Green College Spotlight: Cornell University

Cornell University in Ithaca, New York officially set a goal this year to integrate sustainability into all major operations, but that doesn’t mean they’re just getting started on the path to being green. Cornell adopted the Kyoto Protocol for reducing CO2 emissions back in 2001, and they’re on track to exceed their goals by 2010. All kinds of different sustainability programs are in place, helping the university make progress in areas like recycling, green building, waste, energy use and transportation.

About 4,100 tons of waste gets composted every year at Cornell, and another 2,300 tons gets recycled. They’ve cut the amount of waste they produce by an awesome 40% since 1990 through solid waste, dining hall and agricultural programs. Cornell also produces about 16% of its own electricity supply, running partially on power from a hydroelectric plant. Cold lake water cools the campus during the hot summer months, and the campus benefits from energy-saving methods like efficient lighting, demand controlled ventilation, and energy-efficient windows.

The university has a fleet of alternative fuel vehicles including electric vehicles, natural gas vehicles and trucks that run on biodiesel.  Many Cornell students take the bus into town for free and ride their bicycles on a campus that includes two LEED-certified green buildings and several more sustainable building projects under construction.

Cornell keeps a close watch on air quality both indoors and out, and works hard to protect its many water sources from contamination. Keeping the air and water clean is no small task given the university’s agricultural research, construction activities, the existence of former waste disposal sites and waste from its schools of medicine.  But, they’re working hard on new innovations like clean “non-burn” technology for waste disposal and strict oversight of stormwater discharge. The university’s steam plant provides heat for campus buildings and doubles as a thermal electric plant, minimizing emissions.

Cornell students, faculty and staff have so many opportunities to get involved and make a difference both on campus and in the community. Student organizations include the Sustainability Hub, Kyoto NOW!, Society for Natural Resources Conservation, Engineers for a Sustainable World – and the list goes on and on.  Cornell staff can join the Campus Green Life Team, the Green Purchasing Task Force, the Green Building Oversight Committee or one of several other groups. There are also community groups, academic organizations and a great list of national and international groups.

It’s clear that at Cornell, practically everyone is dedicated to the important goal of living more sustainably, in every way possible. Read more about their sustainability programs and initiatives at the Cornell Sustainable Campus website.

Link [Cornell Sustainable Campus]

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