December 15, 2008 (Vol. 8, No. 9)

Lehman Receives Sustainability Award from CUNY For Its Commitment to the Environment

CUNY's Task Force on Sustainability recently recognized Lehman College's long-standing commitment to the environment with a 2008 Sustainability Award.

Lehman was cited for its energy-saving and conservation initiatives, especially for making the most extensive use of a building management system within the University. By replacing boiler equipment in its central heating plant and upgrading both its central cooling and power plants, Lehman estimates it will considerably reduce the College's carbon footprint within the next five years.

For more than a decade, campus-wide conservation efforts have been underway at Lehman, including the composting of grass clippings, leaves and other materials. The resulting compost is used not only to enrich the soil on campus but also to either distribute as part of the New York Botanical Garden's annual compost giveaway or to trade for goods and services needed by the College. Lehman also has reduced energy requirements by replacing both old window air conditioners and twenty-year-old chillers in its central plant.

"The accomplishments of our Facilities and Buildings and Grounds staff demonstrate that, even with limited resources, significant efforts can and must be made to increase sustainability in the workplace," said Derek Wheeler, vice president of Administration and Finance. "In the coming months, faculty, staff, and students will have many opportunities to assist in making Lehman a ‘greener' campus as well."

In September, Lehman broke ground on the University's first "green" building in what has been hailed as "CUNY's Decade of Science." The $63 million facility will serve as a campus within a campus, dedicated to the sciences, and is expected to receive a LEED^® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold Rating for environmental sustainability.

CUNY Chancellor Matthew Goldstein established the CUNY Sustainability Project in advance of Mayor Bloomberg's PlaNYC "University Challenge" to reduce CUNY's Carbon footprint by 30 percent by 2017. The project aims to incorporate sustainability into the fabric of the University by integrating sustainability into the curriculum, supporting research and partnering with civic and business leaders.

Three other CUNY colleges also received the 2008 Sustainability Award.

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