouraged to increase the level of environmental literacy in their offerings.
• All Divisions will be encouraged to increase their level of environmental literacy in their co-curricular offerings.
• Engage students in research, independent study, internship and community-based activities.
• The thoughtful involvement and energy of student groups will continue to be recognized as a crucial aspect to help the University address this issue.

Research 

Where appropriate, the University will encourage research endeavors that:

• encourage the development of grants to support environmental research to aid scientific and public understanding and improve government, business, and consumer decision-making regarding pollution prevention, improving environmental quality, and sustainable development, and
• align with ecologically sound principles, such as minimizing the use of hazardous and toxic materials and fossil fuels.

Facilities

Advance environmentally responsive facilities planning and design practices:

• Environmental implications will be a priority consideration in the modification of existing facilities by optimizing the efficiency and utilization of these facilities.
• Use of the Facilities Master Plan will ensure sustainable and appropriate land use patterns by defining “areas for development,” thereby protecting green space.
• Minimize the effect of motor vehicles by improving the pedestrian experience and promoting alternative transportation systems.
• Utilize sustainable materials and systems in the implementation of the landscape master plan.
• Rehabilitate existing buildings to comply with the criteria for a minimum Silver rating per the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system.

Operations and Maintenance

Environmentally based decisions balanced with sound fiscal practices will guide the operations and maintenance of the University’s facilities, infrastructure and grounds:

• Develop short-term and long-term initiatives to improve both the energy efficiency and indoor environmental quality of existing buildings.
• Maximize the use of environmentally safe cleaning products.
• Maximize grounds and landscape maintenance practices that use vegetation compatible with the local environment and utilize ecological management practices.

Waste Management 

Recognize the importance of minimizing solid waste generation and establish policies and practices such as:

• commit to waste reduction, with an emphasis at the initial source,
• support the reuse of materials, thereby reducing purchases,
• support the recycling of materials by expanding current efforts, and
• expand the food scrap and grounds waste composting program.

Minimize hazardous waste and presence of toxic materials — ensure that policies and practices to maintain efficient use, tracking, storage and disposal of hazardous waste and toxic materials:

• Identify the presence of all toxic and hazardous materials.
• Recycle or dispose of hazardous materials by environmentally responsible means.

Procurement

Maintain procurement policies to help sustain markets for sustainable products:

• Obtain maximum value by considering both short-term and long-term cost, including environmental impact in purchasing goods and services.
• Policies should encourage procurement of products that minimize waste, have high recycled content, use environmentally responsible production methods, demonstrate durability, and are either biodegradable, recycled, non-toxic or energy efficient (i.e., Energy Star).

Leadership

Continue to be recognized as a leader in promoting an environmentally sustainable future:

• Support and coordinate efforts to increase sustainability initiatives and programs on campus and within the community.
• Sustainability should be reflected in each Division’s strategic plan.
• Increase alumni outreach and giving based on sustainability initiatives.
• Encourage an aggressive marketing and communication program internally and externally.

Implementation and Monitoring

The University’s Sustainability Committee provides oversight of this policy.

Quantitative and qualitative measure should be established to assess the above stated initiatives on a regular basis, e.g., STARS Survey.

University Divisions will describe their progress on sustainability initiatives in their annual reports.

Links to Related Procedures and Information

Energy Management Policy

Contact Information

Director of Facilities Maintenance & Operations

History (in descending order)

Approval

This policy was approved by President’s Cabinet on 2022-05-04