Syracuse University has a history of implementing sustainable practices on its campus. In 2007, the University signed the American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment. Since then, the University has integrated sustainable topics and practices within the classroom, assessed its energy usage, developed a Climate Action Plan, and implemented renewable energy on campus. In 2023, the University announced its new commitment to carbon neutrality by 2032. Follow along the timeline to learn more about sustainability at Syracuse University.
2025
- Exterior lighting fixtures replaced with LEDs on Flint and Day Hall and the Graham Dining Center
- Furniture is donated from the Women’s Buildings to local organizations
2024
- Updated Climate Action Plan is published
- Plastic Reduction Plan is published
- ‘Cuse Collections donation event is hosted in the spring
- EV charging station installed at the Minnowbrook Conference Center
- Furniture from the old Sheraton hotel is donated to local charities and non-profits
- Exterior LED lighting fixtures are installed on Machinery Hall, Haven Hall, and the Bird Library roof
- Ground source heat pump is installed in the Sustainability Management office on South Campus
- Improvements made to CST’s HVAC system to conserve energy
2023
- University moves up the net-zero emissions goal from 2040 to 2032 and commits to drastically reduce the use of single-use plastics by the 2027-2028 academic year
- A peer-to-peer program is created to educate students about sustainability related topics
- A student is hired to help recruit volunteers to collect compostable items after football games in the Dome
- An inventory of the campus’s tree properties is completed allowing Sustainability Management to calculate how much carbon is sequestered annually by the University’s forest properties
- Lighting fixtures are replaced with LEDs in the Lally Athletic Arena, Life Science Complex greenhouse, Shaffer Art, and exterior areas across campus
- An Earth Day event is held with organizations from on and off campus (Sustainability Management, OCRRA, Syracuse Haulers, Student Association Sustainability Committee, Graduate Student Climate Action Committee)
- Energy upgrades completed at the Life Sciences Complex
2022
- Syracuse University receives a STARS silver rating through AASHE
- Composting starts at the Dome
- Sustainability Management partners with the Whitman School’s Green Supply Chain class
- The University installs new LED lights in Colvin and Comstock parking lots, the soccer stadium, and on South Campus
- A ‘Sustainability’ section is added to the interactive campus map
- Student Association releases a sustainability report
2021
- The University invests in electric lawnmowers for the campus
- The University is awarded a Pollinator Garden grant through the Xerces Society to plant 750 native wildflowers in Pete’s Giving Garden
- The University increases the purchase of Green Energy from 35% to 45%
2020
- In 2019, Associate Teaching Professors Lisa Olsen-Gugerty and Mary Kiernan in Falk College are awarded a Campus as a Lab for Sustainability grant to place six honey bee hives on campus. In the spring of 2020, hives are installed on South Campus and overseen by Associate Teaching Professor Lisa Olson-Gugerty. Honey is harvested and sold in the Campus Store and Barnes Center pharmacy.
- Solar panels installed at Schine Student Center
2019
- The University registers as a Bee Campus USA affiliate
- Sustainability Management, Hendricks Chapel, and the David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics partner to create Pete’s Giving Garden on South Campus
- The University offers a complimentary composting program for students to drop off their food scraps on South Campus
2018
- The University ranks number one in New York State in the Campus Race to Zero Waste (previously known as RecycleMania) competition
- Recognized as the ACC Conference Champion in EPA’s Green Power Champion
- Sustainability Management and Hendricks Chapel partner to add a food pantry on South Campus
- Syracuse University receives a Silver STARS rating through AASHE
- Syracuse University helps to establish the ACC Sports Sustainability Team
2017
- Campus as a Lab for Sustainability funds were released to students and faculty
- The University ranks number one in New York in the Campus Race to Zero Waste (previously known as RecycleMania) Tournament
- Electric Vehicle Charging installed in Booth and University Avenue Garages
- Campus Store creates a reusable bag program
- Recognized as the ACC Conference Champion in the EPA’s Green Power Champion
2016
- Student Association, in collaboration with several other units on campus, creates Cycle Share Program
- Syracuse Campus Crunch is hosted on campus to promote support for local agriculture
2015
- Earthfest is hosted in Thornden Park in collaboration with Sustainability Management, NYPIRG, and Students of Sustainability
- Dineen Hall earns LEED Certification
- The University formalizes commitment to prohibit direct investment in coal and fossil fuels
2014
- Syracuse University increases the percentage of green power to 35%
- The University and the Rescue Mission collect five-cent containers for meals
- University employees raise support for United Way Shop and Eat Local partner merchants
2013
- The University installs solar thermal panels on 20 South Campus buildings to provide domestic hot water
- The University phases in trayless dining
- Climate Change garden installed at Life Science Center
- Sustainability Management begins the “Caught Green Handed” campaign
2012
- Syracuse University installs two new air compressors that cut water use by 3 million gallons per year
- Carmelo K. Anthony Basketball Center earns LEED certification
- The University institutes e-waste recycling for students in University libraries
2011
- The University begins to install water bottle filling stations on campus
- Print production of campus telephone directory ceases
- The University creates RideShare program to provide flexible options for students
- The University creates Food Waste Audits
- Syracuse Center of Excellence awarded LEED Platinum Rating
2010
- The Green Data Center was completed and awarded LEED Gold certification
- Sustainability related student groups form on campus
- Food Services and Physical Plant start composting organic waste
- VPA works with Sustainability Management to create a Sustainability Studio in Smith Hall
2009
- Green Library Guide is created
- The University establishes “Green Days” shutting down most campus buildings to save money over the year-end holidays
- Climate Action Plan is created
2008
- Food Services starts using green cleaning products
- The University offers paperless payroll
- Syracuse University participates in a nationwide “Focus the Nation” teach-in
- Sustainability Management completes Greenhouse Gas Inventory for 2001-2007
2007
- Syracuse University signs American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (now Second Nature)
- The University creates Sustainability Division (renamed Energy Systems and Sustainability Management in 2015)
- The University receives B- on first Sustainability Report Card from Sustainable Endowments Institute
2006
- The College of Visual and Performing Arts hosts the Canary Project with photographs the impacts of Climate Change
- Syracuse University is recognized as EPA Big East Green Power Champion
2005
- Syracuse University commits to purchasing 20% of energy from renewable resources
- Syracuse University joins EPA’s Green Power Partnership
1995
- Hendricks Chapel Lutheran Ministry begins the Ten Tons of Love program (now through Off-Campus Commuter Services)
1992
- Replacement of paper towels with electric hand dryers begins at the University
- Energy Manager hired to track and manage energy conservation
1990
1982
1979
- Steam Station installs more efficient burners and a computerized combustion control system
- Bird Library converts the air handling system to a computerized system
- The Hall of Languages was renovated and incorporated many energy conserving features and techniques
1978
1974
- The University starts energy conservation competitions to emphasize energy conservation goals
- An Energy Conservation Award is presented to the University by Niagara Mohawk Corporation (now known as National Grid)
- Low-flow showerheads installed in residence halls
- Boiler and temperature reset controls installed across campus
1972
- Reacting to the International Energy Crisis of the 1970s, Syracuse University calls for energy conservation